It was just not a wall, it was a member of the Family...

You have withstood the test of time

You have seen generations come

And generations pass on

You have seen many a trial and tribulation

You have not uttered a word

Yet You have seen it all

You are no ordinary wall

You are family

This picture clicked sometime in 2014, is of the compound wall of my grandparent's house in Raiganj (North Bengal). The last time I visited Raiganj, was in the year 2014. I have very fond memories of this place. The once-bustling house, today is a dilapidated structure, which has died a slow death.

      I spent a couple of nights, absorbing the nostalgia of the place. Every nook and corner had such great memories for me. It was as if, my grandmother was walking with me, at every turn. Something in me said that I should document this place before it was gone forever. There was no reason why this place had to die in this manner. My extended family had divergent views and were not keen to resurrect this place. They preferred to start a new chapter. The decision grieved me very much.

Having stayed the farthest from my grandparents, I was probably attached more to the place than my cousins. I walked every inch of the house, clicking away. Then my gaze fell on this wall. I stopped and remembered the numerous times, I have climbed the very bricks to place oil lamps during Diwali. The wall was almost wishing me a final goodbye.

I shall miss every inch of this place. It was no ordinary home. For me, this was an institution.This place is gone forever!!.