A bitter sweet memory
Few years ago, on occasion of Diwali, I set alight a few firecrackers. It’s a common tradition to burn them as it indicates the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, symbolising triumph of good over evil. I picked up a Chakhri. When ignited it rotates rapidly leaving sparks in all directions. I remember, as kids we used to jump up and down around them till it doused. I lighted it, and in fraction of a second, a loud noise and it burst. Soon the smoke filled the place, and I didn’t feel anything for few seconds. But when I saw my right palm, my thumb and index fingers’ outer skin was completely peeled off, and it turned red and had blisters. The burning sensation now kicked in and I started crying. My family rushed me to the hospital and the doctor nursed the wound. They gave me painkillers to cope up with the aching. It took me three weeks to fully recover. I till date feel hesitant lighting up firecrackers every Diwali.
