Lonely fight against an overpowering jet lag

The jet lag refuses to leave even after being home for more than a week. The feeling of drowsiness, lethargy and disorientation that occurs due to travelling across different time zones is not easy to handle. It persists much to my embarrassment and annoyance of the people around me.

In pursuit of getting me rid of the malady, my (hitherto) loving and caring family is making atrocious suggestions, much to my astonishment and shock. My usually kind husband of 50 years has unkind words to offer about my situation. He blames me for not making an effort to come out of the stupor as I was enjoying the attention showered upon by him and the children.

My loving son has the audacity to suggest that I go to the washroom to stand under a cold shower whenever I feel sleep overpowering me. My daughter follows me with her mug of bitter black coffee, ready to be poured down the throat the moment I open my mouth to yawn. They act cruel and suggest measures as harsh as asking me to leave the airconditioned room and venture out in the heat to take a walk for warding off the drowsiness.

Nothing seems to work and I’m overpowered by sleep at odd moments. Though shocked and annoyed at their tyrannical attitude, I dare not protest as they make a formidable joint front and are bent upon bringing me back to the routine I followed before heading to Canada to attend a wedding a couple of months ago.

The time I spent in Canada has been wonderful. Along with the lovely memories of a big fat Punjabi wedding, I returned with eyes brimming with the serene beauty of lakes and mountains of British Columbia. It’s not for nothing that BC is called Beautiful Columbia. The crystal clear lakes, the lush landscape and snow-capped mountains with wildlife suddenly appearing by the roadside are unforgettable and incredible experiences.

The pleasant weather was just ideal to venture out and enjoy the long drives, boating, rafting and cycling. Had I known how intolerant my family had become in the two months that I’d been away, I would surely have agreed to extend my stay as was requested by the kind hosts. It would’ve been better to stay away. I had heard that distance makes the heart grow fonder but sadly my family members seem to be made of sterner and harsher stuff.

Just as I get disillusioned with my blood, supposed to be thicker than water, I feel the demon of sleep engulfing me again. To find an escape, I head out to the backyard and blurt out with a sigh, “It’s better to be away from prying eyes.”

Just as I’m relieved to have vented out my frustration and happy to be far from the madding crowd, I hear light footsteps behind. It is Asees, my granddaughter. “Naani, here take these and start writing. May be it’ll keep you awake.” I hug the little girl tightly and kiss her before taking my writing pad and pen from her.

THOUGH ANNOYED WITH THEIR TYRANNICAL ATTITUDE, I DARE NOT PROTEST AS THEY MAKE A FORMIDABLE FRONT AND ARE BENT UPON BRINGING ME BACK TO THE OLD ROUTINE