This would have been the summer of Saagar’s graduation.
He would be attending various ‘last hurrah’ parties with his friends at this time.
I would be marking the date in my calendar and making sure I get leave from work on the day he graduates.
I would be picking a nice dress to wear for the ceremony wishing for good weather.
I would be giving him the card I bought for him rather prematurely in Canada while I was there for a conference 2 years ago, having no doubt about this occasion arising one day. In jest it said, ”Congratulations on your Graduation! Now you may pack your bags and move out.”

Instead, I played table-tennis after ages today. The last time I played it was with Saagar around Christmas 4 years ago. It was fun. Today was fun too and he was there.
Instead, I cooked mushroom pie for friends today. The last time I cooked for him was 19 months ago and it was fun. Today was fun too and he was there.
Instead, I went out for a long walk in the countryside today. The last time I did that with him was about 3 years ago and it was fun. Today was fun too and he was there.

“If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ “

• Excerpt from ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling