Growing pangs !

The most baffling question of all time - Why did we grow up ?

What happened to the carefree life of being a toddler. Daddy and Mummy picking scooping us into their strong and protective arms, putting us to sleep, giving in to our every whim and fancy.

Eventually going to school and studying nothing but the basics of a language. Playing all the time in the sand, water, at home, in the play-pens. Birthday parties were about colored juices in even more colorful paper cups, fairy tale characters - chocolate cakes, return gifts and tiaras.

There was no worry about clothes matching shoes, hair being untidy, and most importantly the "looks" members of the opposite sex gave !

Suddenly and believe me - very suddenly you're neither small enough to play with your baby sister and her friends or big enough to sit the aunties and uncles while they munch on kebabs. You're not old enough to watch Bold and the Beautiful but you have to be responsible for your own clothes strewn on the bed, getting "good" marks and looking after the small children that visit your house.

Thereafter - it's nothing but a roller coaster ride. The best one you will ever remember and most often cherish !

Making friends has never been easy for most. But relationships at that age hold a different position throughout your life. You learn how to ignore, love, dislike, care, treasure, hold and promise.

Again, Suddenly - you're an expert on how to impress members of the opposite sex, SMS in two seconds, control your emotions, travel alone.

You learn to survive in "the big bad world." You lie to save your face. You cry to release discomfort. You laugh at complete random intervals. You run away from confrontations.

You, have finally grown up.

You stay out late and enjoy the stars. Clothes and shoes hold a different significance in your life. The advancement in technology amazes you. Colorful "juices" help you forget and let go !

Suddenly sleep and "healthy" food is your priority. You're careful with the money that comes in. Birthdays are less hectic and more silent.

Over the years losing family and friends teaches you to be strong and tall.

Driving Mummy around to complete house chores is actually fun for you.

Of course, Suddenly, people are asking you about "career" paths ! There's more to come with - "marriage" plans. You're scared, worried and overwhelmed at the same time.

Growing up - True Story !