Finally back on track - Missed the
walk a few times in last few days and missed writing when walked!
Just while picking up my stuff
from the locker, I saw piece of coral that is a permanent fixture there – this piece
always has a great re-assuring effect on me …. Of course there is a story
behind it.
Long time back, in 1991, Pallavi
and I became good friends. There was something more to the relationship that
was obvious to others but not to us … I was 21 and she was 18 and we just loved
spending time with each other. I was her father’s favorite student and little
wary of even guessing anything about my relationship with Pallavi.
Pallavi’s father was invited as
part of Indian delegation to Mauritius for a few days in 1991. Pallavi asked me
if I could pick him at airport when he returned back. “I will also come with
you” she said casually (or so I thought) … my heart fluttered …. “OK” I tried to
sound as normal as I could. We were there at the airport in the middle of night
and thankfully her uncle who accompanied us was busy finding out flight arrival
information. Both of us quietly sat on a luggage trolley without exchanging a
word!!
Once Pallavi’s father arrived, we
drove to their residence in Worli. He was back from his first overseas trip and
all of us chatted late into night sipping some tea. When I finished my tea
Pallavi’s father affectionately told her, “Go, get some more tea for dada
(elder brother!!)” She stomped furiously to the kitchen and did not return for
some time. Though little awkward, I felt happy for some strange reason …. Perhaps
it was the first clue that I was looking out for!
It was quite late in the night
and I got up to leave. Pallavi returned back and quietly handed me a small
piece of coral that her father had got from Mauritius.
I drove back with my little gift,
feeling quite upbeat! I came home and kept it with all my important belongings.
It is the habit that I have retained for last 22 years. That piece of coral is
always kept in my locker. Every time I see
it, I am reminded of the reason to live for. That little piece has magic to
bring a sense of well-being every time I look at it!
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