ALSphere Foundation
The old age home was decorated with festoons and balloons. The inmates ran hither and thither to make the celebration memorable…
I was there as their general physician to do their monthly health checkup.
“Dr. Lalita…please stay back and be our honorable guest today”…they pleaded…..and I agreed.
I have been visiting this place for the last some months.Surekha Tai as everyone called her was the most loved inmate. She was around 60 years but age defied her and she still looked beautiful. Tall with sharp features her big bindi stood out and she would tie her long hair in a bun.
After losing her husband her son now in the US had shifted her into this home as he could not come home frequently…
Surekha tai was looking ravishing today. Dressed in a blue paithani zari saree…she would make any new bride run for her money…
She was blushing and acted coy…as she reminisced on her memories of youth…
Dattatray used to be at the same bus stop as she ..and would never cease to take a secret gaze at her lovingly. Though Surekha was aware of this she wouldn’t respond for fear of the society.
After somedays, he gathered the courage to come to her and propose to her with a gold ring.
Surekha was too scared to even speak. Though she too had developed feelings for him she was not sure if her family would even think of a “love marriage” happening!
And she did not want to disrespect her family nor did she want to hurt his feelings.
She changed her bus stop…..
Years rolled on…She got married…and had a fulfilling life..Her son was settled in US but her husband died of a heart attack.
Here Dattatray remained a bachelor…he could never think of anyone else..
His aging compelled him to come to an old age home….
That day when he arrived….he saw Surekha…
Their eyes met…
Instantly they recognized each other…
Old feelings rejuvenated for each other and upon exchanging their stories…..they became closer by hearts…
He showed her the same gold ring…
“Kaay..tu.majhyasi..lagna…
She could only mutter…”hoy”…
I stood there with tears flowing down my eyes…
Watching the amazing ring ceremony !!
