Instead, it is about something almost contrary to my complaints. You see, i had been feeling so sorry for myself that i had started missing the sweetest of things. But, today was different. Today i paid attention to the beautiful gesture made by my grandfather (Daddiji). Tonight I had dinner with him. On menu was morning's vegetable- kofta aloo, Three chapatis- 2 for him and 1 for me, three papads and four slices of mango.
We sat down and talked about the heat and monsoon while eating. Halfway through his dinner he tore his second chappati into half and kept it on my plate. I protested but he looked like he'll be more hurt if i returned that small offering. So i accepted it and we started eating again. half a second later he divided the kofta on his plate and gave me the second half. I smiled my thanks to him. After finishing i got up to get water. Upon return i found mango slices on my plate.
Now, for many this incidence would hold no interest. Many would wonder what was here to post. But, to me the whole thing was so very special. This was by far the best dinner i have ever had because it satisfied my soul as well. I never realized that how much my being here meant to my Daddiji. Sure it means a lot to my parents as well but the thing is when i leave my parents have each other to hold onto. With my Daddiji, though, its like letting your only friend go. And so coming back here is almost a reunion of friends with him.
The time i spend here with him will be the only time he'll be animated and talk about all the random and the important stuff till i return again for holidays. The time i spend here is the only time he'll sit past his bedtime just because we were debating or pondering over something. The time i spend here is what he shall replay again and again when i leave again.
The food today was ordinary so was the conversation but the gestures were just so touching and the gentle affectionate expression his eyes held manage to make my eyes go all misty. So, however boring these three months might prove to be, the time i spend with him shall be the highlight of each day, the moments that i shall cherish close to my heart and the reason that i shall account to myself whenever i question "What the hell am i doing here?" I am gathering food for my hungry soul.
