At the end of the day when we take a tally of things, most of us realise our efforts and achievements have not been phenomenal or noteworthy in a world that has seen saints and philosophers and scientists. We find ourselves in our limited worlds, not having in any way contributed to the big picture. When we leave we leave no footprints on the sands of time. But I also realised that not everyone is born to rule hearts and minds.
There are many who are more ordinary who have contributed to the flow of life and made it easier for the less fortunate. One such woman was Gauri of our neighbourhood, an aunt to every youngster and friend to everyone else. An ordinary housewife with a family of her own, she reached out to everyone. With her gentle demeanour and smile she wiped away tears and won many hearts. She sat with those who had lost dear ones, sharing their loss; she taught the less-privileged children with the patience of an angel; she looked after the babies of other women when she found they were overworked.
She grew plants in her balcony and the first flower of the season, be it a rose or jasmine, spelt pure joy for her. In her backyard she had a papaya and mango trees and a coconut palm and she generously shared the bounty she got from those trees. Children raided her place for the mangoes. She gloried in the fragrance of the mango blossom and the tender red and green shoots of the massive tree. Since her husband was an acute diabetic, he often ended up in bed for various ailments.
Her children were also away in hostels. So she depended on the young boys and girls to run her errands and rewarded them with the goodies she made. Sometimes they did her work for nothing for they considered it a privilege to be doing her a favour. Her gracious smile and shining eyes made it all worthwhile.
The years rolled on, the youngsters left in search of jobs and careers and Gauri only got older. Her black tresses turned silver, her eyes lost their shine and her voice had a tremble and on visits back home all the youngsters of yesteryears were saddened at the change time had bought for her. But she had not lost an atom of her graciousness and her ready smile, the smile that spirited away tears. She lived to a ripe old age with grandchildren and great grandchildren gladdening several hearts and earning for herself a permanent slot in their memories. They don’t make them like her anymore!
Sudhadevi Nayak
Email: sudhadevi_nayak@yahoo.com