What do you treasure most in life?”

 This question was casually asked one evening during a get-together with friends.  Love and support from family, friends who have been through thick and thin, some special gifts, love notes during the dating days, drawings, good health… were some of the responses that we heard that evening. These are priceless treasures indeed.

I couldn’t share my thought that day, as I was needed in the kitchen for something. If I were to answer that question today, well… a loved one, friends, books, some accomplishments would feature in my list of what I treasure.

But if I delve a bit deeper, my answer would be a bit different. Treasure I am a sentimental woman and have always been like that. I hold close the moments and memories that touch me or bring me joy. I cherish the moment when I met a friend and we chatted away to glory, conversations with a cousin overseas, a long walk with my mom or the regular things Paa and I do together. All these are not spectacular or something profound but moments like these are stored in my heart as great treasures.

Today, I’d like to share two of my all time favourite treasured moments and memories…

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Some years ago, I was thinking about the troubles that were never ending just like the bus ride back home. So lost I was in complaining to God about my life and my circumstances that I was unaware of the tears that were streaming down my face. When a warm hand touched my hand, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned to look into the compassionate eyes of my co-passenger. Before my brain could process a reaction, the lady said, “I don’t know what’s troubling you. But I want you to know that you’ll get through it. Whatever ‘it’ is!”

Her words were exactly what I needed to hear. Those few simple words comforted me. Her words filled me with optimism and hope. And this memory is something that I treasure the most and is close to my heart.

Conversation Over Coffee

It was 2007, and I was meeting a friend that day in Bandra for something that we had to buy.

My friend texted me that she will be late by an hour. So I decided to have my favourite Chicken Burger from Hearshe Bakery at Hill road. I got myself a burger and Coke and sat under the tree on one of the Stones. On the next stone sat a man with some drink and I can’t remember what he was eating. I don’t remember how it started, but we got chatting. We talked about so many things and laughed so much.

Soon, it was time to leave and we just bid goodbye to each other. We didn’t ask for each other’s names or exchanged any personal details for that matter. It was one of the best conversations I had had with a stranger and this is when I don’t talk to strangers as a rule. This is another memory that I cherish a lot.

There are a lot more moments and memories like these, which I love and treasure. There are times when I don’t think about these moments for a long time, but a small hint or another memory brings them right back in the forefront and envelope me in that warm fuzzy feeling.

What do you treasure most in life?

A Stranger who made me Blush :-)

On Certain days I like to have my coffee alone, with no one barging in on my thoughts. For a minute in peace, I can draw a mental list of all things good and bad in my life. That Saturday was one of those times. I ordered my usual latte in a  coffee shop  bit far from the one where I usually go, to avoid the usual faces.

It felt nice. Just to sit outside, not worried about exchanging a hello to a known person or acquaintance. I watched the sun as it drowned in a sea of amber clouds and was happy to enjoy a clear weather which was of course a rarity during monsoons in Mumbai. It was that rainy day when the roads didn't seem flooded and I could finally manage to wear my new pair of shoes. Leaning over the glass table, I stole a look at them. I was impressed with myself momentarily for finding such a pair at the Sale for straight fifty percent off. I smiled ear to ear fiddling with the napkin holder.

A sudden thud on my table broke my self-appreciation half way. Another cup of coffee found its place along with mine. I looked up confused, only to find a tired apologetic face staring back at me. A tall man dressed in formals towered over me and my coffee.

"All the tables are full. I was hoping, since you are alone, I could borrow a chair." His voice was cracked as his eyes narrated the tale of a treacherous day. He needed his coffee time more than me. I nodded my head approvingly and slid my chair a little backwards since we were now sharing the same table.

"Thank you!" He sighed taking a sip.

"No issues." I mumbled picking up my cup from the table.

I watched him as he completed his coffee in silence. He looked miserable. Tie a bit undone, shirt a bit crumbled and an old black leather bag sitting on his lap. I wondered what struck him so hard. Getting fired and a cheating girlfriend were the first thoughts that crossed my mind.

I stared at him from the corner of my eye. He asked for a paper napkin and gestured for a pen. The next second, he started writing something on it. I wondered what could he be writing. His number for that waitress? A service note maybe?

I realized I was more of gossip monger when I was alone. So I scolded myself to mind my own business and decided to leave before it got dark.

 I could still see him standing at the counter, scribbling something. And when he was done, he pinned the napkin on the message board with all the other notes. I found it a bit strange. As he left, I got up to foot my bill.

Searching for my card inside the never ending pouched of my bag, my eyes fell on the note he pinned.

"Today was a crappy day. Actually the last couple of days have been the same. First my bike gets stolen, then I get kicked out as I couldn't keep up with my apartment rent and today my boss cancels my promotion. Well, the only good thing that happened today was a coffee at this place and the girl sitting in front of me.-KS"

I let off a chuckle reading it, not at his constant luck with misery, but at his ability to look and think beyond it. I walked out of the cafe, smiling unknowingly.

I too have been a part of a ruthless tryst with bad luck. Almost everyone has. And such encounters do leave a mark like every storm leaves a trail. But when to think about it, a few storms are necessary in our lives. To root out the unwanted and week thoughts cropping up in our minds. To settle the dust that was clouding the vision. The trace that storms like these will leave on our window panes, will eventually dry out in the sun. I wish I could have hinted him that in person.

But I did a leave a note of mine besides his on the board. It was like a story lost amongst hundreds of those messages, an encounter that found a small place. Just to let him know that there always be other survivors in the storm.

"Hey there 'KS'. I hope all your troubles die down soon. And I am flattered by your remark. Thank you! - 'the girl sitting in front of you.' "