Short Story

GRATITUDE

It was raining heavily ,when in the morning at around 7'o clock I was enjoying coffee in my balcony. I live on fifth floor of C Block in Ramanagar society, CR Park,Delhi. While sipping my coffee i noticed an old lady passing by my society. She must be in her late 60's. She was walking with the help of her stick when suddenly she was hit by a young passerby and she fell down. At this sight I was bewildered and had pity for that old lady. I thought how one could be so rude and ungenerous to that lady. Just then a sound interrupted my thoughts "Anita, you just have an hour left to leave for your office. get ready fast." Shouted Shaan, my husband . Shaan is very punctual and particular about everything in his life. Maybe these qualities helped him secure the position of Senior Manager in his company. " Its okay Shaan. I will manage." I replied and got busy with my household chores.

Finally I was ready and was about to leave when Tina, my daughter shouted, "Mom do bring my stationary while coming back home." To this  I replied ,"Surely, I will get them for you." and rushed to the door as I was in short of time, got into the elevator and left for office in my car. Usually I prefer to drive myself because it gives me a sense of freedom and joy.

"Good Morning Ma'am." John greeted and continued ," ......Ma'am today you have four meetings lined up till evening 6'o clock." From past six years I have been working as a General Manager in this company, one of Delhi's leading textile firm. Since then everything around me has been like this only; John greeting me with a broad smile on his face and then updating me with all my meetings. " Hold on John..,keep it till 5'o clock . I will be leaving after that." Then as per my schedule got busy with my meetings. At around 4:45 pm the clock grabbed my attention and I decided to leave.

This time my daughter would not spare me if I get back home without her essential school project material. Now-a-days kids have this amazing fascination towards co-curricular activities along with studies. With this thought I entered the stationary shop near CR Park and ended up buying all the things. Just then, I bumped into this old lady standing by my side,may be she was buying things for her grandchildren. Looking at her I felt as if I had seen her before and out of curiosity asked ," Excuse me ma'am . Do I know you ?." She smiled and was about to answer when I received a call from one of my clients " Yes Mr. Sharma .......You should get in touch with John. He will help you with this ." And I left without paying much attention to that lady.

When I reached home Tina exclaimed," Mom... Do you know, we have got our new neighbors in flat 502  and this time it's an old couple." Without wasting time Shaan asked me and Tina to get ready as we were going to meet our new neighbors. Actually Shaan was back home an hour ago, so he was fresh and ready to meet them . However pretty reluctantly I agreed and we went . 

On knocking the door an old man opened it and welcomed us . In this busy world often people are so engrossed in their lives that they forget to step out and meet people . The man called his wife and I was quite surprised to see this old lady again. " Come in , Come in Beta ." she said upon holding my hand. This 'Beta' sounded so familiar as if I had known her all my life. Was it  a coincidence or something else I don't know but seeing a stranger thrice , that too in a single day is nothing less than a miracle in a city like Delhi . 

Meanwhile , Tina was all over the place . She was giggling and telling all her stories just like any other 10 year old kid .Even we were also having a great time. Strangely it felt like home.
" Do you know Dadi and Dadu tomorrow is teacher's day and I am going to gift my favorite teacher a hand made card ." Tina's eyes were glowing when she started describing her bond with Reshma ma'am , her favorite teacher." Mom .. who was your favorite teacher ?" Tina asked . I couldn't reply to this . Maybe because I was not in touch with any of my teacher and by now they would also have forgot me . 
" Mom please tell... ." 
" Tina it's late now . You have your school tomorrow . Don't you ?" 

Next morning I got up but something was constantly bothering me. Tina's question - Who was my favorite teacher ?......... was not getting out of my head.  Now I was missing her , my favorite teacher . I just wished to see her one day in future. Without her guidance, my life would have been impossible. I was really upset . Rather I was cursing myself for being so ignorant and ungrateful of all her sacrifices as a mentor.

With a heavy heart I left for office, when someone in the lobby asked me for an address -
                                                                          Shallu Fernandez 
                                                                            502 , 5th Floor 
                                                                 C Block , Ramanagar Society
" Shallu Fernandez ??? " Tears rolled down my face . Quickly I  ran to check the name plate which read  Mr. Tony Fernandez and Mrs. Shallu Fernandez . That old lady was my favorite teacher, my Shallu ma'am . She opened the door on my knocking.
 I hugged her and said ," Sorry ma'am ....I owe you a lot ,"  
" It's okay 'Beta' ......I am so proud of you ."

Often we do not acknowledge our teachers who have been an integral part of our journey .They only expect love and respect in return of all their hard work for us . 
Finally I said, " HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY " hugging her even more tightly .

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