A Friend for Meg

Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.” ― Roy T. Bennett, 

Another Sunset edged its way through the garden. Meg sat next to me in the garden feeding roasted lotus stem bites to her infant grandson. Her old neighbour staggered towards the path on his bent knees and his wooden walking stick, she watched him steadily till he disappeared. She spoke vehemently, 'I wish Rosh could walk like this gentleman, but he has given up on life.’ There was agony in her voice, fear in her speech, and her moist eyes depicted the love for her husband Rosh through a mixture of meandering emotions. 

Meg was clad in a pale pink sari with sky blue flowers. It was worn carelessly, her plaited hair could not catch the locks of hair that were set free by the cool breeze. She was short and plump, her face was red with emotions, the kohl in her eyes had spread out of her eyes. A tiny red vermillion bindi was stuck on her forehead between her eyebrows adding charm to her elegant personality. Meg and Rosh were Anglo Indians, their British parents remained in India after its independence. While Rosh had a sibling Meg was the only child of her parents. Meg was blessed with a daughter and son. Rosh was in high spirits even after his superannuation as he had done his best in his career.  He was a cynosure of all eyes, and pride and haughtiness followed almost naturally. He would get annoyed easily in the days after his retirement as he missed the attention of the staff and family. Meg would often say, ‘Peacefulness does not require wealth or fame”

On a fatal day,  Rosh suffered a bad stroke. He was brought back to normalcy but remained tied to a walker and needed help. Meg had valued herself as a homemaker throughout her life. She loved her role and did not learn worldliness in the technological world. She did not mind being ordered about or lead a life of insignificance. Meg kept looking at the descending sun as she recollected her past. She said, “Our house at Shegaon has a large sit-out attached to the main hall. The Ponderosa lemon plant growing at the rear acts as a coolant while spreading out its shade. There are cattle in the shed and a piece of the field that we loved cultivating. I wondered why she was here in the crowded city. She looked at me and said, ‘We do not get workers there, we had loved doing everything on our own, but now Rosh needs help”. It was six and I saw Meg quickly pick the infant and go home, still later she returned back with Rosh and his walker. I heard her mellowed voice thunderous and loud as she instructed Rosh,” the right leg, now move your left leg, make an effort Rosh,” 

A few days later, Rosh stood up enthusiastically, he failed to observe the slippery floor that had been wiped by the maid, he wanted to surprise Meg by walking a few steps without his walker. The first step was right, but the second one sent him reeling down on his back and his head struck the wall. He was found unconscious when Meg reached there. A few days were spent in the hospital but he was paralysed on both the sides. Meg’s arms pained when she tried to lift him, make him sit or feed him. She was with him throughout. After a month’s agony, Rosh passed away in his sleep. People came in large numbers and spoke several good things about Rosh but Meg remained listless and silent. The last rites were performed at Sheggaon. the villagers thronged in large numbers and the crowd of visitors kept them busy till the ceremonies got over. Her children rushed back to Pune as the grandchildren needed to attend school. 

Meg stayed back at Sheggaon. She wanted to discern the past once again. The house was lonely, the Ponderosa tree swished in the gentle breeze. The temporary caretaker who took care of the farm had gone back home. For the first time after Rosh’s departure, Meg felt her heart swell up with tears of agony, tears flowed steadily. She heard a tiny purring behind her. When she turned she found a small black and white cat, she loving called it, ‘Pussy how are you? Pussy answered back in a soft meow as if it were enquiring, ‘ how are you? Meg started narrating her feelings, her heart wrenched in pain and tears flowed freely, pussy moved closer to her and rubbed its body against her legs with a soothing Purr consoling her. Meg felt overwhelmed by the gesture. She went in to bring some milk in a saucer, she brought a few grains for the partridge birds that lived on the tree. As she threw the grains, the birds flew down. Meg had swollen eyes but a light heart, she now walked to Amba the cow in the cattle-shed, the cat followed her. It stood out and watched her as she fed grass to Amba and her calf. She then walked a little ahead towards the gate, she was greeted by a bark, she ran a hand on Robbie, the dog was growing older but loved his mistress. Meg then walked back home. The cat followed Meg at a distance while Robbie was her guard. That night Meg slept peacefully, she had a large family to look after. The Partridge, Amba, the cat, Robbie and many more…

“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.” ― Roy T. Bennett,