When heard the words - `Holding hands`

When I heard the words Holding Hands, there are a couple of stories and images of people which flashed through my mind, but one that of a special person, I would like to share is of my land lady at the paying guest accommodation, where I stayed, Mrs. Vohra, Dadi is all of us would call her. Perhaps, I met her for the first time, when I was looking out for a new PG accommodation. As I remember her, she was stern about her rules and at the same time warm and graceful.

We shared an unsaid togetherness and filled the void in each others` lives till the time I stayed there. There was another PG that she was managing, the girls there and also the neighbors found a great solace in her warmth with a big smile and open arms.

She was the support system for her daughter and her daughter in law’s family. She had lost her elder son, her son in law and also her husband, one by one, in sands of time. I wondered it would have taken immense courage for her, to go through these stages with all the grace and standing by her family like a pillar. Though her children always persuaded her to stay with them, she always said that, till the time she is on her own and does not intrude into anyone’s space, she would be truly respected.

To add to her old age and fragility, her vision was fading, apparently doctors reports said that her cornea was becoming opaque and that surgery would not help much, I never saw her leaning even in those moments, and she is very active and still lives with that doing her daily chores.

Sense of independence just seemed to govern her soul., She firmly said, God has always given me what I needed, and has always pulled me out ,when the ditch seemed too dark and steep, he loves me and I only thank him everyday for what he has bestowed upon me, he is always `Holding` my hands.

I shall always treasure her sweet memories and life learning lessons. Truly she is an inspiration to all and I salute her; for all that she has given and perhaps all that she is!