Bitter-Sweet Morning

To meet, to know… and then to part,
Is a sad tale of many a human heart.
Clichéd as these words might sound, the inevitability of all relationships struck us rather rudely this morning when Kishor and Renu Babani’s son, Prakash dropped by to say his goodbye at the Garden. He will be gone tonight, for the next five years to pursue his degree in psychiatry at Toronto, where he is based.
As one who had endeared himself so effortlessly over the past six weeks here, Prakash received his share of warm hugs and handshakes from all. Shekhawat blessed him on our behalf and declared that after he is done with his studies in five years, we will all be “looking around”!
“Looking around where… for what?” Monthi Serrao piped in.
“Ladki dhoodenge… for his marriage,” Shekhawat clarified confidently.
“But what if he finds someone there?” Khatoon Baig was worried.
“In that case, we will all go to Canada for the wedding, via Pattawa!”
Shekhawat had a piece of advice also for Prakash. “Every time you open a bottle in Canada, think of us and have an extra peg in our name,” he said, only to be cut short by Yusuf Rassiwala: “Bilkul nahin, beta!”
Prakash happens to be a Canadian citizen, but is more Indian than most Indians his age in India. Not only is he connected to his roots, he has imbibed its essential cultural and spiritual values that would do any parent proud. We too are proud of him. Our love and good wishes are always with you, Prakash!
Srichand Arora:
I am sorry Prakash, I could not meet you before you left. Hope you will complete your five-year degree course with distinction. All the best. Though neither of us knows when we will meet next, but you will remain in our hearts forever. God bless you!
Harish Wadhwa:
Prakash is a real darling. May God bless him with success and happiness in all walks of life.