The Parting Treat

 

Let’s accept it, some of us are likely to be attached to our parents a bit more than others. 

This attachment has the power to propel us forward and even guide us in testing times…and sometimes it springs a surprise.

On the New Year’s Eve of 2021, my 85-year-old father took severely ill & after
a short hospital stay and attempted recovery at home eventually passed away in mid-March ’22.

Being deeply attached to him, his welfare and attempts at recovery had me struggling with inner anxiety while trying to keep a strong face for rest of the family and the world around me in general. It was indeed a challenging time. 

After his peaceful passing away, there was a sense of relief.

Relief, that his suffering had come to a peaceful conclusion, his passing away had happened at home amidst his loved ones, and let’s accept it, I didn’t have to be anxious about him anymore.

In our relationship, celebration had always been a part of concluding any joint project we undertook. Like, finish installing the radio antenna - celebrate with a nice treat, finish filing his income tax returns - have a beer together…and so on.

So, after his departure, I felt it befitting to treat myself for something good and soul fulfilling.

During his illness, I had postponed my business travel to Hyderabad – so I decided to get back on track & treat myself well on this first trip post his passing away. Calls were made, meetings fixed, tickets booked, hotels reserved & I even searched for a couple of good restaurants in Hyderabad to treat myself to my favourite food (my appetite was coming back).

Just leaving the house for a journey without any “encumbrances” on my mind was a great relief to start with. Looking out of the aeroplane window had me become very reflective, and landing into hot Hyderabad grounded me well!
At the business meeting I met a terrific father & son (let’s call him Sid) pair of entrepreneurs – and our discussions went on without an eye on the clock.

Before leaving the meeting, the father gifted me a wonderful book he had written on a scientific perspective on self-identity, with his autograph. While Sid courteously enquired about my evening plans & asked me if he could treat me to an early dinner on his way home. I usually grab these opportunities that help me understand the interesting lives people live.

So the next question “What’s your food preference?”. Looking at the young chap, and the early evening – I politely suggested...
“… beer and sandwiches would be great...someplace we can chill and chat, perhaps...??...”

“Oh, sure… many places for that in Hyderabad...”...said Sid.
 “...but..”

And what Sid said next, stunned me…

“Ashim sir …Are you sure?
How about SUSHI instead?”    

The reason I say I was stunned is, Sushi happens to be one of my most favourite foods, and wait...

The previous day, in that “search for a couple of good restaurants in Hyderabad to treat myself” the only thing that I had bothered to search was “Sushi Places in Hyderabad”!!

I am too unqualified to make any claims about “meaningful coincidences” but will unabashedly share my real-life experiences with total disregard to what people may think of me.

Life is too short, to not share these special moments.