Lunch Visitor

“Please keep the door closed, Radhamma.”

Rekha had reminded Radhamma umpteen number of times to keep the main entrance shut. Radhamma had moved to a large city only recently since her daughter, Anita had started working post her graduation. Although her husband had accustomed to city life well, Radhamma however, found it hard to let go of some of her old habits. Back in her tiny village, Radhamma had never really shut the main entrance ever except during the nights. She would walk around freely without an iota of fear that she would be robbed or that the house would be attacked.

In order to be careful in the city, she decided to sit at the entrance as long as she wanted to keep the door wide open. Mostly, she immersed herself in a book or just spent time watching passersby.

One day, an old man stood at the gate of the house and requested for some food. He did not speak a word. He showed inaction that he was hungry; Radhamma was quick to immediately fetch a bowl of rice and some dal from the kitchen. She gave him; she found him content and happy. The routine continued for days and then increased to weeks and months, even. By now, Radhamma’s daughter and husband too knew about the visitor. Radhamma was known to make delicious meals and serve tens of people in the village and therefore, the father-daughter duo was happy to see her cooking for one another member. Every day, without even asking for it, the old man got varieties in dishes and a fruit. Radhamma ensured to provide clean water too to the old man. He gestured his sincere thanks to Radhamma and blessed her family.

Suddenly, one day, the old man skipped the visit. Radhamma was highly disappointed; she was anxious too. “When you feed food to someone, they invariably become a part of your life." Hence, Radhamma found herself uneasy especially so because the days turned into weeks and then two months. There was no hope left. Blindly, Radhamma would keep the meal ready wishing the old man came and ate. She knew that he did not have the means to earn his bread; his attire and appearance confirmed it. She could not comprehend if someone actually fed him elsewhere. If yes, Radhamma would be relieved. Who would confirm this to her?

As part of her day’s schedule, Radhamma went for an evening walk. In the park, after walking for about thirty minutes she found herself a place next to a very old woman on a tiny bench. She smiled at the old woman who seemed to be of Radhamma’s mother's age. Radhamma fidgeted for a few tense minutes and then broke her silence. She was too upset and worried to not ask the wise woman’s advice. Radhamma narrated the whole story revolving around the old man and the lunch. She expressed her inconsolable grief over his sudden disappearance. The old woman gave a kind reply to Radhamma which she later shared with her family too.

“In this day and age, it is wonderful to see someone so concerned about a "nobody". I also want you to know something, Radhamma. Sometimes, we form a special bond with people who are in no way connected to us. Like in your case, the old man. The lunch you made for him is the reason for your special bond which cannot be described in sheer words. What you also need to know is, special bonds may not last forever. You never know. It does not nullify the impact the relationship has on you and your family. Time and circumstances change a lot of things in life. We may want to control so that we are in peace. But, all we need to do is let go. You are nervous about the well being of the old man. I am sure he too is thinking of you, somewhere wherever he is. But the temporary period of your acquaintance is over; it may come back in some form or another someday, we do not know. For now, it will all seem ambiguous. You were kind to him when he most needed and that is all that matters.”

Radhamma went back home; although still worried about the old man, at least she was a lot more relieved now. A sort of calm had descended on her.

The next day, she was at the door reading a book. She heard some noise. She stood up and saw a dog. He waited there and as if Radhamma guessed what the little one wanted, she ran to her kitchen to fetch something for him to eat. She came to running to feed the already pleased dog standing at the gate.