Second chance

The gossip mill was in full swing..."They are having an affair. How crazy! That too at this point in their lives", referring to Mrs. Shanmugan and Mr. Banerjee, residents of Kripa Senior Care home.

What the gossipmongers did not know was that Mrs.Shanmugan, a famous Carnatic vocalist, and Mr.Banerjee a Sitar exponent had found common ground in art and music which lead to their closeness. Often they would sit in the recreation room discussing the nuances of 'taal' and 'shur' and their past glories. Both had lost their partners and with their children living overseas they had made a conscious decision to move into the Senior home.  

Word got around to the Director of the Home. He was enraged! He had to put an end to the unwarranted gossip. And even if there was some truth to it, it was none of anybody's business to comment.

It was Christmas. The Director took the opportunity to address the residents and showed his displeasure at the gossip circulating. "My friends..we are here to support each other and not read meaning into relationships that develop in this community. It is but natural for people of common interests to gravitate toward each other. We encourage an environment conducive to building such relationships."

There was stunned silence in the audience. Residents were found shifting uncomfortably in their chairs. To break the silence Mr. Banerjee stood up and spoke "Friends...let me put an end to all the rumors. Mrs.Shanmugan and I will be sealing our relationship permanently, with our children's blessings. While no one can take the place of our respective late spouses, life does not come to an end with their passing. We should move on and as it so happens we have found companionship and wish to spend the remaining days of our life in happiness. If that is objectionable to anyone, well then I must say, you need to change your views on life."

Once again the audience was silenced. The Director was the first to congratulate the couple and clap for them. Soon others followed rejoicing in their newfound second chance at happiness.

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