Stranger?

It was 11:00 am and I had gone out of my home after having my breakfast just to gain some refreshment from nature to make my brain work more efficiently.

There was a small loch near my home and there were benches near it, where people sat, ate snacks, chatted and gossiped. I too sat on the wooden bench. The view was fresh and lush as there were trees all around and few people walking here and there.

Suddenly, there came an aged man who sat beside me. I was feeling a bit nervous and uncomfortable because he was a stranger to me and I had never seen him.

Then, he said, 'Why are sitting here alone?'

I first asked him if he who was he and why was he asking such a question.

He said, "I know you, I live in your locality only. Everyday I watch you going to tuitions from my balcony. I hope you are a very busy person with your academics, so I asked you the question".

Although he lived near my dwelling, I had never seen him before. Then, I greeted him. We talked for prolonged hours.

He narrated about his life, education and job. I took spoke about my family, myself and many more.

Then, we went to a nearby park and became the spectators of little children playing there even if it was 1:00pm.

I then invited him to my home for lunch that very day. Although he hesitated, my determination made him be my guest.

When I introduced him to my parents, my parents said that they knew him very well even he too knew my parents, it was silly of me that I did not know him.

After talking, exploring my home, he left in the evening.

I realised, how a stranger had turned to be like my grandfather in just a day.

I too felt the urgency to connect to our near and dear ones. To be in touch with our neighbours, know them, help them and care for them.