With due permission, a fun take inspired by Kaushalji’s beautiful, heartwarming, romantic poem Never Alone.
I met him the other day
In the busy market place
He was buying groceries
And I was merely making haste
He looked at me through his glasses
And gave me a big, broad smile
I frowned at him irritated
Not quite ready to return the smile
That rainy day in the traffic jam
A car just pulled over by my side
There he was at the wheel
Ready to give me a lift unasked
Drenched as a crow I looked away
What? Take a lift from a stranger ?..No way
But as it was fated to be
I came to know a few days later
That bald , old guy with a toothy smile
Has become my next door neighbour !!
Now every morning I have to see his face
Return his greetings in a courteous way
Not only that ….rat….tat…tat…
He knocks on my door whenever he wants
For sugar or salt or a bowl of milk
And what to say of his damned cheek
While departing he kills me by asking,
“Aaj shaam ek cup coffee ho jaaye?”
“Aaj shaam ek cup coffee ho jaaye?” means “Let’s have a cup of coffee this evening?”
Trivia : Today at the bank there was an old, bald, affable gentleman who evidently whiled his time talking to the officer at the counter. Obviously, he seemed lonely with an urge to have a long conversation. He sounded a little nostalgic too remembering the old days and ways of life. Incidentally, it was pouring outside. So the officer courteously asked him to stay put. The old man happily accepted the invitation.
My work at the bank was taking time. In fact, when one of the officers cracked a joke with me he too joined in and had a good laugh. I am an old customer of the bank. Like me this bank generally has retirees as Account holders who often seem to not only come for their regular banking needs but also to spend some time in the company of the bankers. Loneliness makes one find ways to pass time at odd places.
A poem takes birth inspired by cumulates of many such little incidents. Also, today (actually yesterday) is my school buddy’s birthday. So I wanted to send her a fun poem. Kaushalji’s sweet little poem was one of the triggers.
Geeta Ji
Now that he is your neighbour,you can sing
मेरे सामने वाली खिड़की पर—–
Many elders are lonely and love long conversations,so whenever they get a chance they engage in conversations.
Beautiful poem
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Hee…Hee…I might as well sing
पर्दा है पर्दा है
Imaginary conversation with an imaginary neighbour…
Loneliness in old age can be frustrating…
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Yes dear ,you can sing a parda song also
GeetaJi ,I thank God I met some nice people here on WP ,you are an inspiration
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Humbled…What more can I say.
And yes, the feeling is mutual
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A very sweet poem my friend.
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Thank you dear Sadje
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You’re welcome ☺️
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💕
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What a delightful and witty poem, Geetaji! 😊 I loved the humour, the storytelling, and the lovely ending. Truly shows how everyday moments can blossom into creative poetry. Loved reading it! ❤️
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Thank you so much Maha. I have always been inspired by the ordinariness of everyday life. Every mundane moment has something to tell us. Great having you here.
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What a delightful read Geeta ji! 😄 You turned an everyday moment into a story that made me smile from beginning to end. And now, thanks to the comments, I’m torn between Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein and Parda Hai Parda… this post has become a complete Bollywood entertainer! 🎶😂❤️
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Hee..Hee..
I guess now I have to remember all the Bollywood hits to sing at opportune moments. I am glad the poem entertained you thoroughly.
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Haha… please do! 😄 I have a feeling your poetry and Bollywood references make the perfect combination. Looking forward to the next one! 🎶🌸
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What a delightful imagination, Geeta ji! You’ve crafted such a charming poem. To weave such a vivid piece of verse from a simple interaction at a bank is truly admirable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Well done!😊
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Thank you Kaushalji so very much for your generous appreciation. I am really glad you liked the poem. It’s a fun take on the urge for someone to talk to when old age takes away everything one by one that you came to associate with happiness and fulfillment.
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So true, I agree with your observations. You’re more than welcome 🙏
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A fine extension of the theme
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Thank you very much Derrrick 🙏
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