<p class="title rtejustify">I had gone to visit the family of a friend I had met casually at a temple function back home in the USA. We had struck up an interesting conversation and when I mentioned that I would be going to Bengaluru for the winter, she said, “My folks are in Rajajinagar. I know it is a little far from where you live, but if you could visit them, they would be very happy. They really like to see any friend of mine from here.”</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">I would be going back in a week and I felt I must make this visit, especially since I would be seeing that friend again many more times after my return. I made that visit and what a visit it was! It was like glimpsing the sun shining on a snow-covered Himalayan peak, not in the passing, but lasting a couple of hours, then on forever. Thrilling it was when it happened, turning eventually into an experience to be treasured for life.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">My friend’s mother was about my age and she welcomed me warmly when I introduced myself. Overjoyed would be an understatement of her reaction during my entire stay. She even told all about me to the servant maid who was cleaning the floor.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">A young man came by on his daily visit to check on his mother. A granddaughter on her way to school, another son whose office was nearby, and another granddaughter’s baby with her nanny who would spend the day here — all came one after the other and I remained the centre of attraction to them all. Basking in such genuine hospitality, I enjoyed the coffee and tiffin that was offered and continued to talk about the daughter far away whom I was representing now.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Noticing I was a little drowsy, my hostess asked, “Are you all right?” I said I had woke up at 2:30 last night and couldn’t get back to sleep.<br />“Why don’t you lie down on the divan for a while? I will get you a pillow.” I was made so comfortable that I fell asleep in no time.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">When I woke up, lunch was ready and I was taken to the table. Nothing special, but a hot delicious meal laced with papad and sandige. I enjoyed that, too, thanking my luck on meeting this wonderful family.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Being far away for such a long time, I had missed this kind of traditional hospitality offered to an utter stranger. Now I would remember for a long time that this age-old social grace is alive and flourishing!</p>
<p class="title rtejustify">I had gone to visit the family of a friend I had met casually at a temple function back home in the USA. We had struck up an interesting conversation and when I mentioned that I would be going to Bengaluru for the winter, she said, “My folks are in Rajajinagar. I know it is a little far from where you live, but if you could visit them, they would be very happy. They really like to see any friend of mine from here.”</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">I would be going back in a week and I felt I must make this visit, especially since I would be seeing that friend again many more times after my return. I made that visit and what a visit it was! It was like glimpsing the sun shining on a snow-covered Himalayan peak, not in the passing, but lasting a couple of hours, then on forever. Thrilling it was when it happened, turning eventually into an experience to be treasured for life.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">My friend’s mother was about my age and she welcomed me warmly when I introduced myself. Overjoyed would be an understatement of her reaction during my entire stay. She even told all about me to the servant maid who was cleaning the floor.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">A young man came by on his daily visit to check on his mother. A granddaughter on her way to school, another son whose office was nearby, and another granddaughter’s baby with her nanny who would spend the day here — all came one after the other and I remained the centre of attraction to them all. Basking in such genuine hospitality, I enjoyed the coffee and tiffin that was offered and continued to talk about the daughter far away whom I was representing now.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Noticing I was a little drowsy, my hostess asked, “Are you all right?” I said I had woke up at 2:30 last night and couldn’t get back to sleep.<br />“Why don’t you lie down on the divan for a while? I will get you a pillow.” I was made so comfortable that I fell asleep in no time.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">When I woke up, lunch was ready and I was taken to the table. Nothing special, but a hot delicious meal laced with papad and sandige. I enjoyed that, too, thanking my luck on meeting this wonderful family.</p>.<p class="bodytext rtejustify">Being far away for such a long time, I had missed this kind of traditional hospitality offered to an utter stranger. Now I would remember for a long time that this age-old social grace is alive and flourishing!</p>