A GIFT TO REMEMBER “During a summer day in April 2020, I headed out to buy fruits at Dharmpeth fruit market, Nagpur, a city known for its scorching temperatures. The Sun was already beating hard, making it feel like mid day, even though it was only around 9.30am in the morning. After picking up my fruits from the Vendor’s shop, I started for home. While waiting at the Shanker Nagar traffic signal, a man in his 80’s wanted to cool off. He donned a cap, big black glasses, khadi sandals, and full sleeve shirt with trousers. He looked drained with jhola on his right shoulder and groceries in his left hand. I walk towards the man after parking my vehicle a short distance away from the traffic signal. I had a small water bootle and tissues to offer him, but I wasn’t sure how he would react to help from a stranger. However, he surprised me by accepting the water and apologising for finishing it in one go. I requested that he can accept a lift in my car and could make it up by going with me back. At first he was hesitant. Later, he asked me about my reason for helping him. I explained that it was too hot to chat outside and suggested we can talk in my car with the air-conditioning on. He found this amusing and agreed to come with me. As we spoke about things like traffic, the workings of present / existing Maharashtra government, he helped me find his address, and I dropped him off at home in Lakhshmi Nagar. As I  helped him with his bags, he reached out to his wife to introduce me and explained how he ended up going with me. They kindly invited me to join them at their home. But as I received calls from my household, I respectfully declined and promised to visit another time. Before parting ways, the older gentleman asked me to wait as he had something he wanted to give me. Honestly, I was caught off guard! Helping others isn’t a transactional deal for me. I do it because I genuinely want to, without any desire for reciprocation. However, putting this sentiment into words proved more challenging than predict it. Upon his return, he brought with him  a book. Although, initially, I was captivated by the book, I kindly declined his offer and thanked him for his generosity. The man spoke up and explained that accepting a gift gracefully is a skill that is even more challenging than giving one. He believed that gift acceptance shows respect to the giver. He then asked me if I would accept a small token of appreciation to honour him. I was touched by the gesture and felt this as if I was back in time with my father who gave me leaf and chocolate, then every day. My grandfather believed the leaf symbolised victory and wished me success while saying true to myself. I accepted his gift, but only if he explains its significance. According to him (the octogenarian uncle) books are filled with the world of emotions. As I approached him for help, he met someone sensitive and responsible at the same time. He acknowledged that I understood the situation and dealt with it cautiously. He told me how I valued his thoughts, and dignity and, at the same time didn’t abandon him. It is a challenge for persons of middle age like me to start a chat with the oldies nowadays. But it was effortless for him to have an open discussion on several topics. This encounter allowed him to experience comfort, appreciation, admiration, and the ability to encourage people to speak their minds freely. He believed a person with a range of emotions like mine deserved a special and unique gift, and felt that the book would be perfect compliments for me. And I got the book with loads of blessings and love.