A Gesture Of Love

Do good, help others; it will enrich your life immeasurably.

- Lalit Modi N

A couple during their wedding reception. Priya, the daughter of a government officer, got married, and it was nice to observe the beaming father on the stage receiving invitees and introducing them to the endearing couple. The queue moved at a snail's pace and I moved along, waving at some friends and acquaintances and making small talk with those passing by. I had all the time in the world and my eyes darted hither and thither, acknowledging the hi's and hello's. Amidst all these pleasantries, I felt a firm but soft hand on my shoulder. Turning my head around, I found the uncle of the bride smiling and looking into my eyes with reverence. Extracting me out of the queue, he whispered into my ears that the bride's father wanted me on the stage. Shifting my attention towards the dais, I saw Krishnan nodding at me. Breaking the line, I followed the uncle up onto the stage. As soon as I reached centre stage, Krishnan held my hand, hugged me with unique joy and, stopping the chain of visitors, led me to his daughter, Priya and whispered something in her ears. Her eyes brightened with affection and her face radiated a warm, friendly smile. She bent over and touched my feet. This attention embarrassed me because the people around were watching and perhaps wondering why a nonentity like me was getting so much attention from such a powerful officer. Touched by this undeserving gesture and with a perplexed expression, I looked at Krishnan and then at Priya.