THE FIRST FRUIT

Today, too, I  received on my cell-phone, some inspiring texts from my well-wishers. As I always say, the best thing that can happen to you, early in the morning is: the thought that someone, far away, is thinking about you, your well-being. It really feels good. You do feel like a ‘winner’ in life!

And, today, I received, early in the morning, these two messages.

Shankar was my student more than two decades ago. He, along with his two friends – Rohan and Neeraj, were very close to me. Then, they graduated, did their respective MBA’s and other Post-Grads, and settled well in life. They got married, for which they did remember me. They kept in touch for some years, and as life demands of us, they got too absorbed building-up their respective families. We lost contact.

And, this morning, I received this message from Shankar:

“Sir, we are extremely excited to announce that we are blessed with a beautiful baby daughter…
Both, mother and baby are fine.”

Simultaneously, another message flashed. It was from Abro.

Abro passed out his twelfth-standard some years ago, and joined the Hotel Management studies it the famed Government Catering College in Dadar. He kept me updated about his progress all through his Hotel Management studies. Today, the message said:

“Good Morning sir, I got my first offer letter – Management Trainee
fr Yum grp Kfc and pizza hut .. the outlets are all over India.”

I felt extremely happy for Shankar and Abro. Shankar was sharing the news of the birth of their first child… and Abro about his first job. I immediately called them up and wished. “Shankar, may the little star shine bright… Our love, kisses and blessings,” I told Shankar. “Abro, may you shine even more,” was what I said to Abro.

Why did Shankar, after over two decades, felt the need to share his happiness with me?

Why did Abro?

I do not know why. 

But, it made me feel good about myself. 

More so, 

when I really, really felt happy for them.

There was a time, yes when I was very small in my native village… When a new baby was born, they would die to break the news to the Parish priest of the church. On the baptism day, the baby would be placed at the feet of Lord… and they would pray silently. 

And, there was this time, when a young one got his first job, the  family would offer a special mass in the church… and, when the first salary came, they would hand it over to the church… To the Lord. That was the silent promise they had made to Him!

And, there was this time, when they received the first fruit in their garden, they would take it to the Lord… and only after that, they would taste the rest. 

We still do it… Yes, even here in a busy city like Mumbai. Only, in a different way. Some wait for the crow to come and take his first bite… Only then would they savour the food. Some want the Priests to take their meals first, and then would they go about eating. And, some, like Shankar and Abro, remember someone like me – their dear teacher – before they would  ‘eat’ their Garden Fresh – their first fruit!

 

GERALD D’CUNHA

THANKS:
The image used in this Post is by Ashok Ahuja. He is a professional Photographer and a very dear friend of mine. He is also one of the founder members of The Dawn Club, and, along with his gifted-artist wife, Sudha, has been helping me, and the Club, right from its inception.