Crossroads

I was admitted into the hospital for a few hours for some reason and it not being one of my best days, I just planned to spend it quietly in my cubicle. But I quickly learnt that it was not to be like that. My nurse barged in, vibrant and exuding positive energy. "Hi honey, I'm Sandra. How are you this morning? Shall i order some breakfast for you?" . Though she appeared middle aged, with her heavy framed glasses, braces and constant smile, I couldn't help being reminded of "Ugly Betty". I said stiffly "No thanks"(In other words, I meant "Please don't disturb me. I'm fine. And please don't honey me.) She seemed impervious to my attitude as she left saying "Call me if you need anything honey".

I thanked God and closed my eyes to go to blissful slumber. But it wasn't much time before she came back and enquired if everything was fine. I cursed the day being sometime in the thanksgiving weekend as the hospital looked almost uninhabited and I was one of the only two patients she had that day.I tried best to close the conversation only to lose poorly to someone who was impossible to quieten down. So I finally conceded that I would give in to her chatter but I would only be a passive listener. She enquired about the Mumbai terror attacks and this time, there was nothing that could stop me from detailing the events happening there.The conversation soon moved on to other topics without me being much aware of it. I don't know the exact moment when reluctance gave way to eagerness, but soon, I found myself discussing medicine, nursing, shopping , family and children with her. When she was called to attend the other patient for a short time, this time, to my surprise, I was reluctant to let her go. Our conversation still continued and when she commented, "You are a quiet young lady, aren't you?", I couldn't help telling her that I had talked a lot more that day than I usually do, to which she laughed mirthfully. Soon, it was time for me to check out and it was incredible to see how quickly the time had passed. It struck me that Sandra had not only succeeded to converse comfortably with me, but probably unknowingly even to her, she had erased the hostility and irritation that was present with me earlier that day.I realized that I had made a good friend in Sandra.

When it was time for me to leave, the introvert in me stood standing not knowing what to do, when Sandra took over and did the thing i too wanted to but could not bring myself to do it. She simply hugged me . I knew that for both of us, it had proved to be something more than the ordinary day.

I then turned around and walked without looking back , at the same time realizing that my heart was doing a little squeeze as I did so.

In the journey of life, sometimes, someone walks into our lives from nowhere, creates a special bond with us, but may have to leave soon to continue his or her own journey, just like two intersecting roads that have to invariably diverge after a course of time. In that case, instead of repenting their loss, it is best to thank God not only for creating such beautiful moments in our lives but also because he has created many synapses in our brain, called memories, so that we can preserve, recollect and cherish those special moments for eternity.(well, at least until one gets afflicted with Alzheimer's disease).

Yes, I knew I would miss Sandra but I was also happy that I had met her for she had definitely made a difference to my life. I know I will always cherish our bond of friendship. As I said, memories are enough.