A man to remember

 This is a personal story. Not an opinion or a generic blog. And there is a reason why I started to write this. 11 years back I met this man. Not going to tell his name as I might go deeper in his personal life but let me call him VR, sir VR. Back then I was roaming around the streets of JP Nagar Bengaluru, searching for a place to rent. This is not a typical area for bachelor rentals. A security guard advised that I am in a wrong place and that every house is guarded, so no one is going to let you in. I knew am in a place that doesn't seem to fit but just giving a try didn't seem meaningless. Second day search and it was late dinner time. There was absolutely no one in the streets. I said to myself last two streets to try and go back. And in the first street that I took I saw this man locking the gate. I was hesitant to call him but he understood am looking for something. He spoke in Tamil after my introd. He must be around 65-70. When I said am looking for a terrace room occupation, he said his terrace is vacant but how can I be believed on my self introduction. I said I will come with identities and certificates next evening. But he was kidding and invited me to the lobby to know further. He introduced himself as VR. A retired learned person. His son, much elder to me was overseas. VR sir sounded positive and asked to come the next day to see the accomodation and give the formal agreement. I was surprised at the last minute turnaround failing which I was planning to take a PG. I went next day with identities! He said, chi poda it was a joke. But still it's my duty sir. I moved there the same week and routine went. The stairs exits near their living room and I pass by to take the gate. He or his wife never kept a watch on me. But one day he came up and knocked. He said you come and go but never speak a word, come on what do you do sitting all alone coming back. Feel free to come and watch TV. Or if you have something interesting tell me about. He saw that I was writing something (yes I used to write then!) and asked what is it. It's just random sir. Nothing specific. He was old by age but he never sought me for his easiness, rather he wanted me to feel ease. It was not that he wanted someone to speak to but he felt I should be happy at his place. Mrs VR gave me some refreshments and I learnt about their family. They are from Coimbatore but long settled in Bengaluru. Their son was doing higher studies after a stint of work. He enquired about my food and I said I found some good places around. I started to share about my writings with him and he would encourage on that. He had the energy and he made sure he conveys only his energy and never his own pains to me. He included me in the Skype call with his son who knew me as well. Of course he has said it all. VR sir always said he would be interested to meet my parents. 

Somehow this person was not just who gave me accomodation but something designed for me. He was curious about my job and I explained it. I said I have already started searching other jobs but also reluctant to say this because I might have to quit this place. He was calling me stupid and asked about my search. I said about a company in Chennai and mentioned it's something I have never heard and have asked my uncle to see if this office is for real. To my surprise he said he has used this company's product himself and gave me top to bottom details. Enada shock aitia let me introduce myself. I am VR, defence scientist, instrumental in setting up Indian air force fleet equipments....etc etc. Mrs VR was commenting at the back, romba peruma dhan. She was so nice and they are a great couple. Sir I might feel bad to leave you if I get selected. But he said I will kick you out to join there. One day I left. 

But as I said he was not just my landlord. After few years I was again in Bengaluru for an interview and incidentally he has sent me an email about his son's marriage the same week. They were quite happy to receive me. It doesn't end there. Every now and then I use to call /email him about my life and he always gives a thumbs up. After my marriage I took my wife to share this past and they blessed us. But this time I found him a bit emotional. There were tears when we left but as I said he would never show up his side to an youngster. He is not a typical elderly man. Somehow I didn't feel good after few months and this time email reply came from his son saying he is not keeping well. It's been a long while now. 

Why did I suddenly want to write this ?? I am signing an agreement that has around 30 pages as I changed my address. VR sir handed over me a legal agreement that had one sentence. Yes it was just one line below the stamp paper that we sign. "Respect the shelter". Even for that he said sorry I need to do this just for legality sake. As I sit to read the 30 pages those days with him just passed by and I took my time because he always liked my writings!. With hopes to receive his replies.