All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Applauses welcomed him that evening. With tears in his eyes, he walked up to the podium to sit with his new-found son. The one he never expected to have in his life. The one who never expected to spend his days with a fatherly figure after living a life of an orphan for 42 years. A miracle happened to both this time. Without expectations. This is their story and my first one with the name under the title!

• Gayatri B.

~

Excited, I dialled Priyanka’s number. Finally, a chance to write my own story for the publication. I had piled up my questions on survival of the fittest for the person with 45 years of work life in a single organisation!

~

Dr Sanjay Verma’s clinic, Westland Nursing Home, July 30, 2015:

I walked into Dr Sanjay’s clinic with my recorder, paper and pen. I was told that this interview could take a while. Paritosh Babu, the oldest employee of Westland Nursing Home has finally agreed to speak to me.

“I was employed by the owners of Westland about 45 years ago. I had learnt how to manage a shop from my elder brother and had come to the city believing that I could use my skills in a better place. Within a year here, I was married to Madhavi and I brought her along. She used to work for our Maalkin (the owner’s wife) while I worked at the hospital. Two years later, we were expecting our first child. But somehow, I knew Madhavi wouldn’t be able to survive this physical stress and the worst happened. I lost both of them. My wife and son. I decided not to go back fearing that I would be asked to marry again.”

He continued, “I started dedicating my time in the child care facility and since Maalik (the owner) knew my strengths in administration, he went ahead and gave me the charge to manage the section. Since then, I have been spending my time in the facility and finding solace in every child I see. I have become the favourite Chacha who never gets old and few of them, now married with children in their arms, come and visit me.”

I couldn’t help but ask, “So, are you still working here because you are searching your son?”

He laughed aloud and replied, “I have so many now that I feel scared at times. But yes, the one to hold my hand hasn’t arrived yet. This place is magical. Your wishes come true here. I am still hoping for mine.”

~

Employee Rewards & Recognition Program, Westland Nursing Home, August 09, 2015:

Priyanka called to inform me that I might just get a chance to bring that punch in my story it lacked. Westland Nursing Home was arranging its Annual Employee Rewards & Recognition Program and Dr Sanjay Verma, Head – Department of Psychiatry, was about to make an announcement. Dr Sanjay has been a constant audience and help to this entire story of mine. When Paritosh Babu found it silly and rather uncomfortable to speak and share his story for a publication, Dr Sanjay counselled and helped him speak.

Standing elegantly on the podium with his usual charm, Dr Sanjay started, “While working in this organisation for the past 15 years, I have come across characters in the guise of a patient who have challenged me to read their minds, understand them like no other person and cure them. But I never knew that a chance meeting with the oldest employee of the organisation would make me to read my own mind and cure myself from the trauma I have been living for 42 years. I have been raised as an orphan in a child care home and with the support of NGOs and scholarships, I completed my education and went on become a doctor. I have been yearning for a chance to live a normal life with parents and family, to feel the blessings when your father touches your head and go back home to find him waiting to listen to my cases.”

“Priyanka told me about Paritosh Babu and her friend’s idea of writing a story on him. I have known Paritosh Babu for the last 15 years as someone who doesn’t accept his awards and accolades because he doesn’t have anyone to share them with. During my conversations with him, I realised that you really do not need a blood relation to make someone your parent. Just walk up to them and say, ‘Baba! I am here. Let’s go for a walk.’ Today, standing here with all your awards from the previous years, I ask you Baba to accept me as your son, walk back home with me and eat while you listen to the stories of my patients,” Dr Sanjay spoke as he looked at his new found Baba.

He looked at me with teary and sparkling eyes and whispered, “Told you! This place is magical. Wishes come true here!”