"Catch” at the Peepal Tree

Life as a homemaker was mundane and predictable. About four in the evening, it was time for my walk. The Indian summer sun beat relentlessly. I decided to sit under the shade of my favorite peepal tree on a park bench. I was not alone out there. I felt so much oneness with nature. The balmy sea breeze gently caressed the curls at the nape of my neck. There was a cuckoo singing itself sore, somewhere in that tree. The squirrels were busy chasing each other in gay abandon. The street dogs lay close, their burning tongues, thirsting for water.

It was exactly at this moment that I saw him, a tiny boy with sad eyes. His sad eyes bore into me, from behind the peepal tree. I got up and went to him to see what he wanted. The sad eyes broke into a smile, revealing two missing teeth. His face plucked at my heartstrings when he handed me his ball. He asked me if I would play “catch” with him.

I admired his strength and tenacity for a boy of just seven. My admiration quickly grew to awe and respect. The most profound example of courage and perseverance was playing with me. The gay abandon of childhood was a luxury that life doesn’t offer “adults”. It was dusk now and we both had to go back to our lives. My feet were still riveted to the ground, as I was lost in deep contemplation. We chatted as we were packing and I suddenly realized I hadn’t even asked him his name. He gave me the same toothless smile as he cheerfully said, “Anil”. As I helped him back on his crutches, I knew he had signed a page in my book of life. He had taught me some of life’s most difficult lessons in the easiest way. I realized that you don’t need everything going for you to be happy. Perfection is about trying till you succeed. Most importantly we can be joyful always, as God has showered His love for us in all creation. Anil taught me the bliss and the blessings of a thankful heart. We walked back, my arms around him, friends for life, looking forward to “catch” at the peepal tree the next day.