A Stranger

Living in a corporate campus in India isn’t as I expected. Never the less, we try to make the best out of it. I bitch about the things that irritate me, and hardly ever mention the good in people.

We frequently dine at one the campus restaurants, and interact with the employees there on a regular basis. This one person, in his late 40’s always comes to talk to us. It’s his job, but he treats us as if we were his own children. Something I will never forger. It’s people like him that reflects the true Indian culture – caring, amiable, and hospitable. He always greets us with a genuine smile, something many cultures fake.

Over time, we’ve become very well acquainted, and we talk about all kind of things. Today was the first working day after a long weekend. As always, he greeted us with a smile, genuinely happy to see us. But his eyes just didn’t have the usual gleam. I inquired if anything was wrong. He replied that he had to go see his niece at the hospital. She has lung cancer, and was diagnosed way too late for any effective treatment, and the doctors believe that she may not survive more than a few days.

I looked at his eyes – anyone could tell the sorrow it spoke of. Yet, he talked to me with a smile, made sure I was eating right, had my vegetables. I didn’t have any words to comfort him; I murmured that my prayers are with her. We talked for a while after that – all the while, he had his beautiful smile that spoke of sorrow.

I don’t know how I would be able to work in such a situation, let alone smile and take care of random people like family. I walked back to work with watery eyes, praying for what is best for his niece, and his family. My words don’t do justice to this man’s loving ability to care for people he doesn’t even know. I discovered today what makes India great – the people, and the culture that welcomes everyone with open arms, despite their hardship or sorrow.

I believe in God. Even though I’m not a fan of organized religion, I pray occasionally. And if you are reading this, please pray for a stranger, and his niece. It’s people like him that inspire others to do good, and I believe they warrant our support, love and prayer.