Today being New Year the residents of the Avinash Galaxy, in south Bangalore decided to start the year with charity. This was an annual thing that they did. The fortunate privileged few senior citizens gathered every year and distributed blankets, food and their quality time in service. The active member and leader of this group was Mr. Anthony D’souza. Today they were visiting Grace Old Age Home, Bangalore.

They had a warm welcome in the parlour by the management of the house. They presented their token of gratitude to them and thanked the authorities. After the pleasantries that were exchanged and the welcome tea, the group were ushered around the old age home in smaller groups where the guests could interact with the inmates. Anthony was a linguist he knew 8 languages and tried to speak to people in their mother tongue if he knew it. He could also speak for hours on any given topic because he was well read. He also had an infectious laugh that spread to the opposite person. While he was in a jolly banter with Mrs Jolly D’souza, the adjacent grumpy lady who had turned her back to the commotion that was caused by him detested meeting him to the point that she couldn’t control the commotion decided to give him a piece of her mind.

Jacintha Almeida turned over to Anthony’s side only met with the horror of her past. Anthony and she were the talk of the town back in their teens. Love was in the air. They were madly in love and devoted to each other. Her father had stood against them and when he had seen through that the youngsters were not willing to budge he had moved to Mumbai tearing them apart for life.

Jacintha was quick to cover her face and she lay still. She did not want to meet Anthony, not in an old age home, not helpless, not broken. See her asleep the group, they moved over not trying to disturb her. Anthony as he moved ahead he saw a scar on her feet which brought flashes of the past unable to remember who she was. In secret Jacintha felt the relief knowing the worse was over. After a while the guest left the old age home and returned back to their homes.

“Jacintha, Sister Prudence wants you to serve tea in the parlour as it is your chance to serve the guests today,“ saying so Arthi left her to run the errand. The inmates of the home did the little chores as boredom would get the better of them. Jacintha always believed in working as she felt alive. Even before she was here, she always cooked, cleaned and took care of her house while her daughter in law ordered her around. Her husband was a good man; he had given her all the luxuries of life. It was two years since he had left for his heavenly abode, but Jacintha could never love him like she had loved Anthony. She had carried out her responsibilities well. They had a son who now had migrated to America and could not take her to America with him. Thus he had dumped her in this place. Jacintha preferred it to living alone.

“May I come in?” asked Jacintha. “Please do,” replied Sister Prudence. Jacintha pushed open the door only to find Anthony seated in front of her. She served them tea and was in a hurry to leave. But she was stopped by Sister Prudence. “I believe you know Anthony, he came here to take you to his home, are you willing to go?” “Yes, I did know him, but it was a long time ago I don’t see the need to go.” Replied Jacintha to Sister Prudence. “If it is okay can I have a word with you Jacintha?” Anthony had stood up in his seat and was trying to plead with her.

Jacintha relented. He followed her to the Parlour just yesterday he was there and yet again he was back just to confirm this woman was his love. “Jacintha, you don’t know how happy I am. I have been in pain all these years just waiting to hear you, see you, and speak to you. When finally the moment has arrived, why on Earth you want to be away from me? Jacintha we were wrongly separated in our youth. We have paid the price; please let us live in peace, happiness and love. Are you willing to come with me? Marry me?” Anthony was so emotional he had tears in his eyes. “Marry you? Where were you when I wrote desperate letters for plea to come and elope with me?” Jacintha was consumed with bitterness but she never had the courage to hate him as she always gave him the benefit of doubt. “Those letters never reached me, Jacintha. Shortly after you left my father got a government job and we were relocated to Bangalore. We rarely visited Hubli thereafter and finally we settled here. How did you land here?” asked Anthony as he was pained to find her here above all places. “It’s a long story. But we are married to other people our children may not want us together. So, leave me to rot here in peace.” A heartbroken Jacintha replied.

“Destiny separated us but I am not willing to lose you a second time. My wife is dead and I have a daughter settled in Mumbai who rarely visits me. I am lonely and so are you. I learnt from Sister Prudence that your husband died two years ago and you were ill- treated by your daughter in law. Your son migrated to the US leaving you to rot here. Please Jacintha come with me. We have a chance at happiness so let’s grab it.” Saying this Anthony had now reached out to Jacintha who was now in tears she was torn between her desires and guilt. As the time passed and the silence started to do the talking something deep down made her realise that she also had the right to be happy, right to live, right to love and be loved in return. She obliged and Anthony’s happiness knew no bounds.

It had been six months and the newly wed grey couple were the talk of their Avinash Galaxy, something not new for them. The flatmates were divided in opinion some gave them stares while some welcomed the thought of second chances at life. What mattered the most to the couple was they were together after all odds and that gave them the reason to look forward to another day.

Their bliss was short lived as today Jacintha’s son Patrick was coming to Avinash Galaxy to meet her. Patrick had casually called to wish her in the old age home for his mother’s birthday only to learn about her leaving the place and to be married to Anthony. He decided to meet her and give his peace of mind. Anthony had called his daughter too and was shattered to know she too despised the idea of his second marriage. Daniel their neighbour a software engineer was a constant support and a source of encouragement for them. When they missed their children or needed help, it was he who had been the kind Samaritan and helped them, comforted them and given them their well needed confidence. Daniel had called in sick and had decided to be with them for all the support they needed.

The trios were having tea when the door bell rang announcing the arrival of Patrick. Patrick was very angry and he was in no mood for pleasantries. “I want to speak with my mother in private.” Was what Patrick demanded. “You will very well speak freely as there is none who isn’t family gathered here.” Replied Jacintha. The war of words flew back and forth as the emotions were heavily charged on both sides. Patrick turned out to be selfish, greedy and cold. He really desired the money and the property which were still in Jacintha’s name while after he had abandoned her she was in no mood to give it to him. Alas! The grapes were sour for Patrick and he left empty handed. Cheryl Anthony’s daughter realised the mistake as her conscience pricked her for how rudely she had behaved and everyone has a right to second chances as age is only a number. She visited them a few months later. Jacintha was overjoyed to find a daughter that she yearned for.

Daniel got married to Soniya and Anthony and Jacintha became an integral part of the next door young couple’s life. As the young family grew little Baby Anaya had dotting grandparents to care for in the form of Anthony and Jacintha.

In this world of hate today love, tolerance and forgiveness are what keeps us going. We should always remember life is short and never shy away when you get a second chance. 

.    .    .