JAYANTI ASHRAM - III

For some people over here Samir is merely a cook and for some his reputation precedes the etymology of his name. I pity on the senses of those persons who could never look beyond his profession of being a cook. Samir told me two days back during a private conversation that many other big hotels and restaurant in and around Parel have offered him a pretty tempting amount if he renders them this selfsame service. He denied them every time with a shrug of the shoulder and a smile saying, “... that Mr. Dostidar’s father gave him shelter when he had no one to call his own. So, he would never leave Rekha Foundationjust for money...”. It seemed to me that, he is trying to repay something back in return for the good graces of the old samaritan. Well I guess somebody is watching Samir from high above in the heavens and I hope he has a bright future ahead of him. At twenty four years of age, Samir is way apart from the boys of his age group. He is far matured and ahead of his times than one would expect. What would we think of a boy who has been deprived of a home that everyone of us desire and yet still reject the wealth that life has to offer him? His speciality lies in the fact that he clings to some basic principles and never compromised that on grounds that other persons naturally would. Each day he enquires about the patient’s well being on his own. People find solace in conversing with him. Though his life has been a tragic one till date, yet I never found him looking on the darker side of things. He keeps on boosting people and even goes to the extent of cooking some special dishes if someone really so desires. Samir has one thing in which he takes great pride and also needs special mention. His collection of clothes is a sight to watch. He changes clothes at least 4 times a day if not more. When many families are there adding a lot of pressure to his time table he just changes once after his bath. On the contrary when lesser families inhabit this guest house, his changing of clothes like that of the rainbow changing its colours is a treat to watch. He feels somewhat shy when asked about his stockpile of clothes. He visits showrooms and cloth stores atleast 3/4 times a month. Since he does not get ample time to get away from the premises of the NGO, his fascination for stylish clothes neutralises his other desires that he cannot fulfil due to want of time.

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