A few days ago, I stumbled upon this article on a blog appealing all to ‘say Thank You before it is too late’. That clicked something deep within me. Something that belonged to the past but that always had the capacity to give me a jolt, immediately, at the very moment.
I too had had a great Professor in our Engineering College who mentored our Software Project in the Final year. He always addressed me with my surname, even during our volleyball net-practices. Whenever I asked him when he'd learn, remember or call me with my first name he said, when I would treat him with a 5-Star (an Indian chocolate of cocoa, caramel and nougat). Everyday, I thought I would get that for him, but somehow it kept getting postponed.
One fine day, I finally had it with me, and was headed to the volley court where I wanted to hand it over to him and tell him that his energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, sense of humour, his entire persona was a complete inspiration for me (and many others) and so totally infectious! I wanted to thank him for just being there. But that day he was busy with some official work, so couldn't turn up for the game. I pledged to hand it over to him the next day. That same night, at around 11:30pm, when we were deep engrossed in our upcoming project work in our hostel rooms, we heard a crashing sound. Our college is located on the national highway. Minutes later we got the news that there'd been a terrible accident and 2 lives were lost on the spot. The third was badly injured, but thankfully alive and was immediately rushed to the hospital. Our professor was one of the two whom we'd lost forever.
As soon as we got the news, the first excruciating thought that hit me was, I couldn't give him the 5Star. That pain stays. Even after 4 years now.
As soon as we got the news, the first excruciating thought that hit me was, I couldn't give him the 5Star. That pain stays. Even after 4 years now.
Since that day I vowed that I shall live up to any and every commitment I make, no matter how small that may be. Or I shall not commit anything at all if I'm even the slightest bit unsure.
The post on that blog brought these memories surging out from the deepest annals. But I feel happier that I learnt a valuable lesson that stays alive in me and that has helped me become a better person. Also, I want to say “Thank you Karl” (The Author of that blog) for such an insightful post!
The post on that blog brought these memories surging out from the deepest annals. But I feel happier that I learnt a valuable lesson that stays alive in me and that has helped me become a better person. Also, I want to say “Thank you Karl” (The Author of that blog) for such an insightful post!
