Nayana had become very lonely after losing her husband to a recent epidemic. Struggling with her grief, she found it difficult to manage her daily life, from getting groceries to maintaining the sprawling tea estate she had inherited from her late husband.
Together, they had once dreamt of retiring and becoming farmers, living a peaceful life on their land. But life had other plans and she was left to navigate life alone.
One particularly difficult day, as Nayana was trying to juggle heavy grocery bags, a young man appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. His arms had tattoos and he wore a t-shirt that read ‘I don’t care’.
“Ma’am, can I help you with those?” he asked, seeing her struggle. Startled, Nayana snapped, “No, thank you. I can manage.” Her voice was harsher than she had intended.
Later that evening, she felt a little guilty as her reaction may have possibly been related to the saying on the young man’s tee and a little too extreme. The next day, she looked for him at the grocer’s store.
“I’m sorry for earlier,” Nayana said when she found him taking stock of the tinned goods at one of the aisles. “I shouldn’t have been so rude. Thank you for offering to help,” She continued.
He smiled warmly. “No problem at all. I understand. My name’s Sidharth, by the way.”
“Nayana,” she replied, shaking his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
As days went by, Nayana and Sidharth became friends. Sidharth was the grocer’s nephew, so he started bringing her orders home for her and later helped with the chores around the tea estate.
One afternoon, while pruning the tea bushes, Sidharth suggested, “Have you ever thought about learning to drive? It might give you some freedom and make things a bit easier.”
“I have but I wouldn’t know where to start,” Nayana admitted.
“Well, I can teach you,” Sidharth offered. “We can start with short lessons around the estate itself.”
With Sidharth’s encouragement, Nayana began her driving lessons. Every small success behind the wheel boosted her confidence. In these sessions, Nayana sometimes shared her grief while conversing, healing a little every time.
“You know, Sidharth,” Nayana said one evening as they sat on the porch, sipping tea. “I never thought I could feel this…capable again.”
“You’re stronger than you realise, Nayana,” Sidharth replied.
Sidharth’s presence had brought a new energy into Nayana’s life. He taught her that it was okay to ask for help, and that she could still find joy and purpose despite her loss.
Eventually, the time came for Sidharth to return to college. “I’m going to miss our friendship and your help around here,” Nayana said, her voice filled with sadness.
“I’ll miss it too,” Sidharth admitted. “But remember, you have my number. Call me anytime. And you’re not alone, you only need to ask.”
As he promised to return the next summer, Nayana didn’t feel as lonely as she had once been. She had gained a dear young friend who had taught her valuable lessons about independence and life. Indeed, it was Sidharth’s kindness that had helped her find the strength to move forward.
As she watched him drive away, Nayana felt a deep sense of gratitude and love—not romantic in nature but a deeply appreciative and supportive kind. It was a love full of gratitude, something she’d always hold dearly hereon.
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