They were a group of friends since childhood. She was always the first one to pull his leg every time that another girl was even mentioned. He got down from the bus. She and other friends screamed, "Emma". He turned. They all giggled that he responded to that name. He, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to that call. He waved a mobile phone back at the bus. She realized he had her phone and that he had turned to let her know he had the phone. She jumped out of the bus, almost instantaneously. Not thinking of any implications. Her heart was beating fast. She still appeared calm, took her phone and started walking with him to her home. Casually remarking how boring the day is, all the while hoping he would not be able to hear her thumping heart.
My Father-in-law was not the typical FIL who was distant and would not interact with his daughter-in-law. Well, initially he was like that and then he warmed up to my presence and opened up to me. Over the last few years, as we spent a lot of time together, as we were all living in the same home, he became my close friend, mentor, guide and my biggest cheerleader. He was born in Shimoga, grew up in Amrutur with his aunt, started his family in Sagara and eventually retired into Bangalore. 80+ years, he has had the most enviable life. Don't mistake it for a rosy life or a life with no issues or problems! He was one among 11 - 6 boys and 5 girls. He was the 2nd child and as his mother had more children, she needed help raising the kids and so she reached out to her sister in law to take care of him in Amruthur - a farmland. He grew up under the care of his aunt and love from his cousins, who were all girls. He would eat fresh food from the abundance of the farm and also drink milk so...
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