The  Gardener  and The Garden

“Why don’t you take Akanksha with you there? Sanyami, Rajita and Neela must be coming. Aren’t they? They all are your batch mates and usually attend any function at Saatpute Sir’s house. Right?  Akanksha can get introduced to your friends. That will make her more comfortable.”

“If she is ready, I don’t have any problem.”

Akanksha was also keen to meet some girls in her age group.

At the function at Saatpute Sir’s house, around 25-30 youngsters were present. Vikas introduced Akanksha, his cousin to everybody and most importantly Saatpute Sir.  She also intermingled with everybody. Ashish, Mohan, Satish, Ramesh, Rohit, Ajay, Sanyami, Rajita, Neela, and all others were present.

After some time, Rohit got up and conducted the ceremony of felicitating Saatpute Sir. Everyone was extremely happy to express one’s gratitude to their respected sir.

When Satish’s turn came, he said, “Sir and dear friends, to express my feelings towards sir, I am going to tell you a micro story.”  Many of the attendees lost their heartbeats. A story and that too from Satish. Inconceivable idea.

Mohan interrupted, “Satish, please, no storytelling.”

Ashish supported Mohan. ”Yes. I also feel that it may be too much.”

“Let him tell his story. Have you forgotten, in your college days when I used to tell you stories, you all used to enjoy it? Let Satish narrate his story,” Saatpute sir interrupted.

“Let him tell his experience with the factory or something on technology. But not the story please.” Vikas said.

“No Vikas. I want a story from Satish.” Sir insisted.

“OK. Go ahead Satish, “Rohit took charge.

Satish got up and started.” This is a micro-story.

A gardener was looking after one small garden. It had various types of plants. Some bore flowers that looked beautiful without any fragrance. Some flowers were not very attractive but had a nice aroma. Some plants did not bear any flowers. And cacti had only the thorns. But the gardener took care of all plants. Nurtured all of them with equal love and affection. And that gardener won the Best Garden award for many consecutive years.

We salute that gardener with utmost humility.”

Saying this Satish touched Sir’s feet. Tears flowed from sir’s eyes and moistened Satish’s head. Controlling his own tears, Satish took his seat.

Spontaneous clapping from one and all ended Satish’s story.

Rohit took over the charge again and announced further items of the function.

Akanksha was impressed by the story.  When the function was over, she approached Satish and extended her compliments for the grand story.

“It was nice. Opening out your heart beautifully.

Do you write stories regularly?”

“Not regularly. But during my spare time, I do write something.” Satish said hesitantly.

“That is still great. Usually, very few like to read. And still fewer write short stories or poems. So, you are exceptional.”

“What about you? Do you also write?” Satish got curious.

“Yes. I also scribble in my spare time. I am an Architect. That gives me the full scope for creativity.  But jotting down your feelings is something exceptionally great. I love to read and sometimes I write too.” Satish was delighted that he found somebody who enjoyed writing as well as reading short stories. He was about to ask her for feedback on the short stories he had already written. But he refrained from talking about his writing work.

Meanwhile, other friends joined the conversation. “Yes. It was a very nice story, Satish. Well written.” Mohan greeted.  Then he looked at Akanksha and said,” He is a good writer.  How did you find his micro story? It was very nice.”

“Yes. Very short but extremely sensitive. I told him I liked it.” Akanksha said.

“He is the person who has introduced us Engineers to stories. Otherwise, we had not dared to write anything. It is Satish who inspired us to write. I also have started writing occasionally.” Mohan bluffed.

“So, you also write?”

“That is great. If you have something written already, I would be happy to read it,” Akanksha.

“Oh! Certainly. When we meet next, I will give it to you.”

“We all have started liking short stories because of Satish. I also write occasionally.” Ashish added.

“Oh! Wonderful. That means yours is a writer’s group of technocrats.” Akanksha.

“Yes. You can say so.” Ashish confirmed.

“Does Vikas write? “

“No. He has not picked it up as yet. He even does not read short stories given to him for reading. Absolutely, insensitive person!” Ramesh interrupted.  “I will give my story for you to read. “ Ramesh tried to impress Akanksha.

“That means except Vikas, each one of you has a pastime of writing and appreciating short stories. I would love to read you all,” Akanksha.

Satish was aghast to know his friends’ love for short stories.

He could well understand their liking for stories was in fact, their interest in their newly found friend Akanksha.  His story The Gardener, must not have been heard by his friends with interest. They must not have taken note of the story beyond the title. But Satish had found a genuine, sensitive reader of short stories. He thought a new plant was added in Sir’s garden, that had beautiful flowers with great aroma.

Vijay Likhite