Sunday, November 04, 2012

The Priceless Gift

THIS STORY WON THE "GOLD" BLOG-A-TONIC BATOM on 13/11/2012 !!!

This story was also featured in 'What I've been reading this week#16!! Am truly honored and thrilled to be featured, Roshni...!! Thanks a lot!!...

Check the following link for a few more interesting links.... http://momofbigalittlea.blogspot.in/2012/11/what-ive-been-reading-this-week-16.html


This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 33; the thirty-third edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. The theme for the month is 'Celebrations'





My retired headmaster, Father Roderick used to live in the Garo Hills of Shillong. The simplicity that he preached, appealed to one and all. He was a man of integrity, of principle who carried other’s woes throughout his life but, destiny had something else in store for him. It had been a religious calling he had believed in, but after the death of his only son, everything changed. He quickly pulled himself away from his friends, his associates, and church and  settled down in a remote place with his wife. He hated the care of others; so no one dared to invade his realm except for his beloved wife; whatever else came or happened, it was intrusion.

He displayed enormous reluctance in accepting me also, although I’d been his student in the past....But,  time rearranged itself according to wants, and corrected our relationship. A sense of gratitude pulled me over  to his place every month.  As an orphan, I was very fortunate to get Father Roderick in my life. He placed his hands on my shoulders at the right time and kept them hovering above me, till I was big enough to face the world. He was a good provider for many like me. So, to me, his home was the home of God….here I saw the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity in its truest form.

One day, he sent a telegram informing me of his wife's death.The gravity of the situation pulled me to his door once  again. Sun had descended down the hills, Nathan's lantern was visible in the darkness. A pale yellow glow was shining from behind the red and yellow curtains. Nathan was sitting on the steps smoking a beedi. He leapt up when he saw me.

‘So late? Father has been waiting for you for a long time. He was expecting you in the afternoon…Come with me,’ Nathan said, taking my hand.

Nathan flung open the door, the curtains billowed a little; the night breeze was cold. The cottage smelled faintly of many things: flowers, phenyle, room freshener, mosquito coil…the smells tussled for a while, but, the pine- breeze from the hills submerged everything in seconds. The table lamp was on, but the pool of light  wasn't enough to illuminate his face fully. His eyes were closed…

‘You’re here… I was waiting for you, Ralph.’ Father uttered, withdrawing his hand from under the shawl and he raised the wick of the table lamp. I moved closer… 

‘I’m sorry for your loss, Father.I understand what a departure of a loved one brings on…’

'I am glad you came!' he said, nervously, but then he swiftly turned to practical matters.

 Nathan came out of the kitchen with two glasses of masala tea. Father held the glass carefully, tried to sip but put his glass down.

‘Would you like me to cool the tea for you, Saar?’ Nathan asked.

‘Oh, I’ll wait for it to cool’, he said.  I realized, he still didn't like any kind of intrusion. I kept stirring my spoon in circles around the base of the tea-cup…

Father rose, and said,’  We need to talk, Ralph. Let me fetch a pen and a paper.’ He left the room tucking the shawl around him.

I was too tired, there was a sense of grief everywhere in that dark, dingy room… soon he was back.

'Perhaps,' said Father, ruminating, ' it was all my fault. I didn't give her enough time.', he patted the arm of his chair in frustration.

'Do you know, she was a nurse once upon a time… Wonder, why she didn't tell me that she was suffering so much with that tumor in her stomach— it was as big as a cricket ball. But, while she lived, not a murmur passed her lips. On the contrary, she would give me courage when I lost my heart. …", he accused, gathering himself together with a labored effort.

I had never seen him talking so much. So, I kept looking at him until his opaque eyes shifted a bit.  He finished giving me all the details in a single breath...But, suddenly he flinched…. his voice became low, tears trickled down his cheeks....


He stopped only for a moment: sweat glistened on his chin even in that altitude, he continued....

"Last night, we retired early. Around midnight, my eyes opened…her bed was empty. I thought she was in the wash room, so I drifted off. When my eyes opened again, her bed was still empty. I looked around, she was nowhere in the house, the front gate was open. I stepped out.....it was pitch dark. My feet stopped all of a sudden.. If I had got there five minutes later, perhaps I would have wandered like a mad man all night.....she was sitting at the edge of the cliff with her feet dangling down. I touched her shoulder, turned her around and drew her towards me....and asked her, ' what are you doing....???"

"Unperturbed, she pulled me down to sit beside her and asked  a very poignant question for the first time in life"

:' Do you want my happiness?', her voice reverberated through the crisp air. She continued,  'If you love me, give me a push, just a gentle push...' 

I was shocked! I realized, she had shielded me from her pain until this day, and was begging me for deliverance from it...I dragged her home, and put her in bed, but she kept staring at me without saying a word. I don't know what were in those eyes...they were pleading...justifying..appealing...alleging...I realized, she surely deserved a ‘dignified death’. 

'Both me and Maria sat in silence, watching the raging amber fire in the fire-place for a long time. The shades of the long flames were dancing all around us...the wind had risen outside; its ghostly whistle reverberated in the chimney. I was sweating....'

 Much of the night had passed. Maria was still wreathing in pain. My presence seemed less than necessary, sleep was elusive....I felt like a parasite---a selfish man who was only thinking about his own life, his duties, his loneliness. I went to bed and drew a blanket over myself---waiting to sleep. 

Maria was moaning, her eyes were bulging out of her sockets, her hands were flailing as she was fighting for life. With great difficulty, she called me and said, ' Roderick, life has nothing to do with living or dying---it dangles on a thread of love. Pull at the thread, and a wave of pain rises. If you love me....leave the thread, and let me go'. 

I realized, that her faith was not in God, but in me---I couldn't tolerate her suffering anymore. I gave her an overdose of morphine and put her to sleep....

Dr Sharma came in the morning in his usual visit. The room was shining in the sun, the windows had caught a beautiful dawn...it was a clear morning, so peaceful outside that there was hardly a thud of any fear in my heart. Dr Sharma wrote the death certificate without probing further....

'Ralph, now my world is strewn with pale, shriveled leaves. All so peaceful, yet so turbulent. I can't live like a survivor now. Please take me to the Police Station. I want to surrender....

There was a strange peace in his face after sharing the secret to which everyone was privy except me. I didn't know what to say....
Father Rodrick smiled and.handed over his diary to me. I read the following quote...

"Don't cry

because it's over.
Smile because it happened."
-Dr. Seuss

A funeral is saying goodbye, but remembering who the person was and the difference he/she had made in others' lives give joy and incredible peace to his/her family. So, celebrating life even after it has sunk should be the most important ritual....






The fellow Blog-a-Tonics who took part in this Blog-a-Ton and links to their respective posts can be checked here. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton. Introduced By: BLOGGER NAME, Participation Count: 06

This story has been featured in 'What I've been reading this week#16 also!! Am truly honored and thrilled to be featured, Roshni...!! Thanks a lot!!...
Check the following link for a few more interesting links.... http://momofbigalittlea.blogspot.in/2012/11/what-ive-been-reading-this-week-16.html








107 comments:

  1. This is such a beautiful message !!!

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  2. This is a beautiful piece of writing. The selection of laconic words are the highlights of this piece of art. Awesome.

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    1. Welcome to my space, binzy :)) Coming from you, this is a very gratifying compliment. Thanks... :)))

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  3. wow- that was a sound piece of fiction. It was worth the time spent reading. Cheers and best of luck for BAT. :)

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    1. Muthu! Good to see you always!Thank you so much for your unstinting validation. They are much appreciated and treasured. :)))

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  4. A very touching post... loved reading left me feeling serene!

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    1. Thank you so much for the visit, and the endorsement, ME... :))))

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  5. That was Awesome! I loved the setting you have posed and the shocking start! Good luck!

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    1. Meoww...Thanks a lot.. you made my week... :)))))

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  6. Truly beautiful writing. So touching and true! We do have to remember the deceased person's gifts to us while they were living....and smile for what they gave us with their life.

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    1. Mary, That was an impressive comment. I am amazed at your perceptiveness..You wrapped it up so well:)) Thanks a million.

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  7. Wonderful narration of a poignant tale

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    1. Deeepak, I am glad you could relate to this... thank you for your words and for the visit... :))

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  8. Beautiful moving tale. Life... and the end of it, both are worth celebrating indeed.

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    1. Arti, I simply LOVED your comment... Thanks for coming by... It is lovely to see you here always... :))))
      Thank you,

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  9. Looks like Father Roderick is another Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

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    1. SG....
      As Kevorkian said--"dying is not a crime"...
      Thanks for coming by...

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  10. Mam, You have a gift of words, so beautiful, moving and powerful in its message. You are my inspiration, I wish I could write as good someday! My mom says we don't remember a person but the good that person did to us.

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    1. Meenakshi... I simply LOVED the last line of your comment... and your Mom is absolutely right! The goodness of a person stays and lives on...:))
      It's a blessing to get readers like you. And well, you write so well yourself!!!You are humble...and sweet :)
      Thanks for the encouragement, sweetheart.
      xoxo

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  11. that raises such an important question of whether the right to die with dignity should be made legal after all? call it euthanasia or liberation, the pain and the pleading is the same...

    the one who wants to be liberated, the one who tries to liberate and the law are all at loggerheads at this issue! with no clear solution in our country atleast!

    but i liked ur take on the issue, seeing it as a celebration in death too, in being liberated perhaps?

    as usual, wonderful narration and gripping, moving tale!

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    1. That was such a meaningful comment, princess :) Thanks for reading it so well!!

      Well, I believe in euthanasia... It should be made legal,if one is terminally ill, really down,and wants to end the suffering. His/her choice should be respected. Why should a life be compelled to live in pain?...Be a burden?!! As you correctly said, we do not see any hope in the near future in our country at least!:((
      I really appreciate your feedback. I am sure you will continue to grace my pages:)))
      Thanks for coming by..xoxo

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  12. Euthanasia is always a part to question but when we really understand the pian a person is going through it would be the right thing to do. A commendable post from you Dear Panchali Mam. Excellent depiction of pain, feelings & emotions involved. Your posts are always full of soul & make the readers experience an untouched emotion & a lovely take from your side Mam! :) Take care, All the best for BAT!

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    1. Tanya,

      People should defiantly have the right to end their lives, it only makes sense. Especially the terminally ill patients that are suffering in hospitals....!! Period.

      Coming from you Tanya, that was some compliment. I am sooo pleased :))))

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  13. Dear Panchali,
    Only a great writer can mould an inspiring story like this! I was engrossed, and involved in Father Roderick's story..that the message that it gave has hit me hard. Very well said..sometimes a few good words can change our perception, thinking and attitude towards life and living.
    Thanks for sharing such a beautiful piece of fiction. :)


    P.S. Thank God we have Internet+Blogaton+Contests+writers like you ..that people like me get to read such amazing stuff online :P

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    1. Megha, So glad you could get involved with the story.. It's just cruelty to keep people living in constant pain. Nobody should take away their choices. What's the use of prolonging the inevitable... ??

      Thank you for that lovely comment. It is MOST gratifying to win a pat on the back from someone you admire.
      Am glad we met...:))))))Thank you,

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    2. *Hugs* Panchali.. I wish to compliment you, for being so warm..always :)
      Really.. you are a Beautiful person indeed!

      I will definitely write about Euthanasia one day..because I agree with your take.. :)
      and m so happy to read your response to my remark..that it becomes such a sweet reason for me to keep blog-hopping each time.. :D .. I like coming here to read what you have written ..each time :) I say something.. just like an 'Email-conversation' :)

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    3. Hugs back, Megha :)))) awweee...I am so pleased..! Your comment has made me feel as if ' I am sitting on top of the world with a rainbow round my shoulders'... to borrow a phrase from PG Wodehouse.
      I am touched...thanks sweetheart :)

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    4. :) :) Glad to bring a smile to your face :)

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    5. Thanks for your precious vote, Megha :))) I am touched...

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  14. I would like to share something personal.. I have always felt very strong and deep about "plea to be free-from-life". I wish to write about Euthanasia and my take on it someday, don't know if it will be as meaningful like your story but I will leave a comment for you here..to read it :)

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    1. Great...I am waiting for your post now, Megha...:))
      It already goes on in tacit ways between doctors and their patients with terminal illnesses. If it were legal, it could be done in a better, controlled way. I am curious to know your point of view on the controversial topic...
      Leme know,please. Thanks Megha...

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    2. Totally agree :) .. I will let you know as I pen down my thoughts..

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    3. Start writing...look forward to read it, my dear :))xoxo

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  15. Very beautiful and moving post, Panchaliji. :)

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    1. Akshay...Always nice to have you here!! Thanks for the encouragement..:) Thanks a million.

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    1. Thanks Indrani...I really appreciate your feedback.:))

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  17. That is a disturbing tale rendered with such serenity. I can feel the dilemma of Father Roderick. It touched my heart. Thanks for sharing, Panchali!

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    1. Umashankar,

      I am glad you read to the last line.. I am so pleased to see you on my space. Thank you for your very 'sedate' words of appreciation...you made my day! Thanks a ton!

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  18. Wow..very nice ma'am and that too with a wonderful message! Kudos :)

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    1. Sayantani, I am pleased you find my thoughts coherent. Thanks for the kudos..I do appreciate :))))
      Thanks a bunch for that warm comment.... :)

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  19. Wonderful write-up, just perfect.

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    1. Rajesh, Delighted with your comment.. and visit of course. :)))
      Thanks a lot!!!

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  20. True and lovely...very touching post.
    Euthanasia should be made legal... at times it becomes difficult to see your loved one suffer.

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    1. Manjulika, See, this is why its such fun talking to intelligent people. Now you know why I appreciate your friendship...? !!! Glad you agree with me on Euthanasia...I've seen relatives, friends suffering through their final days because they didn't have the strength to euthanize themselves. How contradictory and uncivilized can we be...????
      Thanks a bunch for that warm comment.:))
      Hope to see you more on these pages...

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  21. Very touching Panchali and made more so by your narration.

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    1. Thanks Rajni... great to have you read this... :))) Sorry to make you sad..but, that's life, isn't it??
      Thanks a ton!

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  22. Beautiful! I too believe in the right to die with dignity!! You've raised a very important issue!

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    1. Roshni, I am not surprised you said this.. Thanks a lot for the endorsement. Death can be a release for those suffering, struggling daily to breathe and live, I'd rather offer a painless way out... There's dignity and beauty of human life in all of its stages, ...from beginning till the end !!
      You're amazing...hugs dear :)

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    2. I liked your story so much, I featured it. check it out here: http://momofbigalittlea.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-ive-been-reading-this-week-16.html
      Feel free to share!

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    3. Thank you so so much, Roshni! I am pleased, surprised, thrilled and gratified....
      Woo hoo!!!!

      Delete
  23. Wow this is some really heavy stuff but so beautifully written. I think the Dr. Suess quote sums it up nicely! Following you back now on your GFC. Thanks for visiting with me and I look forward to getting to know you!

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    1. menopausal mama....!!! Welcome aboard.Thank you for your encouraging words and for coming by...:))Thanks for the follow as well..:D
      The joy of the free life resonates through your posts. It is wonderful to see how carefree one could afford to be...May be you'll find my stuff a lot heavier and grimmer; but I'm sure, I am going to have a ball...:)) Waiting to read you more...
      Thanks a million for being here:D

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  24. True. She needs peace, but sad. Somehow, death and news of death scares me. But since it's a story, it's easy to read. simple and gripping narration.

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    1. FIF....Indeed, death is scary...but struggling through pain is even worse! It is rather depressing !
      Thank you for a beautiful comment... pleasure to see you here, always... :))))
      Thanks a ton!

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  25. Beautifully worded love-story, so unlike the usual celebration of life and love... But then when you truly and deeply love someone, their joy alone is visible and the mind blinds itself to everything else.

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    1. Welcome aboard, Reshma. Glad you agree with me, thanks for the validation... your words delight me. :))
      Hope to see you more...
      Thanks very much!

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  26. This is a very gripping tale with powerful characterization & narration-how could it be otherwise when Panchali bolchi ?
    All the best for your contest,i think he celebrated those years of togetherness with his final act.

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    1. Indu...Your comment has made me smile happily... thank you for adding the brightness of your sunny words to my space... :))))
      Exactly, 'he celebrated those years of togetherness with his final act"--Voila !!I am so happy that I managed to communicate what I wanted to in the story. It is always great to get confirmation and readers like you are so so precious..panchali-bolchi!! Shotti...:)))
      Thanks...

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  27. Euthanasia is something which requires much more attention than it is actually getting in our country .... Nice story Panchali Di...

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    1. Amit, Good to see you after a long time!! Thanks for the visit and the wonderful words of appreciation. They mean much to me...

      Cheers...

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  28. Beautiful. I forgot that it is your blog and thought somone is describing a true story. A lot of people bear with the pain as euthanasia is illegal. Life is not meant to be an endless suffering. Unfortunately, it is for some and in those situations we ought to allow euthanasia.

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    1. Your comment, Sabyasachi points out the paradox our country is in...Why is it ok to kill people in war? Execute people for crimes, but when a law abiding citizen wants to end his suffering he's not allowed. Strange isn't it?
      Thanks so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts. And thanks for the words of appreciation... :)))))

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  29. Great work Panchali ! Everyone should have a right to live with dignity and die with dignity. There are definitely some circumstances when euthanasia should be an option .

    I loved reading the story . All the very best !

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    1. TTT, Coming from you its a HUGE compliment. :))) Yes, I believe Euthanasia should be legal and people should defiantly have the right to end their own lives, esp the terminally sick cases!
      Thanks a lot!

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  30. hmmm well a lovely message in the end. we waste so muchtime in crying and all .. whereas as the message says if we smiled that it was all over then we can move on , to do other things which may bring more smiles :)


    all the best for the contest

    Bikram's

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    1. So good to see you always, Bikram... I am thrilled you liked it.. and the treatment. As for the 'smiles'.... ahem...! He he he...
      I don't mind you pulling my leg... I don't at all. :)))LOL..
      Thank you!!!

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  31. I, too, thought I was reading a true story. It is as true and as beautiful as any story could be, "true" or not. A really fantastic write. Thank you so much.

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    1. Dave,

      The story is 100% fiction. Your wondering whether it is 'true or not', is a huge compliment...! I am much gratified... :))))

      Good to see you here... as always...
      Thanks a bunch!

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  32. Oh my Panchali di....IT was like I was sitting next to that man and listening to his story....Hats off to your narration! Splendid!

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    1. Jayshree! aha---thank you very much :))))Thanks so much for your unstinting validation. They are much appreciated and treasured. :)))
      God bless you...and with lots of love,

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  33. Its such a poignant and so emotionally charged writing...moved me very much.
    and it was all about love in the end.

    - Asha

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    1. Welcome aboard, Asha. Thank you for coming here... and permitting this to drench you.:)) Now since we have met, hope to see you more on these pages !
      Thanks for that wonderful feedback...

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  34. I dont know from where you get those words! THE art of story telling...

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    1. Sathish... like a stream, my thoughts keep flowing languorously in and out..go crazy at times. LOL.. thanks!:)

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    1. Rahul.. am so thankful to you for appreciation. It is a great encouragement and I value it from the bottom of my heart.

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  36. It's very touchy & conversational! And, the message is very poignant too! Life is, indeed, a journey and it doesn't end with the cremation of corpse.

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    1. Thanks Gayatri...Isn't it ironical that we enter the world creating a huge noise
      and leave the world without making noise for us :((( sigh!
      Glad you agree with me about the message :))
      Thanks so much :)

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  37. Euthanasia should be legalized with a certain framework. You have made your point with the story. I did not understand why Father Roderick is full of guilt although he did what he did with a lot of conviction. "Please take me to the Police Station. I want to surrender...."
    ATB for BAT.

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    1. Welcome to my space, Pavil...the inner-most voice can be most soothing at times and could get most piercing too - when it is the voice of the inner conscience :)The guilt pricks..

      thanks - for your wishes and comment :)

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  38. beautifully written...the message so fantastically delivered
    ATB for BAT :)

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    1. Karan,

      I am so thankful to you for appreciation. It is a great encouragement and I value it from the bottom of my heart.
      Best wishes to you too :))
      Thanks a ton!

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  39. Beautiful story, ma'am. I felt like Father was in front of me confessing.

    ATB for BAT.

    Do visit my blog too. would love to hear your thoughts on my amateur pieces of writing :)

    http://thefluidthinker.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Jai shruti....A pleasure to see you gracing my space. Thank you lady. Hope to see you more... :)))
      Surely, I shall be there soon :) Thanks a bunch!

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  40. Hi Panchali di..
    First of all sorry for visiting your space so late ...and as soon as I dropped in here I found you have already received lots and lots of bouquets on your writing...Whether my words be worthy enough for you??...Still i wanna say that its such a phenomenal story with sumptuous narration..Great job..:)
    When I went through my story again I was looking for some corner to hide myself for such naive pen down...

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    1. Odyzz....Firstly let me apologize for the delay in replying. Have been a bit busy with puja and all. Thank you so much for your generous appreciation. Really glad that you enjoyed it and a million thanks for your VOTE...:))Am grateful re..
      And yes, you are such a good writer, so please... stop embarrassing me :(((
      xoxo

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  41. That is such a beautiful message. Wonderful write-up!
    ATB for BAT! :)

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    1. Ritvik,
      Thank you for taking time to visit this post AND for your precious VOTE:))) I am humbled...Feels good to have you read this Ritvik. A writer definitely needs encouragement.. :)))) Thanks a bunch.

      ps-- I apologize for the delay in responding...have been a bit tied down :(

      Delete
  42. Right to live with dignity and Right to Die with dignity - both are important. Alas, we haven't reached even the first one ...
    Good story.

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    1. aativas

      Sadly, what you say is so true...Only God knows when we'll learn to give proper rights!!We are so surrounded by the negativity that we forget abt there are positive aspects in negative things as well which keep life moving with dignity...
      Thanks for your visit and sharing your comment...
      Cheers!

      Delete
  43. Smile, because it happened! Had this though in my head, but I would have NEVER come up with the idea of Euthanasia.

    Simply loved some of the ideas at play in this piece. [Respectful bows]

    There's one idea that I'll definitely copy in future (not the words, but the thought), thanks for introducing me to it - [Quote] ....But, time rearranged itself according to wants, and corrected our relationship....[@panchalibolchi]

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    1. Wow...To illicit such a response... the write-up must have touched you, unknownshri). I am overwhelmed by your feedback...Allow me to feel smug :))
      Thanks a bunch for your valuable VOTE too. Without you people, this story wouldn't have reached where it has reached today!! Thanks..
      About the 'time' part--I firmly believe that things get sorted out according to desires.We all change, over time everyone shifts in life. Glad you agree...
      Thanks a lot! And I hope to see you more here :))

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  44. Dear Panchalidi,

    I had read the quote you used at the end but believe me, it had not been used as beautifully as you have done here.

    You have made this poignant tale so warm and humane. I wish father is not punished. He did what he had to. Your personal picture was used so well:)

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    1. Ghaz...Happy happy to read your appreciation...:D No, I'll make sure that father doesn't get punished, and then he should go to his grave with all happy memories.:))
      I feel blessed since a story-teller of your stature has justified my writing.. :))
      Thank you so much...

      Delete
  45. This is a beautiful piece of writing.. I'm glad you won the BATOM :) Please keep writing for BAT and sorry for stopping late here :( I was busy with personal life :)

    Someone is Special

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    1. SiS,

      Thank you so much for your generous appreciation. Really glad that you enjoyed it and
      a million thanks for your BATOM...!!! You made my day...
      I hope I see more of you on these pages... :))
      Thank you, once again.

      Delete
  46. You read the message so well, Ashwini...I feel blessed since you justify my thoughts. Thanks for the precious VOTE and comments!I am honored...:)
    Please do visit again...

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  47. The story is just too awesome... Having belief in our most beloved ones more than the God... Nice line of thought and the emotions are too well conveyed.. You deserve the BATOM :) Congrats ...

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  48. Panchali Mam,

    You know what mam, I hate myself for reading this marvelous write up so late... :( Dipped in emotions and love it is a complete package of thoughts which are needed to be think upon... Loved it so so so much... :)

    -Aayu :)

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  49. Now, that's another great Dr, Seuss quote. It's only recently that I came to realise the funerals don't have to be about thinking about the loss of a life and that it could also be about the celebration of a life well-lived. How positive!
    Your stories are always so beautifully written. Always a pleasure to read, Panchali di. :)

    Happy Diwali to you. :)

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  50. A very poignant and touching post Panchali. Though I have mixed opinions about euthanasia, I do believe in celebrating life. When my father passed away, we had e a short write up with the title ' a celebration of life' during the ceremony...

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  51. Sorry Harikrishna, Ayushi, Divya, Deepa...

    Apparently, the reply button is not functioning. I will try to respond once again.Sorry about the delay in responding. Have been a bit busy.
    ..thank you so much for your visit. Happy to read your appreciation. Glad that this post held your interest.
    Panchali

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  52. Now that I read it ,the realization once again hit me ,how much was I missing the serene flow of your words,the just right selection of words and the perfect measure of emotions.Profound So much grief and loss,it could have tilted towards being heavy but when Panchali talks even sadness brings calm.It all depends upon our handling.Isn't it dear.
    love
    namita

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  53. What a wonderful descriptive story.

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  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

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