Gnana Sundar, our Man Friday

 Tall, fair, light eyes- that's our Gnana Sundar or Sundar for short- as per his name he is indeed good looking and an enlightened soul. He has been the Man Friday in our street exclusively. He has been serving as the Security Guard, Housekeeping gardener, car cleaner, dog walker, source of maids, cooks, butler etc. in my apartment since three decades. 

He is such a compassionate person, benevolent to his extended family to the point of his family getting irritated with his kind acts. One has to learn from Sundar on how to be a loving spouse and father. It is so cute to see him with his wife, Rani. I have never seen him raise his voice or get angry with anyone. Always polite, punctual and conscientious he is also the epitome of honesty. He is so concerned about our safety that he would never allow an unknown person to knock at our door without him being present. He would ensure our doors are locked properly. He carries out our banking job as well. So much so my neighbour even entrusts his debit card to Sundar. 

Very few people have escaped my short temper. Sundar is one of those rare persons. One cannot help being courteous in his presence and towards him.

Sundar is now diagnosed with a thyroid related carcinoma. Doctors cannot do much. This evening his son was having a conversation with me. Being pampered by his father till now, he has suddenly grown into a fine young man overnight after the diagnosis.  

He shared his earlier dreams of owning a house and a car etc. He had taken his father for granted. He never realised how much of hard work was put in by his father. Single handedly Sundar would wash cars, clean our premises, go to the shop/ bank and serve as Security guard. Now both his sons and nephews and friends pitch in to help him fulfill his duties. 

His son said now he realises the value of life; value of his father's life and that all those dreams are meaningless. Life is a big question mark. 

The naive boy's conversation brought tears rolling down. 

Sundar deserves all our prayers and best wishes.