RESEMBLANCE
For a moment, I got completely lost. I tried my best to assemble all my memories to figure out how he knew me, but I was unable to.With a shocked face and shaky hands, I asked,"How do you know my name, sir?"
As I questioned him, he looked a bit upset. Neither did I know which of my words hurt him, nor did I care. The only things I cared about were why he was staring at me, and how he knew my identity.He put his newspaper on the desk in front of him, pushed his spectacles up on his head, and said,"I’m your dad’s friend—your Veeru uncle."
As he said his name, all my childhood memories flashed back.
I remembered him joining us for non-veg dinners.
I remembered him being the coolest uncle in town with the most fashionable clothes.
I remembered him buying stationery, toy cars, and sunglasses for me and my siblings.I remembered him being the funniest one at birthday parties.
I remembered him swinging with us at the park without any embarrassment.
Everything came rushing back to me like a film playing through a projector.I always thought I was an independent, strong, and stoic girl. I always felt like nostalgia was nothing—until I came face-to-face with "REMEMBER ME!" (dine -in name)
I don’t know how, but out of the blue, my eyes filled with tears of nostalgia. My whole body was trembling, but I still replied to him with utmost courage,"Oh… Namaste, Veeru uncle. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. I never knew this was your dine-in."
Pushing himself back into his chair to get more comfortable,
he said,"It’s okay, beta. I know nowadays youngsters even forget their parents. I’m just an uncle."
Everything suddenly felt heavy in the air. His intentions weren’t wrong, but his words crushed my heart like a hammer—perhaps because they were true.Sometimes, we focus so much on our careers that we forget the people who built us.
In my case, my career wasn’t even on my side. I was living a life I might never have imagined. Having money was one of my goals, but the cost I was paying was never worth it.
With a calmer and softer tone, I said,"So, Veeru uncle, you were staring at me to recognize me, huh! I told you,You won’t be the cool one forever."
He laughed and replied,"Oh yes! Maybe my eyes don’t work properly anymore, but I still wear fashionable clothes, don’t I?"
I laughed too, with all my heart—just like I used to go back home."Uncle, how did you end up here and open this amazing place? I remember you working with my dad. What happened?"
The constant ringing of order bells interrupted our long-awaited conversation.
He smiled warmly and replied,"I worked almost 15 years with your father—my best friend. I won’t lie, those years were kind to me, but something was missing. Society claims government jobs are the safest and happiest, but for me, they weren’t.Of course, I liked the money, but not the job. When I was little, I dreamed of being an owner, not a servant—which is what I felt like in that job.One day, I shared my dream of opening a restaurant with your father, and being the most supportive friend, he helped me in every way. From giving me the idea of a dine-in to funding it without interest, he stood by me like no one else."
"Your dad even suggested I start a business in Delhi. He told me that you once mentioned how popular food was here in Delhi."
Suddenly I felt guilty . I realized that even the smallest things I’d shared with my father were so valuable to him.In this selfish world, where everyone is busy and no one cares about your feelings—my father does. He always does.
The receptionist beside him kept glancing at my face—maybe she noticed how emotional I was.I ignored her, walked around the desk, and hugged my favorite uncle—the way I used to in childhood. I said goodbye with the deepest love in my heart.
"I’ll come back, uncle… and next time, I won’t pay the bill!"With eyes shining, he smiled and said,"B-bye, beta."
As I turned around and walked toward the gate, crossing the hall, I realized how this random afternoon had changed me.So many things had resembled my past—the past filled with excitement, rush, joy, and calmness.
The air outside felt breezy. Suddenly, I was no longer annoyed by the cacophony of vehicles.I realized how stupid I had been—so nonchalant about my life.The routine I had been following was not at all what I truly wanted.
Now… I don’t even know what I truly desire.
Dear readers, what do you think the protagonist actually wants in her life ?
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