To my Swati,
I met Swati at ACTREC. There's a kind of boldness in her walk, the way she talks. Sassy! And super cute. I remember a dialogue from a movie Gangubai Kathiyawadi: Kisi se nahi darneka.... Aage khud sunlena. That's her. Khaneka, pineka, aur aish karne but apna kaam karne ka. In a very short period of time, we (Mayo, swats, and I) got close. Actually, thanks to saptarsi. He made the first move. We visited a nursery at ACTREC to feed dogs together. Common love! I once uttered (randomly) I am craving for vada-pav and jalebi! This girl got me these after a few days of remembering my taste😂And, meko aake boli ki bro khaake jana tere liye laya hai. She is 30 years old at present and I am 24. It never felt like she was my senior. It's rare to find someone who will never judge you and understand you for who you're. Explain to you the things you don't know about. That's her! She's a gem.
It was time for me to leave ACTREC. Mayo, Swati, and Shubham planned a short farewell for me with some emotional handwritten notes and gifts! Knowing I am a sucker for these. Itne kam time pe itne close hogaye the ki thoda senti atmosphere tha. After a few days at home, random video calls, and messages I get to know that Swati met a stranger: "cancer". She told me before it's just a lump. But turns out later to be a tumor. Personally, I was numb. This girl was still smiling! No wonder she's my inspiration. We were just chatting one day and she told me she recently had a break-up. I asked if she really loves him. She said of course I do. It was for 3 years. How can someone leave you after spending 3 years with you and discussing marriage? Getting close to each other's family and calling It off. It was difficult for her. I could sense and relate. But, she's far more mature than I am. I asked her why don't you text and tell him? She said it's of no use now. She also said "I feel like I was walking in a dark tunnel with him holding my hands. Just two of us walking. And suddenly, he leaves my hand and disappears. I am alone now in that dark tunnel. Searching my way. I haven't stopped walking. I am still walking. Alone though. But I am still walking. In the search of light. Let's see where it takes me. I have faith in bappa". I was speechless. Wondering when will I have this maturity? Maybe because I am 24. But, she taught me a lot when she shared her story with me. And with her consent, I shared here.
Mayo informed me about her surgery. I called Swati up when she was done with it. Couldn't listen to her voice. Couldn't listen to her pain. The stapler pins were hurting, the tubes were hurting, she said. I was cold and numb when she shared her pictures with me. What kind of lady are you, Swati? How do you do it? Hats off! Not only to you but also to your mom and the doctors. I am more than grateful to have a friend like you in my life.
She's still fighting. But serving science. Ye Sirf trailer tha. Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost😉
Until the next story,
Yours,
Shraddha.
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