No one who does good work will ever come to a bad end, either here or in the world to come” - Bhagvad Gita
I had been going to the same coffee shop down the street for the past two weeks. Chris and Mark were the counter attendants. The authentic Spanish ambience was elegant and cosy. It was a trendy place to unwind and relax. Chocolate-brown walls, decorated with Roman and Greek paintings, added a warm feeling. The blue tiles, sturdy black iron chairs, pendant lamps, and the floor to ceiling curtain comforted me. It was a simple coffee shop, but very well-designed.
Chris always welcomed me with a big smile, whereas Mark was mainly busy maintaining the accounts. I would spend my evening hours there, sipping my favourite cappuccino while writing poems. Chris regularly served it to me, steaming hot, in a pre-warmed mug - with extra foam and a chocolate muffin. He always walked up to me with the tray in his hands and a flower in his pocket. After serving the cappuccino he would place the flower next to my laptop - and I always blushed in return.
One day I asked Chris to listen to one of my poems - about friendship. He patiently listened. He looked all over my face, as if he was trying to read my sentiments. At the end he gave me a thumbs up, and walked back to the counter. I was glad he liked my poem.
I began to narrate every new poem to Chris. He would sit silently, and patiently listen to me. Most of the times he would still look all over my face - but he never uttered a word. This continued for a while, until one day I saw Mark bring me my coffee. I thought Chris had taken a day off. I did not let it bother me much but did feel a bit concerned. I asked Mark hesitantly, “I do not see Chris. Is he fine?” Mark smiled and answered, “Yes, Chris is perfectly fine.” I stuttered and asked, “Has he taken a day off?” Mark answered, “No. He will now be working in the morning shift. He has started teaching some deaf and mute children in the evenings, and on the weekends. Chris is a deaf-mute; he wants to help deaf-mute children, through his knowledge and experience. He offers free classes, to help these children lead a ‘normal’ life.
I was speechless - at a loss for words. I questioned Mark, “Chris used to listen to my poems… how can this be possible?” Mark responded, “You never noticed it. He never answered any of your questions. He used to look all over your face, to try and understand your poems. You can go meet him at his school.” On my way I tried to recollect some of the moments spent with Chris. He had always welcomed me with a big smile, but never spoken to me. He had never given me a verbal feedback on my poems. He had never asked me a question.
At school, Chris was busy writing notes on the whiteboard. After a few seconds he noticed me standing outside his class. He walked up to me. I was speechless… overwhelmed. I just hugged him, and gave him a thumbs up. I tried hard to describe my feelings to him. He held my hand and took me to his classroom. He introduced me to all his students. He took a flower from the vase on his table, and gave it to me. I politely told him, “You make me feel so special. I will never forget you.” Chris was again looking all over my face. He just hugged me tight.
“The ultimate lesson all of us have to learn is unconditional love, which includes not only others but ourselves as well” - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Internationally published author of ‘14 Pearls of Inspiration’ and the '12 Facets of a Crystal’
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