My heart was beating fast as I dialed the number. It rang five times before it was picked up. It got disconnected. I dialed again. This time it was picked up the first time. A familiar voice from long ago answered the phone. I was elated because I was speaking with the person after twenty five long years. He was sixty seven years when I moved city due to work. He is ninety two years now. I also felt a deep sense of remorse and sadness, for he had lost his wife a few days ago, a woman who meant everything to him for well over sixty years. He was a theatre artist when he was young and became a consummate writer till he lost his eyesight completely about two decades ago. His wife had stood by him through his loss and thereafter. I felt this overwhelming urge to speak with him and offer my condolences on the passing away of his wife.

When I identified myself, he was very quick to recognize me. His voice was clear and sharp as it was twenty five years ago. He said, “Everyone has to pass away. That is the only destination that every living being can be certain of reaching. Her time had come, and she had to go.” There was no despair or sadness in his speech.  After a brief pause, he added, “I had accepted the impermanence of bodily existence very early in my life. I also conditioned my mind to let go of the things over which I have no control. These two aspects helped me navigate the vagaries of life with my soul intact.” I was astonished by the way he was speaking - with calmness and composure.

“How do you spend your time?” I asked him. He laughed and replied, “I don’t spend time, for time is precious. I treasure the time that is given to me. ” His words had a soothing effect on me. I promised to call him often and he welcomed it. He had given me precious life lessons cheerfully - that of acceptance, of letting go, and of treasuring the time given to us.