I had a friend, known to be a brash person. He was anything but. He did not start out as a friend, exactly the opposite. I would make a U turn as soon as I saw him at a distance. The brusque manner of talking he had felt like sandpaper against my skin. Then i got myself into a whole lot of trouble. When he came to know i am stuck, the usual imperviousness turned to concern. What amused me was that his eyes were always tender, but his tone had the same "I don't know why i am wasting my time" edge. With that strange duality, he stuck with me through thick and thins, never demanding anything in return. (Except to be left alone. He needs more personal space than a python). Invisible, he remained on the sidelines, moving in when he saw i was about to crash. Then when my life sorted itself out, he disappeared. I make the occasional (if i turn it into often i risk triggering a backlash) call. The response to any such nicety is generally, "Kya hua?" The same question and the same tone i know so well. One which says he is ready to act if i am in a situation but if all's well, he'd rather be left undisturbed, thank you very much.
He taught me what being unconditional is. He taught me how to be a good human being without making a fuss about it. Because of him, i know i would do the same for someone who needs it, without congratulating myself.
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