F.R.I.E.N.D.S

It was the summer of 1984 when my dad had a fall from our terrace and sustained multiple fractures in his right lower limb. After a month of care and multiple surgeries in a hospital, the difficult part of rehabilitation began. My mom, a physiotherapist was an asset to him for recovery.
Mr Kumar was a childhood friend of my dad who was a huge 6 feet tall giant, weighing about 300 pounds but with a child like heart. He loved my dad a lot. After his job hours, he used to rush to our place on a bullet bike to help mobilise my dad who was incidentally heavy too, those days. He used to physically lift my dad up to the terrace and help him walk with a crutches and then a walker. After a period of intensive exercise for a period of 2 months, My dad walked again without even a stick for support. I thanked Mr kumar from the bottom of my heart. Had it not been for his dedicated efforts, My dad would have never walked again.

He shifted his base to his native town laced with sugarcane fields. We used to go at times to spend our vacations there. At mornings, he used to jump on us kids and intentionally fall upon us to crush us to an awakening. We all used to laugh and tickle him to get him off our meek frames. He was an excellent cook too and personally used to supervise the proceedings in the kitchen at times. His appetite was awesome. His belly was like a big pot, filled only with love for everyone.

As time elapsed, We grew, Our families drifted apart and a solitary phone kept the relation alive. A few years back, Mr Kumar succumbed to Diabetes and Heart disease in his native town. I cried, along with my dad. My dad rushed for his rites. He had lost his childhood friend, a true friend who had stood by him in his adverse times. A gem of a friend.

I'm also blessed with friends who have cared for and supported me in my tough times. They have kept me alive and kicking in my bad times.
My dad was relieved of the crutches by his friend.

My friends are the crutches who support me in every walk of life.