Best Days Of Our Lives

Best Days Of Our Lives

Janardhan Roye


Meeting with the overseas buyers over, the man stood alone in the cabin when the phone rang. It was his sixyear-old . Will you fly a kite with me The request sounded urgent. I am in the office. I cant come now , the man began, but soon changed mind when he heard the boy say, Its nice and windy here. Cant you get your boss to let you out The man laughed and said, I am the boss here. Thats whyokay. Ill be there soon. Informing his secretary he was done for the day, he was off like greased lightning manoeuvring the car in the afternoons thick Bangalore traffic. At home, he changed into jeans and rushed to the playground where a blue sky, fleecy clouds and a delighted little fellow gleefully greeted him. Soon, the happy duo had the paper kite up above the houses and trees, talking and laughing with carefree abandon. On the way home, the boy said, Easily one of my bestest days, Dad!
Years later, the man sat on a bench waiting. Behind him, beyond the shimmering water was the red Golden Gate bridge and ahead cars struggled up the hill. Finally a blue-grey sedan pulled up. A young beaming techie emerged, all apologies. Sorry. I hope you didnt have to wait long The man smiled and said, No, did you finish your work I am sorry to have rushed you. I finished my work, dont worry. We have the afternoon to ourselves . So how was the museum he asked briskly taking the car on the road, Did you enjoy the Rodin statue and all that Soon, they were taking dim-sums with Chinese tea and joking and talking like long-lost buddies of Le Penseur, wealthy Americans supporting the arts, family jokes. The good times continued at Fort Point, the old lighthouse. In the distance, near Alcatraz , people on surfboards and multicoloured parachutes skidded on the water. Later, passing Crissy Field, they saw pelicans and seagulls and children and dogs romping in the park. A small boy flew a kite. And by his side stood a smiling man in a blazer with an open laptop near his feet. Observing them, the man with the Legion of Honor admission sticker on his jacket, said, This has been one wonderful fun afternoon. Easily one of my best days. Thanks, son!