(Written on November 18, 2017)
An 86 years old shivering Ao man came and sat in the last chair of our church. His eyes were so deep into his skull that it almost seems like a miracle that he doesn't use spectacles. I am uncertain if he cannot afford spectacles or doesn't like to wear them.
For some reason, as I shook hands with him, he kept saying how much Bengalis and Keralites did for education in Nagaland. He repeated the same as I held his giant umbrella over him, mentioning to him that four people could get under it.
I accompanied him to Pastor's place and he insisted in paying the auto fare. I couldn't let him pay. While we sat and talked with others, he said how much Bengalis and Keralites changed the education in Nagaland. He was also very eager to meet the land owner of the pastor because, strangely, he wanted to say 'thanks' to him for accommodating pastor and his family.
When we got out, as I held the umbrella upon his head again and started to walk at the speed of 1 km/hr, he kept repeating still how much... well, you know!
We got into an auto, and I could see him fighting to find a note among the many papers he kept in his shirt's pocket. I was prepared to not allow him pay the fare, but didn't stop him while he rummaged the contents of his pocket.
Then, while the auto was still in movement, he turned to me and forced a Rs 50 note in my hand saying I should buy something with it and eat.
I couldn't use the note and now it stays in the secret pocket of my wallet.