She came over to my place after office one Tuesday evening.

I was weak and pale.

Barely able to stand up on my feet.

Temperature rising beyond control.

The day before, I had driven with my aunt and cousins a few hundreds of kilometers from a wedding event in Bankura (congratulations, Mamada and Mamidi) to Madhyamgram and then headed home.

During my brief halt at Madhyamgram, I found myself petting a cat - an old, grumpy cat (just like Dona 🌚).

Few strokes on the head later, he swung his claws at me and narrowly scratched the base of my little finger (come on, you really thought my reflexes are faster than a feline’s?)

It didn’t hurt. But I was in no way going to risk it and avoid getting vaccinated. Two days later, I was supposed to be catching a flight to Bangalore and catch my childhood favourite musicians on stage, barely a few feet ahead of me (Avenged Sevenfold foREVer).

Upon arriving home that night, I took a walk. Reached the local government run hospital, and took my first dose of anti-rabies vaccination (let me tell you, it is painful). I kept my parents uninformed, wanting to cause them no hassle and concern during their stay in Bankura, specially when I would be flying 1800Km away in two days (with a hectic layover, no less). I walked home in silence and went to sleep.

The following day, I was attending office. I had no choice - taking a leave that day would result in silly consequences, thanks to their super silly leave policies. It was a day-long uphill battle. Surviving on Paracetamol tablets to keep my temperature under control. It was all the vaccine after-effects - and in the next 24 hours, I would have to be mid-air.

Towards sunset, the doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole - and saw black. I knew who it was. Dona has a habit of blocking the peephole whenever she would come over. It’s playful. And cute.

Enter Her Majesty.

She hugged me, and helped me get some food and medicine. I felt better. I knew I was doing better. I knew the fever would be gone soon. I knew my flights the following day would be smooth (spoiler alert, they were).

Few hours of her lovely, warm company went by like the breeze of the sunset sky. I was in awe - it was the first time she was there beside me when I was low. In strength and optimism. Her act of showing up was enough to get me back on my feet.

As she booked her cab and walked downstairs, I couldn’t help but think to myself “Well, this lady has an impact on me during my lows!” 

I called her up to give her company during her intercity cab ride (zip it, Sonarpurians). Somewhere during the conversation, she said “You might want to check your wallet.”

I knew I was in for a surprise (albeit slightly confused). But I did not know what awaited.

I grabbed my wallet, and of course, found a tiny card inside. It was a Men’s Day special card. I had no idea it was Men’s Day that day. This is what it read in red ink:

“Hey Dipu,

Thanks for being one of the most special men in my life!

Happy Men’s Day!!

PS: I LOVE YOU

~ DONA”

Enough to make a grown man cry :)