He replied gruffly,

"it is not the coffee, but the fact that I made it a point to meet him that is important. Both of us are old, and we may not meet again". I was skeptical. 14/n

But the beauty of it was that his friend was not at all surprised to see him with a flask of coffee that he drank with relish.

Standing back, watching two old friends share coffee, albeit for 3 minutes, I learned a big lesson in life. 15/n

What friendship really is and that personal gestures do count.

My father was tired by the time he reached home. The meeting lasted the whole of 3 minutes, the journey one hour thirty minutes.

Within three months I got the news that my fathers friend had passed away. 16/n

I had a lump on my throat.

What if I had not taken my father that day?.

The picture of two old men sharing a quiet moment is etched in my memory. 17/n

Have we lost the old world courtesy?

Our house was always open to anyone at any point of time. There was always food for one extra person on any given day in our house.

We never turned back anyone who came to us for help, whatever our inconveniences . 18/n

We, the children, had to come out and greet the guests always.

We were encouraged to interact with the guests, allowed to sit through discussions and we in turn learned a lot from them.

It constituted a critical component of growing up.19/n

Why have we changed?

Why are we more self centred?

How can we expect others to help us when we don't take the trouble to lend a supporting hand?

Have we really progressed?

People always whine that "no one is helping me". 20/n

My repsonse always is

"when was the last time you helped someone?".

The answer is invariable

'i dont remember'. 21/n

I try to follow the simple principle that has ruled Indian household from time immemorial

"Adhithi Devo Bhava".

My doors are always open at any time of the day or night.

I always have a welcome smile and a cup of coffee for my guests. And my time is at their disposal. 22/n

When people ask me when it is convenient to visit my home to meet me, my standard response is

"Anytime of your choice" 23/n

I always find time to send a personal reply to all my incoming mails or messages

I cannot change others, but at least I can ensure I practice some old world courtesy. n/n

PS: I am overwhelmed by the response I got for this thread. I really appreciate your value added comments and kind words. I tried to reply or acknowledge each of you individually. Kindly treat this as my sincere thanks in case someone was missed out