Touch of love

My next door neighbours are an old couple with kids all settled in their lives. They were sceptical when they came to know in the beginning that their next door neighbour is a woman staying alone. As time passed we came closer. Needless to say, I won their hearts. Food started getting shared between the two houses, the lady found a confidante in me. They started seeking my pwhen they faced problems with their PC. We started getting very fond of each other. Then came the shock. They were shifting to another area. As the day drew near, tragedy stuck and they had to go to their village due to a sudden demise in the family. We said our byes and I closed the door. I felt a pinch in my heart but I promised myself I wont think too much, I wont get too attached to them or else I will hurt myself. Love and attachment always leads to pain in separation. Days passed by and I got busy in my routine and practicing getting used to their final leaving when they return and go about with their delayed schedule of shifting. Yesterday, I returned to the empty home and as I proceeded to the kitchen to cook, my cell started ringing. Irritated (I was in a rotten mood yesterday remember???) I rushed to pick the call. My neighbour's name flashed on the screen. I smiled and answered. The next few minutes of conversation was touching. The old lady had called to find out how I was. She said they called because they missed me. I could hear the old man prodding his wife to tell me to eat properly and not to skip any meal. Tears welled in my eyes. I told them I missed them too. I hung coz I did not want to foolishly break down with their knowledge. I switched off the gas and sat down. I could not hold back my tears any longer. Who was I to them? They were treating me as their own daughter. They cared for me. They showed this rebel child their unadulterated love.
In our fast paced lives, does it take too much time to reach out? Appreciate someone today, make that call you delayed for a while today. Egos can wait. Procrastination may mar that relationship. Greet a stranger. Appreciate even a stranger who warmed your heart with even a small gesture. Make a difference in someone's life.
I got up and finished my cooking. The food tasted even better. Maybe its that old couple's love that added up to the taste..........