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Poetry

The Writer on the Hill

Kisholoy Roy writes of his encounter with Ruskin Bond

One evening at a city mall,
I met an elderly gentleman
at a café stall.
He seemed jovial and accessible.
His demeanour was 
pleasing and lovable. 
I was killing time 
with nothing to do.
Chatting with someone interesting –
I always love to do.
The gentleman’s persona was magnetic
“You would love conversing with him,”
said my gut feeling and my whim.
Why not introduce myself?
Thought I.
After all there was no harm
in saying Hi!
My introduction was short and formal.
The gentleman seemed impressed, 
and his reaction – cordial. 
“Why don’t you sit?
Then we can have a chat.
You seem interesting, 
and I, hopefully, will not be boring.”
I loved the offer and heartily accepted.
‘A lovely conversation’ – was the least I expected.
The gentleman introduced himself –
“I am Mr Bond – no not James but 
Ruskin…Ruskin Bond.
I am a writer from the hill.
You know Pari Tibba?
That’s where I often chill.”
As we conversed more,
I learnt more and more.
About the hills, about Dehra,
about Landour -- its flora and fauna.
About Mr Bond’s books,
the characters in them
and their looks, 
some incredible encounters,
some well learnt lessons,
some indelible moments,
some wise comments.
An hour passed and then
he got up.
As his driver arrived
for the pickup. 
We wished each other and bade goodbye.
“Take care my friend” said he, 
“until we meet next time.”
Humbled and quenched
That’s how I summarise
Meeting Mr Bond that evening
was surely a pleasant surprise. 

Dr Kisholoy Roy is a PhD in Management with several years of teaching experience at the PG level. He is a published author of several books on management and has also authored fictions and books on cricket and cricketers listed on Amazon and other online bookstores. He has two published poetry collections titled, Thoughts of a Novice Poet and Perspectives.

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