Lonely Winter Nights

 

As the mercury plummeted to eight degrees last night, memories of my arrival in Lucknow a decade ago flooded back. It was the exact same time of the year. Career aspirations had drawn me to this city, but I was blissfully unaware of its harsh winter climate.

Financial constraints prevented me from acquiring warm bedding to endure the severe cold. Armed only with a thin blanket from home, my attempts to sleep at nights were futile. Midnight brought shivers, and I would awaken, trembling, yearning for the comforting warmth of home. Tears would stream down my face as I longed for someone to share the chill with, someone to cuddle and nestle with on cold winter nights. Yet, it seemed that fate had its own plans for each of us. The dream of finding true love to embrace on such wintry nights remained unfulfilled.

Fast forward to yesterday night, and the chill was just as intense as it was a decade ago. I Found myself once again with only a thin blanket for solace. A profound sense of loneliness crept over me, and I yearned for someone to call my own. Someone with whom I could share warmth and comfort. However, it appeared that God had different plans for me. This chapter of my quest for love and companionship on a cold winter night remains a poignant, unrealized dream.

Even now, a warm quilt eluded me. It wasn't a matter of affordability now, but rather the absence of a home. I currently reside in a temporary accommodation at a temple's ashram, making do with whatever provisions are available. With both body and heart ailing, I tried to find solace in sleep, wrapped in my thin blanket as the temperature dipped to seven or eight degrees Celsius. I whispered a silent prayer to the Lord, "O Lord, I am cold and shivering. Please, lull me to sleep." I drifted into slumber without realizing when it happened.

The following morning, as if by magic, a knock sounded at my door. To my surprise, a man stood there with a thick blanket and a room heater. He explained that they were sent to me to ensure my comfort amidst the falling temperatures. Overwhelmed, tears welled up in my eyes as I expressed my gratitude to the divine.

 Although the room still feels lonely, at least it is warm now.