I was invited by Nazia (final year student at the Lycee)for lunch.She wanted me to meet her parents as they were very keen on meeting me.
So Nazia's dad picked us up from school and what a grand welcome I received from the whole family.Her mum had prepared a huge feast for me.Well Nazia is from Pakistan & has been in France for the last 4 years.Her dad's been living for the last 30 years.They kept serving me one after the other- biryani,curries,salad,rotis,chutney,Kheer & what not.Her mum was going to make pakodas too.Since I had to get back to school I told her not to.I had a delicious meal after nearly a month.Guess what 's happening next...
they are packing food for the night .I was overwhelmed by their hospitality
It hasn't ended yet.then when I'm about to leave I'm showered with gifts Just when I was about to leave I met another lady (the only other Pakistani family at Romilly) who dropped in to meet me.She insisted that I visit their house.But I apologized saying that I had to leave as one on my colleague was waiting for me.She left immediately.I didn't bother much as I just met her for a few minutes.She appeared in no time with some gifts for me.I was shell shocked." UNBELIEVABLE".I probably was embarrassed too not knowing how to react.
She kept saying that when you give something to someone you do it without expecting anything in return.She was so happy that she had this opportunity to give me something.I'm still in a state of shock after I experiencing all the pyaar & Mohabbat from these 2 Pakistani families settled in France.
Honestly I have no words to describe about this genuinely kind & generous family.All I can do is wish them happiness,peace & prosperity & pray that all their dreams & wishes that they have for themselves & their children come true.
After the grand lunch I returned back to school.Margaret drove me around Romilly for one last time.I came back at 4 pm as Talia was picking me up at 4 pm. so I hurriedly went into the staffroom to pick all my gifts & food parcels from Nazia's family.
wow!!!!!!!!!Valerie had organized a petite farewell for me.When I left home for school in the morning didn't even have a wee bit of clue that it would be so very special for me.I WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY .The teachers had written me messages on a calender for 2011.The calender was of Claude Monet's paintings.I have become a fan of Monet & van Gogh now. Strange for someone who didn't know much about what Naturalism or Impressionism or symbolism means.Things change !!!!!!!!
I was now completely at a loss for words,but managed to say a few phrases in Francais .As was expected cried too.Very typical of Harini .I had never dreamt that it will end like this.I don't know whether it was a dramatic end or something else.
All I can say is this experience has taught me so many lessons & began to think about the different kinds of relationships we build during the course of our lives.
Well another time on this topic. I can very proudly say that I 'm really happy for embarking on this journey.Definitely a remarkable & a life changing experience.
I had to pen these thoughts tonight before I lost them.Probably I will return to edit /add some more.
Till then Bonne Nuit!
Harini
