Dream Come True at 72

No one is old enough to dream. Not all dreams are huge involving plenty of money and status. I realised this when I met her. She has just started her own little cafe, a sweet and cosy place serving the best coffee with cupcakes. One can sit there and spend quality time sipping their cup of coffee and read some classic literature. That place is a blessing for old school people like me. Rosie Aunty is not just a friend to me but she is an inspiration.

I met her for the first time at an old-age home. There she was organizing a small party for a friend at the old-age home itself. Coordinating with the caterers, getting the entire place decorated and ordering cake, Rosie Aunty made sure that everything is just perfect. I was there for my college project where I was asked to spend some time with senior citizens who have been either their children or are willing to spend time with other oldies for the sake of good company. I intended to be there for like an hour or so but I ended up spending the entire day with Rosie Aunty. She kept me telling tales about her children, her grandchildren and what not. Moreover she insisted that I should stay for the birthday party. That was the first time I made friends with someone who was 72. Believe me when I say this, Rosie Aunty is a blessing in disguise for me.

After our first meeting, I couldn’t talk to her for months owing to my hectic schedule of college and assignments. One fine night I was working on of my stupid assignments that was due the next day when I got her text. “Do you think opening a cafe is a good idea?” I was shocked. What happened to Rosie Aunty? I wondered and immediately gave her a call. 

“Hello Sweetie, how are you doing? You haven’t talked to me in months..Is everything okay?” she asked out of concern.

“Yes aunty, everything is completely okay. What happened to you? What is this cafe idea?”

“Cafe? Oh my...I sent that message to you? Poor Reena must be waiting for my reply.”

“Yes, That’s okay, but what is this? You want to open a cafe?”

That is when she spoke at length about how her role was just limited to being the best wife and best mother till her daughter left her and settled in the USA. Her husband died 2 years back and now it is just her. She always wanted to open a little cafe, nothing fancy, just a cosy little space where people can sit and relax, where young couples can come for dates, where you can go if you had a rough day at work.

When she discussed this with her daughter she mocked her by saying, “Ma, you are too old to dream right now. Dad has left his savings for you, let them be. Why so much trouble now? She hung up the phone leaving aunty on her own.

“I always wanted something of my own and now that I have time and my own savings why do I need to think so much.” She said in the end. There was complete silence for at least 10 seconds that felt like hours. Something got into me and I said, “My friend’s dad has a small place we can rent. Let’s go and meet him tomorrow.”

That is how it started. I was there for her when we rented the place, when we got it renovated, at the opening ceremony and even today when I have brought some books we can have at the cafe. Rosie’s cafe is not a place but a home for me now. This was a barter system for us, I got a place I can always call my home and Rosie aunty got another daughter. 

She has named the cupcakes after me and I along with my friends never miss a chance to go there. 

“Aunty, here you go. Another collection of Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes and of course I remember you asked for Jane Eyre as well.”

“Thank you baby. Here you go, two pieces of Karii Special topped with strawberry icing.” She smiled and said.