Firstly, it is not about the Ian Fleming’s fictional character
James Bond.
Bond means a feeling that unites people; a shared emotion or
interest.
It means friendship, relationship, partnership, affiliation…
This is a True Story described briefly about the bond
between an Indian and an American who met 30 years ago in 1984.
That time Indo-US relations were not at all good. This was the
time when India was experimenting with the nuclear power also supporting the Soviet
invasion and occupation of Afghanistan.
People of both countries did not trust each other. People were
judgmental about each others behavior.
Mr. Iyer (names have been changed) who is a colleague of
mine met Mr. Smith in a train in Bhubaneswar when both were in there 20’s. Smith
was a tourist and bought a ticket to travel through Coromandel Express to Madras
(Now Chennai).
Due to some reasons Coromandel was cancelled.
Iyer had reserved a ticket at another train which was
scheduled 1 hour later. Due to cancellation all the passengers of Coromandel
tucked themselves up in the later one. American so followed.
The train was jam packed. But Smith found a seat with Iyer.
Though the seat was reserved Iyer allowed him to join. Firstly both were
reserved and reticent. It was a cold night and Smith had nothing to eat. Iyer
offered him some from his own food and that’s how the conversation took place. Later
they chatted a lot and then slept in the same seat criss-crossing each other.
This time Smith offered him his warm German Blanket. In the morning they
reached Chennai.
Iyer was in an office tour for 10 days. So he looked up for a
hotel. As Smith was a tourist and knew nobody, he insisted Iyer to live with
him. They shared the room charges and other expenses.
7 days passed. In these 7 days they developed a special bond
with each other. They used to talk long hours about different topics and issues.
One Indian got to know about 235 million American hearts.
One American got to know about 743 million Indian hearts.
After 7days Smith left for Delhi. While leaving he had tears
in his eyes. He never expected such warmth and such a Bond in this country. He
was overwhelmed.
It was a start of great friendship which goes unreported.
These incidents change the mentality of people around the globe.
Smith today is a great writer and has written many a book
about Indo-US relations letting the world know about Indian hospitality, warmth
and importance of relationships in our life.
Now both are in 50's. They still talk over phone.
The Bond remains unbreakable.
