My late grandfather Bhimsen Sharma, or Dadu as I would fondly call him, was a man of few words; he was very principled and always led by example. Of the billion things I learnt from him, the most important was the value of time. He was very punctual and always the first to reach anywhere—work or even a family occasion. And whether he was going out or just relaxing at home, he always wore his rectangular wristwatch with a black dial and leather strap.

Four years ago, Dadu passed away, leaving a deep void. I missed the sense of security he gave me and was filled with regret that I couldn’t tell him how much I adored him. That same year, I appeared for my Class 10 board exams wearing his watch—I passed with flying colours. I consider the watch his blessing; when I look at it, I see his kind, smiling face and it comforts me. Indeed, Dadu was my silent guardian, a watchful protector, my Dark Knight. I hold on to his watch and imagine him still protecting me.

—Anurag Sharma, 19, Mumbai

Photo: Rachna Virdi
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
September 2017

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