Welcome dear princess, straight from the heart
Dear Hindustan Times, Now whatever I’m going say about your new form should not in any way connote that I did not somehow like your earlier look. For heaven’s sake, a big no; I loved it like nothing else. But it’s only that I want to take the pleasure of letting you know that as soon as I set my eyes on you on Monday morning, you looked so amiable in your makeover, that I at once exclaimed, “Oh, here comes the charming princess!” I ran with you in my hands and asked my husband sitting in the garden, “Just look, who do we have here, today?”
It is so much in accordance with present times that you decided to go for a new bearing. Change is the law of nature. And how can one admire the appearance enough, that you chose to go for! A discreet, subtle and understated elegance are the terms that come to my mind. It blends perfectly with your line of thought. Always considerate towards your readers’ feelings and doing your bit to make this world a better place, in innumerable ways, and in your own distinctive style.
I can say that my association with you is as old as the hills. And come to think of it that even our relationship has gone through a series of metamorphoses, during these years. I began with being your avid reader, which besides making me knowledgeable, took me on many an imaginative flight.
As time went by, I felt like airing my views on quite a few topics relating to your published pieces or some quotidian concerns; you generously allowed me to do that in the form of letters to the editor.
Soon there came a time when I longed to progress further. It became my dream that my name too should appear in your esteemed columns with some write-ups on themes close to my heart. Thus, I transformed into a freelance contributor. You encouraged and welcomed me no end, by sparing space for my compositions. I have always known you for your savvy, sophisticated and graceful demeanour. How can one ever be grateful enough!
Your presence in the house is indispensable. Without it, the start of the day is never normal. Your absence even on some particular holidays during the year is absolutely unsolicited. During this prevailing lockdown period, when somehow you did not appear for two consecutive days, it was so strange. I felt lost. What else can give one food for thought, except for your benign presence? At once, I called up our newspaper vendor and he cited unavoidable reasons. Thankfully, after that you have been coming unfailingly so as to make our life complete.
It’s comforting to think that our relationship has come of age and it feels like we have grown up together. Thank you, Hindustan Times, for being there.
IT’S COMFORTING TO THINK THAT OUR RELATIONSHIP HAS COME OF AGE AND IT FEELS LIKE WE HAVE GROWN UP TOGETHER
Yours truly, A steadfast reader