Being a poor judge of age,I guessed the Boatman to be somewhere in his mid to late seventies. His beard,long and white, flowed halfway down his chest,complimenting his shoulder-length, gray hair. He was dressed in a long saffron colored robe with a blue headband circling his forehead. He seemed to be in excellent physical condition. Although he was definitely of Indian lineage, his deep, resonant voice spoke impeccable English with a slight British accent.
?It's so good to see you, John,? he continued, looking straight into my eyes.
?What a beautiful accent you have,? I said, following quickly with, ?Will you please join us for dinner??
?Not tonight, thank you,? he replied. ?And the accent is leftover from my Oxford and Cambridge days.?
I turned to Pandayji and pleaded, ?Pandayji, please make him stay. Gideon and Marla will also be joining us for dinner. It would be wonderful for all of us. Please, it won't be any problem.?
Pandayji's eyes lit up as he heard that Gideon and Marla would join us. ?Why don't you stay for dinner, Boatman? It would be nice to meet John's other friends.?
?I really would like to,? replied Boatman, ?But I have some appointments to keep. If more people would walk on water, there would be no need for boatmen, or,? and he laughed, ?if you prefer, boat persons. However, I have a little gift for you, John?
He handed me a small package wrapped in lovely blue paper.?Take this,? he said, ?I think you've been looking for it for a long time. It's only a tiny gift, but I wanted you to have it. But you must promise me you won't open it until dinner.?
?Thank you,? I said as I took the gift, ?Thank you. I promise I won't open it till then. I wish you could stay.?
?I must go now,? he replied.?I'll probably see you again before you leave. But if not, then sometime, somewhere.? He turned to Pandayji saying, ?Thank you, Panday, for giving me the opportunity to meet him. I'm very grateful. See you soon.? He bowed, turned and left.
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