30/100
Today’s Saree Story is that of Philip who completes 58 years today ..yes just now , a few minutes ago and is the Backbone of my office . The person who comes in first and leaves last ensuring the rooms are spic and span at both times . Philip who will let no visitor be it a patient, a caregiver , a guest or visitor or a service provider go without a hot cup of tea or coffee or a cool Orange juice . Philip who takes a hundred calls a day and diligently updates patient contact details and keeps their files in a most orderly manner . Thousands of files . And the smile never leaves his face . A million watt smile . But this man can be a tough cookie too and woe betide anyone who does not sign the attendance register both In and Out ( I am the defaulter here most of the time I must confess)
Dear Philip and I have to thank the unlikeliest source for finding him . My Angiogram at Bombay Hospital 7 years ago. Severe chest pains had necessitated one and dear Anita Vaz had come to see me in the evening . I was in great pain ( believe me the puncture made in the artery in the groin to insert the dye is one helluva killer ) and Anita’s serene company was soothing . I also shared with her how worried I was about finding a good person for my Office . And she actually had someone in mind and would ask him and let me know . Later she called and said this person had just accepted another job so I was like no , please ask him to come see me tomorrow for I was desperate . I was being discharged the next day and could easily stop at work and interview the guy ! Already , from the way Anita described him I knew he would be perfect .
So I actually got discharged and went straight to work and met this shy , reticent guy who somehow seemed to exude such a strong sense of kindness and empathy and he was perfect for the job ! The patients would love him . He said Yes of course and that made me even happier than my Angiogram report which said my heart was in the right place …. Happy Birthday dear Philip !!
And oh the Saree ? A soft black and red and mustard block print cotton from Anokhi bought from their Khan Market outlet in Delhi years ago . The gold embossed bit adds enough chutzpah to make it dressy for an evening out . And it was indeed perfect for this brilliant play at the Turf Club after work . Teamed it with a mustard halter neck blouse to beat the heat and my favourite gold danglers for some style …..