RAKESH POPLI narrates a personal account of a soul connection, something we may see in a film, but can be true in real life too. Could a soul connection be a person you have known from a previous life?
Soul connections are profound, spiritual bonds that transcend the physical realm, linking us to others in ways that defy logic. These connections manifest with someone with whom you effortlessly resonate, where you experience an intrinsic sense of familiarity, a profound belonging, and an immediate recognition that the relationship surpasses mere coincidence.
Such a divine experience graced my family and me when we encountered our foreign friend, Jacky—her affectionate nickname. She was a young German educator who resided with us for ten days in October of last year.
Jacky was part of a delegation visiting India under an exchange tour program organized by the school where my daughter-in-law Neha teaches. Each educator in the program was assigned to stay with a host family to gain an authentic Indian experience.
From the moment of her arrival, Jacky captivated our hearts. My wife, Anita, my son Anubhav and his wife Neha, my second son Ankit, my little granddaughter Aanya, and I were immediately charmed by her vivacity, her vibrant spirit, and her infectious enthusiasm.
She was a confluence of cultures—born to Lebanese parents, married to a Portuguese man, and now settled in Germany. She spoke fluent English and was very much expressive of her views on basic tenets of life. She was determined to immerse herself completely into Indian culture during her stay.
The ensuing ten days were nothing short of a dream. Jacky adapted to our way of life as naturally as a duck takes to water, and we embraced her as though she were a member of our family. She engaged fully in our daily routines, playing with our granddaughter and delved into discussions on cultural, social, and familial norms, among other topics.
Not a single moment was dull. Her enthusiasm for the Karva Chauth festival was particularly striking—she stayed up late for mehendi, donned a sari, and participated in all the rituals with genuine fervour.
My wife took great pleasure in preparing an array of dishes for her, ensuring she savoured the full spectrum of Indian cuisine—the true “taste of India.” Jacky was especially fond of the tea at our home and frequently requested more.
We also introduced her to the famed Sukhdev Dhaba, a well-known eatery located on the national highway near our home in Sonipat. Jacky was enthralled by the festive atmosphere, with 500 to 600 people dining together under one roof, in the front lawn. She relished every dish served.
When the day of her departure arrived, emotions ran high. Jacky hugged each of us, tears welling up in her eyes. It felt as though a part of our hearts was being taken away. In that poignant moment, she remarked, “I’m leaving one family here to rejoin another. One eye sheds tears for the family I’m leaving, while the other smiles for the family I’m returning to.”
After her departure, Neha discovered a letter beneath Jacky’s pillow, where she expressed her profound affection and gratitude toward us.
Jacky’s presence reaffirmed my belief in the universal goodness that pervades humanity—that this world, vast as it is, is but a global village inhabited by kind and loving souls. We, as human beings, are fundamentally interconnected, bound by the singular life force that animates us all.
Though we carry different names, statuses, and outward appearances, at our core, we share the same identity. We are alike in every phase of life—be it as a child, a youth, or in our middle and old age.
My sentiments are captured in the song that echoes in my heart as I reminisce about those days….
Mere Ghar Aayi Ek Pyari Pari
Chaandani ke hasin rath pe savaar
Riding on a beautiful chariot of moonlight
A sweet angel graced my home.
Rakesh Popli, a retired banker and blogger, writes about his observations of life. He lives in Sonipat.
Featured Image: The Popli family, with Jacky and Anubhav, the author’s younger son