One Christmas-New Year week I was in London. Staying at a plush, posh and prestigious Mayfair hotel in West End. A district of major tourist attractions, shops, government buildings and entertainment venues. Also, elegant Georgian townhouses, exclusive hotels and gourmet restaurants. Across was the historic Grosvenor Square. Bordering the hotel, was leafy Hyde Park. And just around the corner were Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Park Lane. London was chilly. The sky was dull grey. A cold drizzle made the tyres of the cabs and double decker buses hiss on slick roads. Black was in season. Women wore boots. Men smoked hookahs outside Greek restaurants. Jamaicans stood around bonfires. Everything was on SALE! The shoppers hurried. Diving into subways to catch the Tube to the next station. Christmas decorations fluttered everywhere. But Santa was gone. The countdown to New Year Eve at the Thames had begun. I shopped, wined and dined, visited the tourist hotspots, travelled by London cab and bus, the Underground, went to the theatre, took pictures with the famous red postbox and telephone booth, chatted with police constables in helmets, smoked a cigar every night in Grosvenor Park and called people in Mumbai. I was doing that on December 30, when I suddenly remembered it was my father’s death anniversary. Not a day of rituals, but quiet prayer said by his graveside back home. I had forgotten in the excitement of London. And felt awful. Was there a church nearby? London has several. I had been to Westminster Abbey. But at 10 pm, all were shut. I stepped out of Grosvenor Park sadly. And there, like a hole in the wall, was a small chapel with illuminated stained glass windows. I had never noticed it before. It had no name. No priest. But it was open. Unbelievingly, I entered. It was ancient. And charming. Flowers, candles burning, incense in the air, a Christmas tree in one corner. Nobody but me. Magic happens. Stunned by this miracle, I shed a silent tear…
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
About Storyofsouls
Leave your comments on how you like this story. If you love it, share it to bring that change we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at replytosos@gmail.com. Story Of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN and Harvard University. For some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our YouTube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google news-verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that storyofsouls.com is the official TedX MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
