My Old Man
The vast garden was secluded from the rest by a traditional Chinese wall with a round entry
The first part of the garden was filled with tulips. Then it ended up being filled with roses.
The garden surrounded the whole place. At one side there were rocks, an artificial fountain and in the middle there was a small artificial lake. The lake had lotus flowers floating around. Rabbits and squirrels were busy in playing around and capturing butterflies in the garden.
The a small road among the flowers ended up near the edge. In the middle of the lake there was a traditional pavillion which was connected with land through a bridge. The place was quiet and calm. Only the sound of the running water and chirps of the birds could be heard.
The architecture of the place was inspired from the historic 'Yu garden'.
After entering the garden one could forget the world and flew back in ancient times. The view was aesthetically appealing.
Inside the pavillion the back view of a man in his 70's could be seen. The old man in the wheelchair was busy in running brushes all over the canvas.
On the canvas there was an incredible picture in making. Just few touch here and there needed to be done.
Lina walked through the garden. She looked for every corner in avail.
She quietly sat beside him seeing him completely drown into drawing. Lina watched in bewilderment as his brushes made strokes on the canvas.
She waited patiently for him to complete the painting. Lina was well known to his nature. She knew that if she tried to approach him now his mood and concept inside his head will get messed up and only she will be responsible for that.
Besides, watching him drawing was always pleasing to eyes. Who would want to mess up a masterpiece in making.
" Hey old guy!!!"
Lina tightly hugged him from behind just after the man had finished washing his hands.
The man began laughing wholeheartedly. Only one girl in the world would do this kind of gesture. That is his favourite disciple Lina. He turned around and pinched her cheeks.
" Hello Nana."
" Yeye.... (grandpa). Nana is so angry with you. Why didn't you take medicine yet?" Lina tried to make an angry face.
The old man in question averted his eyes and looked down. " Yeye is angry too. Why didn't you come last week?"
" I had exams Yeye. The college suddenly scheduled test on that very day. I informed Mrs. Lin. Didn't she told you?" Lina looked at the nurse standing near the entrance.
Before coming to the garden Linaasked Mrs. Feng to send over the attending nurse with medicines and food. Not long before the nurse came and was trying to get there.
" I'm sorry Miss Park. I was not on duty that day. I forgot to inform before going home." The nurse tried to hide her face in embarrassment.
" You should be. I would not tolerate that next time. Got it?" Lina rolled her eyes at her and cheerfully turned back to face her 'yeye'.
" See Yeye. I informed. And I'm sorry for not calling since last week. I was kinda busy." Lina looked at him pitifully. " I came late in the evenings the whole week. You know the college. I'll try to make time from now. Don't worry."
" It's okay dear. I can understand. Study hard." The old man patted her head.
" Enough talking Yeye. Take your medicine now!" Lina took the medicines from the nurse " Now open your mouth. Aaah--- "
The old man quietly swallowed the medicines. He rolled eyes to the nurse whose face was full of regret.
" Yeye! How come you never taught me this technique of drawing?" Lina questioned him absent-mindedly.
After giving him the medicines Lina let him eat some snacks she brought and she herself began observing the freshly painted picture.
" You know right one stroke of yours is enough to create never ending buzz in the art world. Rest this new masterpiece. And you are yet to teach me this!!"
The man turned around laughing and gestured her to come to his side.
" Come here. Yeye will teach you today..."
Lina was surprised by his answer. How come her shifu agreed so easily to teach her his signature strokes suddenly.
For 18 years she pleaded him to master her this very technique but was rejected every damn time.
Her shifu used to say " I can teach you this easily. But, Xiao Nana, you know every single human being in this world is unique. They are unique in their own ways. Like every song has its different rhythm every human being has different aspects of life. And every artist has his own signature style. Although it takes some time to find the way but just comes to them naturally. One must master his own style. You must look for the way to express your inner feelings. Then only you can make your heart speak through your pictures. Then only your pictures will show your thoughts.And this your pictures will become your sword against danger. You must find your root in order to make your signature strokes.."
He used to patted her head to stop her crying after being rejected.
" Remember Nana what eye can't see heart does. Find your way. Try. Again and again. You'll find your way. "
Old Ye, Ye YuKhei was her 'Shifu'. Her mentor. Her guide. Her first teacher.
Lina affectionately used to call him " Yeye."
The first time she met him, Lina was only two years old. Ye YuKhei was the last and only person to stand by Nanxian when he left home in order to start a new life with his beloved wife.
He accompanied him in his every decision. He was there when Nanxian wed René. He was there when Nanxian was a broken mana fter René's death. He had seen Lina and Rini growing up in front of his eyes. He was there when Nanxian and Isha decided to give each other another chance in life.
Lina and Rini grew up calling him 'grandpa'. He was the only grandfather figure around them. Thus, his wife easily became their 'nai nai'( grandma ). Growing up they played a huge role in their life in the states.
Ye YuKhei was the one who introduced Lina to the world of art.
She followed his every advice in life and eventually find her way of expressing own feelings. She found her signature style. Lina was in lifetime debt with him. Only her shifu was able to bring her back from the dark.