I never discuss very private affairs of my life with others -- friends and neighbours. And here I met a newlywed couple who were our neighbours. Both were doctors by profession. The lady was working as an honorary doctor and used to return quite early from hospital. She had the habit of ringing our door bell, spending a couple of hours in our house and only then heading for her home upstairs to cook lunch for her husband.

Initially, it was nice and enjoyable to have someone to talk to. However, since I had my hobbies to keep myself occupied, I did not really need someone to entertain me every day without fail! I had songs to learn, paintings to complete, clean up the almirahs and yes, try out new dishes for my dear husband!

This new 'friend' gradually started wandering inside different rooms of our house -- touching things and enquiring about various belongings -- some so personal that I became uneasy! ''Whose hair brush is this? Someday I will flip through your most personal photographs! What do you think about my really long hair. How many times do you have sex?''

Now, this was too much to bear. I literally wanted her out of my house -- the sooner, the better! To act tactful, I used to suggest her jobs that would make her leave our house and head for hers.

One day I got a severe stomach ache. I was absolutely alright in the morning but somehow started feeling uneasy. So, I tried to lie down straight on bed. However, the pain was excruciating and was increasing. Soon, it became so severe that I could not speak and I literally crawled to the bathroom. I had never experienced such pain in my life. I could see no help around. I prayed that my husband would return early today.

I clambered to the entrance and unbolted the main door of the house. I returned to the bathroom and felt I would lose consciousness anytime. I was already going through a blackout altogether. Just then, I heard a crispy and chirpy voice calling me. It was the same voice I hated to hear every day. The lady pushed open the main door and called my name. I did not have the stamina to answer her. I tried hard to whisper to no avail. It was as if I was about to faint. Today, I prayed that she would enter further inside and find me.

Not hearing any reply, I thought she would go back home. However, she ventured inside -- into the kitchen, bedroom, opened the almirahs, went to the balcony and finally knocked on the bathroom door. I whispered to her how unwell I was due to the sharp and agonizing abdominal pain. She offered me a glass of water and at once rushed to her house and got me the required medicine. She called up my husband from her phone and virtually 'saved' me that day.

Change of Mind for Me

My whole way of thinking transformed and took a 360 degree turn that day! The lady doctor's voice sounded so sweet to me now -- the same voice I  abhorred earlier. Now I wished to entertain her with interesting college stories and served new dishes I had prepared, some specially for her!

Her very habit of exploring, her interfering and obtrusive behaviour was no more a nuisance now as she salvaged me from throbbing pain that day.

Today, I am more tolerant towards people who behave differently. I keep an open mind towards distinct behaviour of individuals and try to appreciate the good qualities in them rather than becoming overtly judgmental. True, we do not judge people we love! If we judge people, we will have no time to love them! Dr. Wayne Dyer has rightly said, ''When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.''