The mid years of my life had forced me to be a vagabond. I was frequently supposed to travel places, often alone. But since I love to travel, I never quetched. The best part of travelling is - You get to see millions of people, whom you would've definitely missed, had it not been for the travel.
I have had amazing experiences during my journeys. Most of them were so special that they are still afresh in my memories (& probably, will remain so forever). We often end up complaining about our lives, work, salaries, food, workplace, traffic, government & what not but what we forget is that we are one of the few blessed ones who are leading a comfortable life. There are an exorbitant amount of people for whom, every other step in life is a continuous struggle. For how else can certain things be explained? I will tell you about some experiences that I had, in my short stay in Delhi. (8 yrs. ago) We used to stay in a nook whose approach was through a slum. Among the few sights that still flashes in my mind are – a long queue of plastic vessels which are always lined up in front of a tap which opens only @ 6pm. Also regular quarrels that used to happen at the same location for something very trivial called WATER – The most important luxury that we pretermit. Another were the oh-so-regular street-fights (A quick investigation revealed that the causes again used to be very trivial – a loaf of stolen bread, a glass piece broken by a laborer or a non-performing jack due to an ailment/old age). All of them struggling to make a living, but the world has nothing better than contempt & bashes, to offer them.
Once I was not getting autos for travel, so I decided to board a small (but jampacked) cab. Once in, I was cursing myself to have made this choice as even breathing was difficult inside. There was a lady sitting next to me who was holding a small child to her chest (Although the child was 2-3 yrs. old). Maybe she was just being protective, but kids are kids. He was crying on the top of his voice & punching her on her face repeatedly. Poor mother, even in such adverse conditions was not ready to let go of him. Tears were flowing down her cheeks. Such was the rush that except a few neighbors, no one else was noticing too. They tried to console the kid; one even tried to threaten him & said – Kid, is this how you treat your mother? The mother said sedately – Not his fault. He has just lost his father.
Till date, her face when she said that, haunts me.
Another peculiar incident that I noticed was – There was this guy who used to sell tea, cigarettes n snacks (Omelets, sandwiches etc.) from 9pm - 9 am. He was an obvious favourite among the IIT/IAS preparatory junta. The peculiar thing was – His wife always used to accompany her. She was average looking, but always used to be dressed in her best. Somehow, that was quite appealing to the crowd too, who wanted more than plain tea & cigis in early mornings. Bhabhiji’s smile & sensuality was the reason for that particular joint to be famous (there were several peers who could not attract half of the crowd). We always used to feel strange & seriously doubted the ladies intentions & her hubby’s reasonings. On the last day in Delhi, we happened to be the only customers. And bhabhiji was not around too, so we thought of asking Mr. Chaiwaala what he thought about his wife & his business. To our surprise, he was all so aware of the same. In a candid conversation, he agreed that both he & his wife realized that she is attractive & they can use this fact to bolster their business. She was an exemplary lady who was brave enough to do her best to help her household. We saluted the lady and bid farewell to the yet-another-common-family, who were justified in doing whatever is possible to help themselves.
These incidents, and many more, have forced me to reason, & understand, the value of things that we overlook. I have learnt to ask less & thank more. For fortunate are the people like you & me, who do not get thrashed by our bosses, who still have their family/friends beside them, who do not have to display their wives to the world for a living.
Help someone to get out of misery. Spread the fortune.
Name: Nihar Ashish Home: Bangalore, India About Me: Nature soothes me...
Speed thrills me...
Adventure appeals me...
Art mystifies me...
Music entices me...
Beauty inspires me...
All of these, COMPLETE me. See my complete profile
The mid years of my life had forced me to be a vagabond. I was frequently supposed to travel places, often alone. But since I love to travel, I never quetched. The best part of travelling is - You get to see millions of people, whom you would've definitely missed, had it not been for the travel.
