This is about a morning walk. I work in a bpo. After my shift, i was tired and thought of taking a walk as it refreshes me.
I decided to go for an early morning walk. The weather was pleasant. I could hear the birds chirping, the sun just rising and a cool breeze. The clouds were forming into different shapes giving rise to many of my weird imaginations. I found myself at the lap of nature. I felt like staying there forever.
As I was walking, I found a young girl, a baby and their mother walking ahead. They were about to start their day’s work. The girl (who must be 15 yrs old) was helping her mother. They were both arranging the vegetables in a trolley. Both of them were looking really tired. I decided to watch their activity.
They arranged the vegetables. The mom had carried 2 biscuits along with her. The mother gave one to the girl. She fed the baby some milk and gave a portion of the biscuit. I see that the mother hadn’t eaten anything. The young girl gives half of her share to the mother. The mother refuses but at last takes the piece.
They are waiting for their first customer to come. I was really touched by the girl’s behaviour. Then to my surprise, this girl opens a text book and starts studying! She was practicing maths. That sight made me really ponder about my life.
I was really lucky compared to that girl. She had to take care of the baby, fight her hunger, take care of customers, and carry all the vegetables to and fro. She had enormous tasks to do.
On the other hand, my parents gave me a room, a table and a chair and all they were telling me was to study. I used to fight with them because I didn’t get the best room or because someone had kept the radio in the house. And here was this girl, studying in the middle of the street with people and vehicles making noises. I wanted many dresses, a music player, and maybe a computer.
My demands had only risen. When my parents had denied me something, I would have them listed in my bad books and would be moody for some days. I had good, healthy food but I complained about not getting something which I wanted to eat.
I never thought what my parents want from me. How did they feel about me? What were their demands?? Was I in their bad list too?? The girl had been so thoughtful about her mother and i was here complaining to my mom about the food she makes.
I decided to be satisfied with what I have rather than keep cribbing about things I don’t have. It is very interesting, most of us do the same but never realize. Or we think about it and forget immediately. It is the materialistic life we all live in. Today we may own a flat but tomorrow we would also need a car. We think that bike is outdated.
I went to that girl and bought some vegetables from her. I also bought her a notebook. Both the mother and the daughter were thankful. And am thankful to them for they showed me the right path.
10 comments:
Great Work!!! and a brave step too work on your u'r skills anu, a don't stop!!!
Cool yaar....keep it up... i wish v could do something 4 all the poor kids in the world..u took ur first step by writing bout them, keep up the good work en keep writing
The theme is well travelled.handling of the subject is good with an easy run.Shows promise!
good deed re.. never let this spirit die in u..
in case of ppl who live for themselves.
easy to forget,
tough to remember.
in case of ppl who do good deeds or say live for others.
tough to forget,
easy to remember.
it is a touching incident written in a simple language. Keep it up !
nannayitundu anu..
you have made the first step, that of realising the pathetic conditions which mark the life of millions arund us...And the decision to live happily with whatever comnforts you are bestowed with is also one in the right direction.. But you know what's the toughest part of it all? To hang on to that decision. To find happiness in the face of apparent setbacks, refusals and declinations; not to fume at the what you feel as apathy of those around you....Its tough...make a daily assessment of your decision and make a reality check as to what extent you were able to fulfill it...Once you can look at the mirror and say, Yes Anu i have kept my word to myself...Then, yes. you would have acheieved what you set out for....You know what Anu i believe you can be so much better a human being...Its not liking saying that there is something inherently wrong with you now..But of course, there are some aspects over which you can work, just like everyone else could in thier lives...
And as about your writing style, its simple and elegant and keep it that way always...am amazed that you could put down your head and be patient enough to write that piece...
all the best...
Good write-up Anu. The issue you highlighted is very close to my heart - not only as a woman but also as a mother of growing girl child. How much do I warn her without turning obsessively paranoid. How do I tell her not to take situation and relationships for granted. What is acceptable behaviour and what is crossing the line. It worries me all the time. Any parent, I think, must impress upon the child that no-relationship or situation is above him/her. My child is my most precious relationship and I will take care of her and whatever that is bothering her - no matter what. My child must feel that there is nothing she cannot talk to me about. It is so unfortunate that parents donot realise the sense of betrayal the child feels. I suppose more write up on these matters help and I just wish this is taken on a more nationalistic level. Cheers!
Geetha
Good thought Anu.. but I have worked with such kids .. Trust me we may have all the skills but comfort has probably diminished our ability to take up challenges. Were as these people from challenging situations have this inherent ability to take up any challenge. If only we empower them with skills.. we have a great society on hand.
Its not about helping them its about empowering them
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