They & Him

They met for the first time when they joined this organization
They had similar skills and experience
They were both ambitious, smart and wanting to excel
They supported each other grow
And they became the best of buddies

He is the boss... their manager in the organization
He liked the competition amongst them
He liked the cordiality between them
He guided them well and challenged them the most
And he became their most trusted mentor

They took up challenges others dared not
And gave all they could to make it succeed
As days went by, they made their mark
Won many laurels that others could not
And became a team that everyone marveled

One fine day they sought his advice
On a subject personal to them, between them
Yes... they were in love!!!
Inseparable and planning for their future
And seeking his advice to separate

They were seeing too much of each other
And wanting to be independent… yet connected
They wanted to pursue separate paths
And yet be connected in matrimony
Now they have problem with both

He saw their reason, understood their motive
And recommended a transfer for one
To another city where their organization had a branch
The guy took it up; saving the girl, the pain of relocating
He wished them well, wanting them to succeed

As months went by, new members joined
Settling down and work going as usual
And one late evening, she asked him
If she could also be transferred, as by now
Both their families has agreed to their matrimony

He was more than delighted to oblige
Giving his strongest recommendation
And personally seeing it go through
For he has not met such a pair
Whom looked made for each other

They kept in touch with him
Invited him for their marriage
It was a grand ceremony
With families, friends, relatives…
All celebrating… all happy

Just an year has passed when she called
Wanting a transfer back
For their marriage has not worked
They have decided to separate
And she no longer want to be near him

What could have gone wrong… he wondered
As he had never imagined they would separate
Reluctantly he agreed for her transfer
Deciding that he would intervene in person
And get them back to gather if he could

He waited for her as expected date neared
She did not show up as he had feared
He learnt that she has sent her resignation
Just that morning through an email
And no one knew where she is now

He called on him, to have a word
And offer some advice if that’s still heeded
But he refused to talk on the topic
Calling its all over and done with
And he wondered, if they were the same persons

What happened between them, he reflected
They were capable of overcoming any challenge
And face any situation with courage and conviction
Whatever has happened between them
Would remain a mystery to him for ever

A visit to the hollywood studio

Looks a bit odd. Visiting hollywood studio just with friends. I had been thinking that this is a place for kids. Not for adults like me. Is that the reason I had not visited it in my previous trip. On the previous trip to Los Angeles, I had mostly stuck with a routine. The routine of visiting the only beach walkable form the place I live in. The Redendo beach. A fine one. Enjoyed many mornings & evenings over there. But this trip is turning out to be different.

So it was planned by my friends. It started when we had a long weekend coming up. We had this Monday off and the habit here is we must plan out. Plan to go somewhere. See something different. So it started with 3 of us planning to go out to hollywood studio. Finally it was 8 of us who made it.

We started at around 9 in the morning. It was less than a 45 mins drive. The drive was pleasant. After the ticket and the mandatory checks we were in. And some of the best shows and rides awaits us.

Our first has been the water world show. We had to wait for 20 mins. But it was worth it. The show actors made sure that they engaged the cowed much before the show started. After much howling and splashing of water the real show started. What unfolded was an unbelievable masterpiece of a show. The actors executed it to perfection. With sound effects and timing matching the act to perfection, it was a best show I had seen in long time. The last I remember is the dolphin show I saw about 5 years back.

Next it was a ride. It was a simulated ride. We sit in a seat which stays as is. The effect created gives us a feel that we are on a roller coaster ride. We meet all cartoon characters on the way, climb over a mountain, fall with the water fall, fly over high rises and break through bill boards to finally have a free fall from over 1000 feet to be stopped just before we hit the ground. Then when the light goes on we realize that we had not traveled anywhere but have stayed at the same seat. A great experience.

Now its time for lunch. After lunch, we headed for the Mummy ride. We had to wait for 60 mins. We did not have a choice. By now, the wait time is between 45 to 90 mins for all shows. We chose Mummy ride as it was closer to the place we had lunch. Yeah, lazy to walk after lunch.

This ride is one notch above the previous one. Unlike the previous one, this was a real ride. Or so I thought. We can never be sure as the difference between reality and simulation has been diminishing. After traveling through the dessert to meet all terrific mummy characters, we came out wary of the experience.

By now, I was fully tired. When was the last time I had been walking or standing for more then half a day at a stretch. But the guys I am with still have some energy left with them. We headed to the transformers show. Its a wait time of 90 mins. Yeah. I do not remember waiting that long for anything in the near past.

But unlike other shows, this one is a 3D simulation. We had the goggles on and what followed is an unbelievable spectacle. It gives you a feeling that you are in the midst of real transformers themselves, with things flying around, some hitting your vessel and some missing you by a narrow margin. You will have to experience it to see the magic that 3D simulation can create.

We must have covered about one third of what this place has on offer. But we were all tired by now.
After having some refreshments we headed home.

What an experience it had been.

Uttarakhand – The Man, The Nature.

The Man

It all happened so suddenly. The night before was marked by landslides and torrential rain. The morning looked calm. But the peace was suddenly broken by a booming crash of thunder. Massive, dark surge came rushing down at incredible speed from the hills. A cloudburst probably had occurred at a lake in one of the nearby mountains.

Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc on the region because of the fragile nature of the area and the poor stability of its soil. Water, slush and boulders as big as houses struck so suddenly leaving very little time for anyone to escape. The entire area was full of water. All roads, houses, shops and vehicles were swept away within minutes.

My wife and daughter were swept away. Vehicles full of people were swept away. 556 bodies have been recovered and there were reports that more could be buried under the debris.

The ordeal of the survivors was traumatic. They had to sleep, if sleep was possible, with many bodies strewn around the temple premises, some of which had begun to decompose. Amid the stench of death, they remained foodless and waterless for over one week.

Rescuing survivors is topmost priority but alongside, security forces have to be alert to the possibilities of child trafficking. Missing children and unaccompanied girls have to be identified; otherwise it will be too late once they fall prey to child traffickers

The living are starving.

The dead are being robbed.

The kids are getting kidnapped.

And you are patting your back.

And complaining of others not acting.

The Nature

It has been in the making for more than a hundred years. I was able to hold on for a long time. But l have been deprived of all my internal strength. I have been broken, bore’d, butchered & botched up. I could hold it no longer. I have to let it go. I have to let it go. 

I am not fragile. I was never unstable. Rains only made me stronger. It made all living things on me merrier. At least till a few years ago. Strange things have been done to me by the creatures who call themselves intellectuals. I was deformed. My arteries are blocked. My body is infested with this tumor called construction for comfortable living. And all along I know one day I have to let it go. I have to let it go.

I was tunneled. All my precious belongings have been sucked out or extirpated. All the plants & animals on me have been exterminated. And whatever remains have been polluted and stripped off its natural self. I have no strength to hold it any longer. I have to let it go. I have to let it go.

The ordeal to survive is traumatic. I have to serve, if serving was possible with plastics chocking my breath, with acid and chemicals running down my throat all the time, with radiations bringing all kind of suffering on me while I have been placed over a fire grill. I could take it no longer. I have to let it go. I have to let it go.

I stopped as soon as I could. It’s sad to see people suffering. If only you had been a little kind on me, I could have held it all to myself. In spite of this massive suffering I could soon spot your true self. You kidnap the children, do unthinkable onto the girls. I know I could hold it, but I could take it no longer. I am letting it go again. I am letting it go again.

I have been robbed of everything.

All my belongings have been destroyed or abused.

I am left to starve, left to die.

And with whatever little that is left of me.

I shall give you peace. I shall make you happy.

The Man's version of the story is mostly copied as-is or with modifications from ndtv.com & rediff.com. 

Writing Something

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-  

Do not read this. 

Not that it contains anything despicable. 

Just that its will be a waste of your time 

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-  

What makes one a great writer... having experienced reading books that are unputdownable which has kindled an interest in writing, this one thought has become predominant in me. Well I do have written something in the past. The 1st article I remember writing must be way back in 2006. Nine years have passed since then, may be I would have written about 9 articles. Not that my writings are great, and have never spent any time researching the topic. May be the previous statement is an exaggeration. My writings can hardly be called as writings and the topic of those, well lets not go into it. The truth is, it would be hard for me to read what I have written the very next day after writing it. 

Well, then why is this so much of hungama about me writing. 

For one, its a powerful medium. That is for sure. And I had experienced it. The impression a book or a well written article leaves on you is much profound then a movie or any kind of advice that people leave on you. 

But more then that what can one who is dwelling in a city, staying single do to kill time. Well my profession has been a good companion. It used to occupy 18 to 20 hours of my time when I started off. Yeah this is true. Not that the job demands that much of time, its the time I had put in to equip myself to get a job. Then this came down to about 15 to 18 hours on an average after getting the job. For the past couple of years this has reduced greatly. Now it stays at about 10 to 12 hours a day. And another 2 to 3 hours for the commute. Yes. I spend a good 2 to 3 hours travelling to and from office. 

 

The point is not how much time I spend in office and travelling back & forth. That part which covers 7am to 7pm typically is taken care of. The point is what do you do at times other then this time. Yes that 7pm to 11pm time-frame. Well sit before the television and see that... well forget it. I don't remember anything that I had seen on television in the last one week. And when you are dead sick of watching television, you think about writing something. 

Yes. That something is what I am doing now. Exactly that. Write something. Something even if nobody reads it. I wish nobody reads this. Not that there is anything secret in this writing. Just that a few useful minutes would be wasted in reading this. Well I am going back to the top and adding a disclaimer not to read this. 

If you have read till this point, my sincere apologies. I am trying hard to come up with a topic or a story to write. Hope this would not take another year and should come soon. And I beg you check my blog again after few days to read it, for you are special in that you are the only reader of my blog.

Signing off for now... Sincerely. 

The Next Garland

03^rd January 1989, Morning 11:00am

Vijay got a visitor for him at school at an unusual time. His mom had come to take him home for an important function. Vijay was studying 5^th grade at a boarding school away from his native town. His school does not grant leaves or encourage visitors on working days. Vijay was quiet surprised with his mom’s visit and confused at what important function she has mentioned that his school has allowed him to go home.

Kavi was the only child of Vijay’s cousin sister. His cousin sister had died a year back having suffered from a mysterious disease for more than 5 years. Kavi is under the care of her Father now. Kavi’s family has been one of the richest in town. She was few years elder to Vijay. By relation Vijay is the only maternal uncle for Kavi.

His mom has not mentioned anything about the function throughout their journey to their hometown. When they arrived at Kavi’s place, Vijay got a sense of what the function is. Kavi has attained puberty and it’s a celebration for that. Her house was fully decorated and filled with relatives and friends. It was festive mood all over with the food and snacks being served at all times.

Vijay had never seen Kavi before, though he had heard a lot about her and her richness thorough his mom. He was curious to see her. He went searching for her, but could not find her anywhere.

His mom came searching for him. “I was looking for you for long, where have you been. There is an important issue to sort out” his mom kind of yelled at him.

“Important issue that I have to sort out?” Vijay thought. He asked his mom “What is it? How can I sort out?”

“Just come with me and be by my side.” His mom told and dragged him along with her.

She took him to the hall where few elderly people had gathered. The only one that Vijay could recognize was Kavi’s dad.

“What is this all about” Vijay thought.

One among the elderly men started “Whatever you say is correct. But look at him. He is too young to be bothered with this responsibility.” He told Vijay’s mom.

“What is there in age? He is the one who has the 1^st right and if they wish, he has to be given the responsibility” replied another.

And it went on this way for another 30 minutes. Throughout this Vijay’s mom was silent. Vijay was wondering what responsibility these people are talking about. He was thinking if he has to intervene and say no and go out to play with his friends or go in search of Kavi.

And finally one of the men said “They have the 1^st right. It’s their decision”. He turned towards Vijay and his mom and asked “What do you want to do”.

Vijay was thinking if he can say ‘No’ now, but instead looked up at his mom’s face. She said to the elders “We want to do this. It’s our right”.

Vijay wanted to know what it is. He started pestering his mom to understand. She simply said that he has to garland Kavi at a ceremony to be conducted the next day.

Vijay had never seen Kavi and the first time he is going to see her, he is going to garland her. Is this a sort of marriage? Is this an engagement for him and Kavi? He could not understand, but did not ask for any more details.

The next day, there was a grand ceremony. A lot of customary activities were taking place. Vijay’s mom had asked him to be present at the next room and not to go anywhere else. And he has been waiting there for more than an hour now. He was getting restless when his mom appeared.  She gave him a garland, asked him to keep it carefully and bring it to the adjacent hall where the ceremony is taking place when called for.

And finally after what seemed to be a wait for eternity Vijay was called in. Everything was hurried when he went in. He just has to go, garland Kavi and come back, he was told. And he did the same. He could not see her for long. But what he saw in those few seconds was a beauty he has never seen before. Not in his entire school. Not in his entire town. 

20^th August 1997, Afternoon 3.00pm

Vijay was in college doing 1^st year. He got a letter from his mother asking him to come home the following weekend. She has written that it’s very important and has to do with Kavi’s marriage. Vijay was appalled. He has not thought much about Kavi after the function many years ago. 

Now he has got this letter from his mom. Has she mentioned about his marriage with Kavi. He was just doing 1^st year engineering. He waited for the weekend to go home.

At home, he soon realized that Kavi’s marriage has been fixed with someone else. As custom had it he has to garland her on the day of the marriage. And as happened last time, there is somebody else claiming responsibility and Vijay’s mom wanted to fight it out, the reason why she has asked him to come home. Vijay was sure that he has the 1^st right. He has seen it all the last time around.

That evening there was a gathering of elders to which his mother took him. This time the talk went on for more than an hour but finally Vijay got the responsibility. He will garland Kavi on the day of the marriage.

Vijay had thought the marriage would be very grand, may be the grandest that he has ever witnessed. But to his disbelief, the function was very modest. There were only a few hundred guests. The marriage hall itself had just the essential facilities and hardly any decoration could be seen around.    

His mother explained him what has happened.

“Kavi’s family was not doing well these days” his mother told. “Her father got married the second time and all hell broke loose”.

“Her step mother started ill-treating Kavi. Her father could not tolerate this. He could not focus on business. He incurred huge dept. He sold all his properties to repay dept.” his mom told. “Finally he somehow managed to get Kavi’s marriage arranged. May the girl live in peace at her in law’s house” she added.

“May she live in peace at her in law’s house” Vijay thought. “Whom is she getting married to? What is he doing?” He asked his mom.

“Oh… she is getting married as a second wife to someone who is good for nothing. Whatever it is she has to take it in her stride and find peace.” His mom told. Vijay was shocked.

He felt genuinely sorry for Kavi. He has not seen her much. In fact he had seen her only once. Years ago.  When he garlanded her at a function. But somehow he felt that he had a very intimate connection with her. He felt that something which is his very own is going away. Getting ruined.

He waited with patience for the time to pass. To garland Kavi. To see her. After this, she will be married to someone else. She may not be his anymore. He may not get an opportunity to garland her again.

And the time came. He saw Kavi. She no longer had the glow that he once saw in her. She is clad in a simple silk sari. She has turned a bit dark, had become thin and her face looked a little rough and sad. She managed to put a smile on her face.

He went closer to garland her. He could see her face clearly. Is this the same girl he had seen years back? She has changed so much. He looked into her eyes. It still had the same sparkle and innocence. Only it’s laced with sadness and it was searching. Searching for someone who can rescue her. Something that would free her.

Vijay quickly garlanded her and moved off stage. He is too young to do anything. Or too afraid. Or would it turn out to be a mistake if he tries to do anything or try talking to her. He knows that though he had the 1^st right to honor Kavi, his family has not been in good terms with Kavi’s family. And that’s the reason why every time there is a big discussion if he should be allowed to garland her. And that’s the reason why he could see her only twice in his entire life and have not spoken to her even once.

“May she live in peace with her husband and her in laws?”

17^th March 2002, Night 9.00pm

Vijay had completed his studies and is now employed in a small firm in a big city away from his home town. He was staying in a rented house along with his friends. That night, he came back from office a little late. His friends had gone out for dinner. He had asked them to get him something to eat. Just when he reached home, he got a call on his mobile. His mom is calling. He had spoken to her just 30 minutes back when he started from office. What’s the matter she had called again? Reluctantly Vijay took the call. “Yes mom” he said softly.

“Just got to know this. You remember Kavi. That girl whom you facilitated with a garland on her marriage years back” his mom started

How can he forget Kavi? Though he had seen her only twice and he rarely thinks about her he can never forget that face he had seen long back. Even the sparkling innocent eyes that he has seen in her on the day of her marriage had him a million stories. Or so he had thought.

“May be she had given birth to a child this time. Should I garland her daughter as well” Vijay thought and told her mom “Yes”.

“She is dead. She is no more” his mom blurted out.

“What!” Vijay was shell shocked.

“Yes. She has not been keeping well for the past few months. Rumor is that she contracted the same disease that killed her mother” his mom retorted.

“Anything could be cured these days. Medical facilities had improved so much. There are huge hospitals here in the city. If only she had been brought to a big city like this she could have been saved” Vijay could only mumble these words.

“Who is there to take care of her? Poor soul. Even god has not been kind on her. She did not get any joy in her lifetime”

“Did his mom say there is no one to take care of her?” Vijay was wondering. “Her husband was there. Her in laws were there. And of course her father who is once the richest person of the town is there” Vijay thought.

“I only called to inform you. We are not even in talking terms with their family. You don’t have to come here wasting your time. Even I won’t be going for the funeral. They don’t give us any respect these days and with this girl passing away whatever little was left of the relationship is also over” his mom told.

“Ok... hum. How is your job? Have you had your dinner…” his mother was continuing.

Vijay did not answer. How could not. He was not evening hearing what his mom was telling. He disconnected the call. He was thinking about the 2 instances when he had seen her. How he had felt that she is his very own, both the times that he garlanded her.

Vijay realized that he had never spoken to Kavi. He has not even uttered a single word to her. He has not heard her talk either. Yet he felt he had a strange and intimate connection with her.

This girl is no more. His mom who had always fought to get the right for him to garland her at the most important moments of her life –when she attained puberty and when she got married is saying now that it’s a waste of time to go for her funeral.

Vijay was alone in the house. His friends had not come back from dinner yet. He went into his room. The mirror on the wall reflected his face. He looked at his reflection intently. Is he sad? Is he worried? Is he feeling sorry for Kavi? Strangely he felt that he did not have any feelings for Kavi. Not anymore.

It has been a heavy day for him at office. He was having a minor headache. He went to the nearby park to take a stroll, to take in some fresh air. He was sitting on the park bench for a long time.

His mobile started ringing. It is his friend calling.

“Dude, where are you. Still in office? We are going to sleep. Have kept your dinner on the table in the hall” his friend was saying.

“I am going to my native town” Vijay replied.

“What. You have not told us before. Any problem” his friend was enquiring.

“Nothing. Just have one final responsibility to fulfill. Will be back soon” Vijay told and disconnected.

“Will he be allowed to see Kavi? Will anyone respect him? Will her relatives now recognize him? He had not seen any of them after her marriage. Would his mother approve of his action? She has told that we are not in talking terms with Kavi’s family” a million thoughts flooded Vijay’s mind. But none of this seems to matter.

He was at Kavi’s place the next day morning. With a garland in hand. It was very early in the morning. He entered the hall. Kavi’s body was placed at the center of the hall. Few relatives were sitting around the body. Most others are yet to arrive. He went close. Saw her. Her eyes were closed. The only sparkle that was left is now hidden. Maybe it’s gone. Everything is gone. Everything is finished. He looked at her face one final time. He placed the garland on her and turned back.

He had fulfilled his responsibility. 

A day in his life

At last, he woke up. Life sucks. Life really sucks. Life really sucks for him. It was already 6.30. The alarm started blaring from 5.30. After 10 snoozes, he finally got up. He has to get up atleast now. He has been wanting to get up at 5.30 so that he can do an hour of exercise before leaving for office. He will for sure getup at 5.30 tomorrow, he promised himself as he got up. A promise he has been making daily for god knows how long.

Getting up is the most difficult part. Other morning rituals follow at lightning speed. In 20 mins, he is all dressed up, had a quick breakfast and is ready to leave for office. He leaves home at 6.50 every day to a catch the train that leaves at 7.00. And as usual he catches the train just as it was leaving. As usual the train was very crowded today as well. What a great way to start the day. And his life has been the same way for the past several years. Infact it has been the same right from the day one of his office going life.

It was a hot day. Sun is already shining bright. The hurry with which he has come running to catch the train made him sweat profusely. What is this life. Why it has to be this way for me. He stared thinking thus. He felt a little breeze as the train started to leave.

He is the manager at a big multinational company. He has had a very good start at the career. Having not so bright in studies, it was a dream come true for him to get this job. His friends had envied him then. He was a role model for them then.

Times have changed. His friends have followed different paths. Most of them have settled abroad.  Ramesh was the last one to join others in US. He left about 4 months back. He had gone to bade him farewell. Last week he saw the photo of Ramesh with his new black BMW on facebook. “Dream fulfilled” read Ramesh’s comment on the photo.

The others – Mani, Suresh, Raja, Ahmed, Vijay, Karthi, Ganesh, Guna... the list goes on. They are his classmates. All of them have moved to US at different points in time. They all have settled there. They have a very good life there. Their families are happy. Their children get to study at schools of international standards. They all have got their dream car. They are all having the time of their life...

Take his cousin for instance. He has been living in Singapore for the past 8 years. Or Ranjith, his other cousin. He went to Australia for studies. But he never came back. He managed to get a job there and is living there happily. Rumor is that he is in a live in relation with a local girl there. Last when they chatted, Ranjith had confirmed this. What’s wrong with it? Ranjith had queried. All he could respond with is “So… when are you getting married”. “Are you nuts… We like it this way man. Have not thought about marriage yet. First will have to check if both of us are compatible. That’s the way it works here man.” was the reply.  Want to check if you both are compatible. Whatever that means…

The train came to a stop. He looked out. He looked around. God!!! What sin have I done. Why life had to been so hard for me. The train had stopped at a signal. With the train fully crowded, heat going up and with no sign of any breeze around, he can only dream of his friends going around in swanky cars in countries where temperatures hardly touches the 2 digit mark and curse himself. It would be another one hour by the time he reaches his final stop. From there, he has to take an auto to reach his office. An ordeal he has to put up with every day.

By the time he entered his office it was already 8.30. He was late by 30 mins and he was fully exhausted. He was looking if he can take some rest. He took a look at his calendar to see the schedules for the day. There was a review meeting with his boos. Its starts at 9.00. Oh god…he thought. His work had begun. And it went on & on & on. Finally when he looked up to leave, it was 6.30 in the evening. He thought of his travel back home. To the station, by the train that is always crowded. It would be 8.30 in the night by the time he reaches home. At home, it would be watching television late into the night and finally when he could not take it any longer, he would go to sleep.

This has been the routine for him for a long time now. And he hates it as much as he could.

That night, he got a call from an unexpected number. It’s a US number, he could guess. It was from a HR of a company in US. The voice at the other end apologized for calling late and its inevitability as the day has just started in US. The call is about a job offer. One of his friends has referred him and the HR has called to check if he would be interested in the position.

He answered firmly that he is not interested in the position and he wanted to stay here and cannot travel to US. And he went to sleep to start another day of the same routine.

Another excuse

I was in a stationary shop one day to make copies of my assignments and purchase some material for binding it. It's a tiny shop that has multitude of facilities.

It's a stationary shop, a Xerox shop, an STD booth and a binding shop all in one. Only that much I noticed in the little time I spent there. A single man was there in the shop to manage all these activities. The shop was buzzing with crowd. Always four or five persons are there, the number too much for a shop of that size.

I was one of the customers and I was standing in one corner, waiting for the man to finish taking the copies. It was then a little boy came to that shop. He has come to buy a pen. May be the first pen he is ever going to use.

He was scanning all the pens that are neatly arranged in the show case for sometime. His eyes fell on a little golden pen and asked the shopkeeper for that pen. The shopkeeper with out paying heed to the little boys call simply said that the pen is a costly one and turned his attention to service other customers.

'What a reckless man he was', I thought and looked at the little boy. His face half shrunk looked at the ten rupee note he was holding in his hand. That was indeed a big amount for him, enough to buy this whole world.

With this new found confidence, he turned to the shop keeper and asked him how much does that pen cost. But he has to repeat that question four times to grab the attention of the shopkeeper who said 'twenty rupees' and turned to mind his own business (of servicing his customers of whom this little boy is one).

I had for long thought of helping somebody in need. But every time I had enough excuses not to pay attention to others problems. I never give anything to a beggar and my reason for that is beggary in any form has to be discouraged. It's not healthy for the society and people must work to earn their bread. But here is a boy who needs help for some genuine reason. Perhaps I am in a position to help him. Giving ten rupees does not mean anything for me. But for the boy, he can buy the pen of his dream.

I heard the shopkeeper calling me and I looked up to face him. He said that my copies are ready and asked me to choose the sheet to use for binding.

He showed a verity of sheets of different qualities and soon I got busy comparing the sheets to select the best out of it. I was absorbed in it for a while when suddenly I remembered the little boy. But it was too late, the boy was gone. 'Had he stayed there for some more time, I would have helped him', I reflected. Or is that another excuse.