“Yeh didi tumse baat karna chahti hai,” said A to a boy named R. R was scurrying about, carrying a crate full of dirty, empty teacups. As soon as he looked at me, he flashed the most amazing smile I had ever seen. A smile from the heart, which lit up his face.
He nodded, lifted up his hands as his eyes communicated to me that he will come in a moment after stacking up the crate which he has to wash in a few minutes. I stood in a corner, waiting for him.
15 year old R works day and night because he has to fill his stomach. Sometimes he wishes to go back to his home, thousands of kilometers away. But the thought of poverty stops him.
I ask him questions, as first he falters but soon we build a rapport and continue talking. At times his answers are so mature, at times child like craving for attention and affection.
At the end of our conversation, I sincerely wish that now onwards life doles out better cards to him, that he becomes a successful man. But I wonder if the boy with the sunny smile can just live on hope and hard work.
The goodbye is awkward but he just gives me a ‘thumbs up’ sign and flashes his million watt smile. I smile too while returning his gesture.
In olden times, thumbs up actually meant an approval of the gladiator's request to kill his vanquished foe rather than a vote to allow the defeated to remain alive.
I just hope that this gladiator can come out victorius because it would be a pity if his spirit was to die.
Originally posted on Tuesday, October 03, 2006 5:40 PM
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