Hope

There is a traffic signal a little away from where I live. And it happens to be on my way that leads to vegetable market, the grocer, the milk parlour, etc. None of us have been so lucky to get a green light when we reach the signal. We all have had to wait and that's when these little entrepreneurs make their presence felt with little items for car decor, wipers, balloons, pens and what not. The red light is also the same time when the beggars come and knock at the glass of your car or tap on your hands if you are on a two-wheeler to draw your attention to them. Their torn and shabby clothes, the worn-out look and subtle gestures to hint that they haven't had anything to eat since past few hours or days is what will convince you to give something.

I used to get carried away by these people, but over time they themselves proved me wrong. I remember clearly long time back there was one such lady with her child in her arms begging for something to eat. Having already passed through the emotion called motherhood, I couldn't resist than to buy her a big family pack of biscuits.

It is said pride is bad even if it's in doing something good and this proved right that day. I was very happy and slightly proud of having done a noble deed. I was waiting a bit far to cross the road and my eyes see what I must not have. The lady, who was begging for something to eat and was all blessings on me for giving her that enormous packet of biscuits, entered the same shop from where I bought it. Probably she had been watching me or probably her drama at work. She returned the biscuits and collects cash and crosses the road with the child of hers, but this time she looked confident and strong - probably the confidence of her clear win. I stood there dumbfounded understanding how easily I was fooled. This incident from then on prevented me from helping these so-called beggars.

So now coming back to the traffic signal near my house. On the divider, there are two old ladies who come and beg when vehicles wait for the colour to switch from red to green. I have never entertained them. There are many who would part with a coin or two. They would go back on the Divider and sit there and talk till the next set of customers come. I have watched this multiple times. Either of them would come everytime I stop there, but I equally stubborn never parted with a coin. But the point is they come always. They don't get tired. They don't give up. Something to learn! I do feel by now they must have recognised my car and might be thinking about what a miser I am - because they know not the story behind this indifference.

But sometimes I feel there is one more quality they have more than not giving up and that's hope. It is their hope that brings them to me everytime that may be I will change my mind. It is their hope that makes them think that today might be the day of big change. It is hope that keeps them going. Some day may be their hope will outweigh my stubbornness and I might surrender.

Take care.

Regards

SRN