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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Desperate Eyes


googled image

Rubeena, with her melodiously sweet voice was talking to one of the many callers on her show called ‘flashback with Rubeena’ on radio. I was falling in love with Kavitha Krishnamurthy who was at her vocal best in one of her songs being aired. Next to follow was the legendary voice of Mr. Jagjit Singh, singing one of the best gazals of all time. Humming to these serene tunes I was couched comfortably at the navigator’s seat of a friend’s car.

Rubeena had an interesting topic being discussed on air. She was asking her listeners to express their childhood memories where in they had anything mischievous to hide their wrong doings. One of the interesting caller, believe me she also had an amazing voice, went on to narrate her tale. We were at a traffic signal when a boy, who had been to this world around a decade ago, approached us to sell a toy.

His bones were wrapped around with a thin layer of skin, which could have easily been torn apart, without prompting much of a pain. His hair screamed they had never been caressed with the smoothness of oil. His clothes had seldom tasted water. His dark eyes were so so desperate. His voice uttered emotions.

The toy!
One thing which impressed me is that though life had pushed him to extremities of deadly hunger and poverty, it hasn’t got the best of him, yet. He was not begging. More often than not we see people resorting to all sorts of drama, just to beg. Having finished his day at school, yes he is to join fifth standard now, it was the time to earn money, by selling toys. His parents are working at a nearby construction site. I wonder what this kid would have answered to Rubeena if she asked him if cherished his childhood?
Would you buy a toy if, by any chance, spot any of those burdened boys around? It might cost us not more than ten or twenty rupees, but it might change their lives. He politely answered that he earns fifty to hundred rupees, if he has a lucky day. Wish every day brings a fair bit of luck.


19 comments:

  1. Mak, Very touching post so well written...I ended reading with tearful eyes. It hurts to see underage child has to work to meet bare necessities of life. During my last visit to India signal stops were very painful because always kids came for begging or for selling different things...I always bought stuff and even gave money to begging kid. Inequality is getting worst. Your title and image suits well to this story.

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    1. Thanks a lot Usha. You have connected it so well. When we, as a developing nation, talk about technologies, fail to address these grave situations.

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  2. I always buy things from people who are making an effort to put together their lives. And if you ask that child, I bet he would also have some nice memories of childhood. Such people are full of life and always see a positive in everything. We should learn how to value life from such people. A very warm read, Mak.

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    1. Great to hear that from you Saru. Yes i agree that these kids too have wonderful memories to cherish but not as many as the blessed ones.
      Makes me feel glad that you liked it Saru. Thank you.

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    2. True but their zest for life is better than the ones who are blessed. I wish they can learn a lesson or two from them...

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    3. Undoubtedly yes. I am not denying it. But when it comes to leading a content life, they are still considered as children of lesser gods.

      Appreciate!

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  3. Awww. What a touching post.. Yes even I do buy things when I find little kid or old people selling it Mak. U made me remember 1 of my similar old post.. Here is the link :)

    http://intiativesonia.blogspot.in/2011/12/santa-claus-gifts.html

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    1. Sure, will read your post Sonia. Thank you :)

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  4. it's a very touching depiction. I wish all the luck for this boy. great post.
    www.rajnishonline.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you very much Rajnish. Very inspiring comment. I am glad.

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  5. WOW! Love it! Very well written <3 <3

    love
    http://www.meghasarin.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks a ton Megha. Your comment is as beautiful as you are. Very lovely.

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  6. respect that boy and admire your sensitivity that you showed towards the boy and in the way you narrated the incident through this post

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    1. You made my day, which was rather very lazy, with this beautiful comment Sujatha. Thank you very much.

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  8. Very heart touching post Mak..Thanks for sharing..I'm glad to join you back..:-)

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    1. I am pleased to see you here again Naagini. Thanks a lot.

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  9. Mak! kept this page minimized for the whole day and didn't fine time to read this. Will read this tomorrow for sure :)

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    1. Is it still hiding in the status bar Jay :) ???

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