The green bangles ------------------------- The old woman almost but ran to my car at the signal. Across the seasons since three -four years she stands right at the same spot n very well recognizes my car by now. In fact I kind of upgraded her to a five rupee coin now since 2 years...and occasional blankets in winters. Though Mumbai is hardly ever really cold. Her eyes are always twinkling and not filled with fake misery like plenty other beggars. I like that about her ! I gave her the coin but she refused to budge. @ I want 50 Rs today she spoke as a matter of fact ! # Fifty Rs??? I almost screamed at her. What makes you think I will give you Fifty Rs ? @ I know you wont say no to me, she spoke excitedly. # why will I not say no to you? I asked in disbelief. And why u need it ? @ She laughed lightly, I want to buy those green bangles across the shop. I was taken aback ! # why u want to buy colorful bangles at this age? And why should I be buying them for u ? @ Whats age got to do with celebration ? She acted like a persistent child. Its the month of Saawan n all women buy clothes n bangles etc. I dont want clothes, but I really love those green bangles , she pointed at a shop across the signal. And I just know you wont say no to me ! The signal turned green. I asked her to meet me the other side. # But Amma, why should I be buying you the bangles??? If you were hungry I would have bought you some food instead. @ She became quiet. I dont want food, I want someone to buy bangles for me. I have no one ! If my son was alive, he wouldnt say no ! Her eyes had lost the shine and looked hollow. # I had no time to listen to her stories n neither I wanted to know. Listen Amma, I am not your son, but I will give you 50 Rs to buy those green bangles. Next time when I pass this way, I want to see them in your hands, and if you lie to me, never come to my car again. ! She burst out laughing, took the money from me and disappeared into the crowd. I almost forgot about her. I meet enough fake people during the day, whats fifty Rs gone on the street. I wasnt a fool to just give away. Or was I ? Didnt matter. But then today, she walked to my car and moved that fragile hand across my windscreen. And I couldnt miss those shining green bangles matching the sparkle in her eyes. Her happiness rubbed on to me a little. She wasnt a fake for sure ! I smiled with her...n smiled all the way home...just for fifty Rs excerpts from my diary - pravin talan
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:02:46 +0000
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