Those Bulged Watery Eyes

It felt hot today, it seems peasant Pune weather turn around. I looked at calendar it still in mid of March; now that global warming thing is really, I shouted. Standing still at my door I asked my friend Sunny how much time he will take, that day we had plan a whole plan for shopping. And see what a member of my gang just say no. What! No, how can he just simply say no, without any explanation, excuse or an apology. But calm down you have to get yourself composed and from behind Sunny, Lokesh, Pramod, Uday and Naresh hurled me out saying now you are the last one out of room. I sensed its time rush or do the dishes and came out slamming door behind.

Finally day started with making noise equaling University road traffic jam, we get in a bus for Pune camp. People talk a lot about traffic in Pune even I cursed it so but later after coming to Delhi I realize it was a blessing to be there even in mid of traffic. Though a sudden break blocked our conversation and from window I saw a group of messy, unclean people leaving in tents close to Sangamwadi Bridge. You can’t call it slum but still a few shanties were visible, just reminded me a thought of CWG scam that guy was MP from Pune and just passed Junabazar. I recollect myself in group and indulged in guys’ talk. Finally happy hour came after 36 min journey we dropped at traffic signal near to SGS mall.

Top of mind looking for most economic trendy merchandise in those branded shops, very contrary was similar visiting Starbucks and staring end to end at menu and ordering regular cappuccino. Who the hell in India can demarks between those close tasted coffees? Until and unless he/she is some connoisseur or some freaky Fox traveler. At last we were able to grab best deals I bought a pair of shoes from Mochi and a cool T shirt from Provogue perfectly symbolizing mediocrity of middle class guy and his mediocre desire to flaunt. Lots of shopping and talking our brain needed dose of glucose. Stomach was craving and felt I want to eat immediately or can’t put a single step. At last we agreed and see Ronald from McDonald has best deal for us. Rushed in to cafeteria to bulk up our almost drained brain though Ronald didn’t offer any toy in return, I am so envy of happy meals.

After feeling yourself with Burgers it is mandatory to have an iceberg afterwards. It was a ritual we followed during those all 8 semesters of graduation. And bought jumbo iceberg floats (sounded fancy but simply a scoop of Vanilla ice-cream in coke to kill your diet routine. Those who are calorie conscious thought it as crime but who care when you are blessed with ever high metabolic rate and famished looks. Now my brain was fully active, alert and responding to very momentary stimulus.

I looked outside road its 3 PM and Sun has decided something again global warming heard of Ozone hole over Antarctica but here in Pune? People are passing by and a bunch of kinds probably 10 or 12 of same age 6-8 years obstructing on way; asking for money from every passerby. What a pity people just ignoring them or acting like they never heard or giving pennies. I recalled a very famous quote ‘there aren’t such things such free lunch’ and witnessed the same. Agony runs to chill as I step forward and a little girl pulled my bag and asked for money. I can never forget those bulged watery eyes as I turned around to check. It broke our conversation and we stopped at stairs near Westside. She was directly looking at me and I said I am not going to give you any money but you can eat my puff if you want. At first she looked positively for offer but suddenly drew back her hand and yelled for money again. Same event caught gaze of people around us but it was a daily soap; so they simply ignore.

One of my friend came in to picture suggesting to simply ignore her and to move. But some day you were just inept to do so, I was anguished felt humiliated, ignored and indecisive at moment. How can I move, I want to help, I want to do something for her but when as I tried to empathize a sudden roar took away my attention. It was Uday who was in trouble this time; he was a man of words he did beyond what he suggest earlier. He yelled at a boy eldest among flock and this boy was in no mood to take in. He did strike by exchange of word and literally wrap his hands around Uday’s leg, make him immobile. While Uday with his all might started again but those cute kids turned goons not letting us to pass. I drifted from that girl and ran in to situation and asked to let us go by simply explaining what they are trying is wrong. But no one is in mood to buy me, one of young thug jumped and took a bag which has some chips and puffs and that went beyond everyone’s tolerance. Indeed it was a crime that they committed unconsciously but how can I explain and make them understand. I ran to a traffic cop near signal and he was even feeble to handle those kids, instead he yelled at me for blocking traffic advised to give them money and get rid of.

Oh God if you are looking at this please give me a feedback, this is how we are growing. Every and now India is seeking a permanent seat in UN Security Council, looking to surpass most of European economies soon, may be launching 200+ satellites in one go even fighting for freedom of Balochs. And look at me a fully privileged citizen of mighty India feeling meagre to come out of situation. As every show has its end this also ended soon after so much of drama on road. Those all kids who were behaving very differently just moved away towards a couple and started daily chore as if nothing happened. I was amazed, astonished and agape by the reaction and stumbled by what just happened. I pulled back myself and called a taxi, smiled as my friends swing in and make me to wait for next one.

As I get in cursing the whole event that little girl caught my gaze standing alone besides that group, I think even cornered looking with two bulged watery eyes. I waved her to come close so I can share something but she stood affirm at her place in fear that fear of being outcast, separated overpowering her desire even hunger. I closed my eyes for a moment and saw are passed behind. Taxi was running through the station road, Sangamwadi Bridge and IMD and I was still standing on just opposite to the girl.

Everything is normal I am in to a job, planning to get married soon, my friends are doing fine, everyone is busy in their life but being indecisive that day still haunts me. I don’t know who was responsible whether I or Governments or God himself but someone has to bear the onus. I don’t know who has to be blamed that day either I or the kids or their parents or the society or the Government or again all mighty God. We have a full-fledged Ministry of Women and Child Development, everyone has Right to Education and there is Food for Everyone numerous government and non-government organizations are making public outcry but no one not even I did anything substantial. We never thought of their thorough development; our efforts through charity, donation or social work are meagre efforts of conceit. What was the fear in that girl, what actually she was asking for, what is right for her and how can we eradicate child beggary still pondering and looking for right way.