Sunday, October 3, 2010

Nobody I Know

While returning to home today; I met someone. Someone from school days, but not exactly a school mate. He was the only one standing there. I was the only one walking as well. He looked very different and I have grown up too since I last saw him as a school going kid. Even after seeing him after more than a decade it only took a fraction of a second to recognize him. And the same happened for him as well, when he saw me. If you look into someone's eyes you realize nothing has changed, though years would have gone by. As I approached where he stood, I did not know what to do. I was confused. I was happy to see him. And I was sad to see him at the same time.

He was a rickshaw puller. He used to ferry me at times to and fro to the bus stop. All his life he has been pulling a rickshaw and still does that. At the same place. Old, White hair, a little wasted. I decided not to take the rikshaw; I walked down to home out of respect for his age. Wanted to give him some money but that would be disrespect. So I stopped for a while and talked to him. His old age hadnt affected his memory one bit; he even remembered my name. Then I continued walking towards home.

I dont know what to call what I feel about it.

Do you have a word for it?

1 comment:

  1. Don't have a word for it. But kudos to you for remembering him. How many people actually remember people like him? And how many of them actually have the time to stop and talk to him?

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