Small Reason for Big Smile

5-6 customers become a crowd at Bhawani’s small shop at our locality. Yesterday, when I went there for milk the scene was as any other evening. Chorus! 

A geek sporting beard, long gelled hair and a nice spects was talking over phone convincing somebody hard about his inability to come office on time. He also wanted something from Bhawani’s shop. A small kid wearing dirty grey clothes was also shouting for Bhawani’s attention, ‘Kitni der ho gai, mere 5 rupay de do.’ Bhawani was entertaining other customers ignoring the little boy for long.

Geek finished smoke and put his hand in toffee jar kept at counter, smiled at Bhawani and said, ‘Bhawani ki dukaan me self-service honi chahiye.’ Bhawani reciprocated the smile. He picked toffees – 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, giving the fifth one to the little boys and said, ‘Le tu toffee kha, Bhawani iske 5 rupaye to de do’. He caressed his hair and went his way.

The geek didn’t want anything in return of his toffees not even the appreciation from people in the surrounding. His act of kindness left the boy happy and that was his sole purpose.

- Amit Roop