Sepia shades of life

I kicked the pebble by the pavement and walked across the street, in no particular hurry. Flat tyre with 'driving fatigue' was a strong reason for me to park the car by the side of the road. I stood by the corner store dragging on Wills Filter and enjoying the deep sense of fulfilment. There cannot be a habit more disgusting than holding a cigarette between fingers, standing on a pavement and puffing on it - yet many do it everyday.

It was one of those days, you know, when everything was turning out to be in favour of me - day had progressed well, I had received all good emails, none of the phone calls were distressing, I did not see any accident on the road, traffic was the normal bulging self, a cousin - once very close - had suddenly resurfaced to say hello, drivers on road were honking for no reason - all was well with the world.

An old woman lay by the wayside, wearing rags and holding on to a small bundle tightly! The contours of her face betrayed anguish. It seemed like she could burst into laughter suddenly, she was old but not frail. She wasn't begging, but a few passersby were dropping coins where she lay. She did not protest! It wasn't clear whether her vision was intact. I thought she could not see - she looked desolate, forlorn and aloof! Between her clenched fist, I could see a decrepit photograph of a very little girl. It made me wonder about her and the little girl. Perhaps she was her grand daughter and now this old woman was homeless! She suddenly yelled and started smiling - very happy & gay smile! After a while, quiet descended!!

Young boy stopped by trying to sell the "mosquito killer" racquet. It is an amusing little palything and I felt that kids would enjoy it. But it was very saidstic to swing racquets to kill mosquitos - much like Bush's invasion in Iraq looking for WMD. You might as well enjoy doing it with bare hands. It is a test of stamina, patience and hand-eye coordination. You can try all tricks, the irritating sound of a humming mosquito isn't going to go away at all! Then I heard someone say that there were bomb blasts in CP area of Delhi. Suddenly everyone had something new to talk about. 6 lives lost, 53 injured...ticker tape goes on and discussion over lot of data and numbers over tea cups and smokes...

Life goes on...in all its shades and glory! We all are rushing and we all have lot of time to spare!