I am afraid

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I was out with two junior colleagues at work to eat golgappas and generally have fun.
Heard a child bawling, wondered who it was and then while getting back to the car. Saw a middle aged woman carrying a child of 5-6 years. The child was crying er heart out.

I stepped infront of them and tried to talk to her, hoping the interruption would stop her from crying further.

The woman explained that the child was her grand daughter whose mother (the woman's daughter) had died and therefore the woman was looking after the child. She seemed to be of limited means and said that she couldnt afford to buy the toy the child was asking for and had instead got her a balloon, some biscuits and toffee as compensation.

I was in half a mind to ask her where the toy shop was, so that I could buy the toy for the child before realizing that I would set a bad precedent.

Instead I kept talking to the child and got her to forget her toy for a while atleast.
She got friendly enough to smile for the camera also.

It was on the way back that suddenly the image of the woman and child got interchanged with that of my Mom and Aarini and I grew afraid.


The thought of a motherless child stayed with me all the way home. And for the first time in my life I prayed to God that I may live long enough to see my daughter grown up and strong.

Comments

nsiyer said…
Very touching. We are gifted.
12:40 am, August 04, 2011
S said…
Oh dear, that must have really haunted u. I too am afraid of ever leaving A motherless. Never valued my own health before as much as I do now.
7:48 am, August 11, 2011
Pinku said…
HDWK.... let us all be around for our kids...they do need us now.
lets also have the wisdom to step back once they are confident to go their ways alone or with chosen partners.

nyiser :) we are.

S - really the thought gives me goosebumps even now. Scary.
2:26 pm, August 11, 2011
Minal said…
Don't let any negative thoughts enter your mind.
Both Aarini and Buttercup are too cute.
7:55 pm, September 09, 2011
Haddock said…
somethings are not in our hands.... but we just wish and hope that everything goes well when it comes to family.
7:04 am, September 20, 2011
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