Story this Wednesday!
This Story starts when I was in
the first of 'Teens', to be exact,thirteen of my 'Bachpan' ,the year
was 'Pachpan' (1955). 'England Returned' used to be the highest
Qualification.An England returned told me this story,the
narration in his own words goes on like as follows:-
" I was a factory worker in
London,worked very hard in day and night shifts.Made lot of money.My
wife was a half-read person, often used to boast about my hard work to
her semi- literate friends," my husband Works hardly."
any way we had house of our own and had a comfortable living.
I was very much impressed about
the news paper delivery boy,who was so punctual that a watch could be
set at the sound of 'Thud'of delivery in my driveway.It came to my mind
that I should meet such a nice and disciplined
fellow.One day I set the alarm at 5.45 A.M. After going through the
morning channels,I waited to hear the sound of news paper hitting the
floor. Dot 6 a.m.as I heard the sound,wearing my slippers as I came
out,the boy had paddled his bi cycle,I signaled him
to stop,but before he sped saying,"Sorry Sir see you in the evening
give me time that suits you",looking back at me all the time.
" 6 p.m.?"
" Done,have a nice day!"
Punctual to a minute ,he was
there.Before he could ring the door bell, I opened the door and welcomed
and let him in.After customary greetings,we sat down for a chat.
" Nice weather today!,Sorry for
not listening to you in the morning as I was in a hurry,had to be in
time for my school,after finishing my work .I was not discourteous to
you, thank you for giving me opportunity to meet
a nice family."
"Thanks!"
" Orders for me Sir?"
" Nothing special,I had a desire to meet a nice dutiful person like you."
" Thanks for the Compliment.Anything I can do for you?"
" I just wanted to know how you manage to be so punctual.?"
" Sir this I answered you in the morning. Had I stopped on your call,next delivery wouldn't have been delayed."
" Healthy habits keep it up,Excelsior!"
" Thanks"
During the course of
conversation ,I learnt that he was son of Owner of the factory wherein I
was a worker.Astonished,I asked him,Your father is such a big man,how
come you are doing this menial job?
He explained," Sir,I do not
know about circumstances,before I came into the picture,My parents must
have met and liked each other,fell in love,decided to marry.Giving me
birth was their decision.If they could not afford
to raise and groom me ,they were at liberty not to produce me.Now it is
their responsibility to raise me till I come of age and be on my own.
(The boy's talk,flashed across
my Punjabi mind. some Punjabi Phrases like," Panga leya ta.n najitthna
pavega'," Gal peya dhol bajana paya")
Any way, this was in lighter vein,
He continued,"But I have no
right to squeeze their finances and burden them beyond my legitimate
needs and demands exploit them for their love and affection and indulge
in luxury,lavishness and extravagance on their
hard earned money.So I have to make my own pocket money.
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