I - DIARY PAGE - 23 SEPTEMBER 2002

Diary Page - 23 September 2002.

This morning was totally different from other days. I had spent my
night on the train and early in the morning, stepped out of compartment
on to the platform. It was very early and with lots of passengers
around, it became difficult for me to find a taxi or an auto rickshaw
to take me home.

Just outside the station entrance, as I bent to my left, far down the
road, a few standing cycle rickshaws caught my eyes. Since long I had
not taken a ride in a cycle rickshaw. Picking up my suitcase in one
hand and hanging the hand bag on my left shoulder, I stepped forward
towards the man-driven vehicle. Seeing me moving towards them, one of
the rickshaw pullers ran towards me and took my luggage and placed it
on the foot place.

Cycle rickshaws are very common in small towns in India. They are a
cheap mode of transport and very handy and convenient to move even a
few yards on it, if you so like by paying a few coins. The cycle
rickshaw is a three wheeled vehicle driven by man. A seat behind the
puller can be occupied by two passengers. A wide space to keep the legs
and the things that one carries. The top of the passenger seat is
covered by a hood, which can be put up for shelter from the rain, sun
or the cold. The summer pleasant evenings find the rickshaws with their
hood down to enjoy the sweet, pleasant, and cool breeze.

My rickshaw puller, pedalled the rickshaw forward, humming a tune and
at times looking back to have a few words with me.

I remembered those days when my dad owned a private cycle rickshaw
_____ Private No. 3. It was all to make it convenient for us, his
children, not to fall into trouble to move about. But during our school
days, the rickshaw puller was a trouble maker for us. Mom, who was very
caring towards her two daughters, used to send tiffins and milk for us
during our schools morning breaks. Raju, the rickshaw puller, would be
there when the bell rang, carrying a thermos flask full of hot milk and
a box of snacks. As soon as we would come near, he would fill our
glasses with milk and then mix two teaspoonful of Bournvita and some
sugar. He would stir it and then hand it to us to drink up, some times
in one gulp and sometimes we would hide and just drain our milk filled
glasses in some corner or other. At times, we would force Raju to eat
and drink all our food. Then, we never knew that he was happy in
getting the nutritious food. On some days, during breaks we would join
our friends for some game or the other. Then, our great Raju would come
up to the office room and complain to Mother Superior or Sister (Head
Mistress) for he was known to them. They in turn would send the ayah to
find us. So boring were those days we faced with a nagging Raju.

My rickshaw moved on and I knew that I would be at my door step within
a short time. Again another remembrance cropped up. Those days I was in
Class VIII. In the evenings we went to play in a playground quite far
from our house and our Private No. 3 would take us there. It was then I
started driving the rickshaw. Indeed it was a difficult task but I
could do it. Thus I could pull a pedalled rickshaw, a rare experience
of life.

I never knew when I reached m home. The rickshaw puller finally asked
me to show my house so that he could stop there. He got down, smiled
and carried my suitcase up to the front door. I opened my purse. I
looked at the man, saw his ragged condition and handed him a fifty
rupees note.

"I have no change madam".

"You can keep the whole amount", I said.

"God bless you, your children and your family. You will prosper a lot
in your life madam," said he with a gleam in his eyes. He took the
towel which hung from his shoulders and wiped the sweat. Showing his
white teeth which were prominent on his dark face he turned and
left.

I was happy to be back home after so many days.

I ran into my usual routine.

It was terrific and nice to be into my regular life which I missed,
away from my home.

I had a very good nap in the afternoon.

The evening was pleasant and cruised into night. Lots of pending work
was taken care of.

By the time I went to bed it was late.

I thanked God for my wonderful day and pleasant memories.

The tired eyelids closed down to end task and go into rest.

11p.m.