Crossroads of Choice

My day starts with my roomie shaking me from my bed and 20 minutes later I am on the road bumping my way in a share auto heading for office.The only thing that discourages me to go to office is not work, sleep or my manager , it’s the Sholingnaloor Junction. I zigzag through the junction like a petrified chicken (I personally feel most of the commuters feel the same way I do!) and huffing and puffing I cross.

A few days back as usual, I was gearing up to cross the river of cars, buses and people, when something bumped into me from behind. I was not prepared for surprises especially when I have to face my worst fear. (The scared chicken look was back on my face). When I turned around I only saw a sea of faces moving along. Then again the bump! This time at my knee. When I looked down, I saw the pale pink and maroon uniform clad kid, burdened with a bag much larger than him. He was maybe 10 or 11 years old. It almost looked like he was spinning as the crowd pushed him from one way to another. (Almost got a headache looking at him rotate.) I caught hold of his hand to steady him. And the look of relief and gratitude that came to his eyes caught me totally off guard.

With my broken Tamil I asked: “Enge Ponno?” (Which way you want to go?). 

He pointed his finger and my heart fell as I realized that I‘ll have to fight my battle through the way i just crossed all over again!!! But holding his hand, I could feel the trust he had in me.

Looking at his face silently screaming for help I asked myself-  Could I let him down, the same way that I was let down on that dreadful night when I was crying in the railway station? (I still feel dread when I think of that night )Could I afford to make this kid lose his faith in Mankind, almost the same way I did? Do I want him to grow up thinking that the world is a dreary, selfish place where no one helps each other? Do I want to him to see this beautiful world devoid of love, kindness and care? 

Though we are the authors of only our own destiny, we still act as catalysts for those around us.We may not realize it ,but we actually play a role in the choices others make. 

As all these questions crossed my mind, I knew my answer.The answer is NEVER!!!Without another thought, I crossed the road with him and he gave my hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. We waved our goodbyes and again I dashed my way to the other side just after the signal changed. I did hear a few abuses from the bikers who thought that I was planning to land under their wheels, but I was past caring.

The world is in our hands, its up to us to make it a better place.