The Gallivanter Beggar Boy...

Something very strange happened to me today. I woke up in the morning, very happy and very enthusiastic. I have my own reasons to be happy.
I left for office in my friend's car. I took the usual path, but today the roads were jam more than usual. I was waiting way behind the queue on a traffic signal. This is the signal where I stop daily. These signals have a story of their own. You can always see a lot of things happening over these signals.
On an average I stay at this particular signal for around 4-5 minutes. But these 5 minutes says a lot. You see a lot of people all around you. Someone is busy on his phone, someone is looking over to a beautiful girl crossing in a rickshaw and some girl in the back car who left for work in hurry is busy doing her makeup.
The thing which stroked me the most was this beggar boy. He was around 12 or 13 years old suffering from polio. This boy was full of energy. He seemed to be always happy and smiling. There was something in his smile that always stole my attention. He used to pass my car daily but never asked me anything.
Today he knocked my window. He gave me a sweet smile and greeted 'Hello'. I thought what has happened to him today.
"Can I ask you something?” he said.
I nodded my head in yes thinking he'll make some stupid story and ask for money.
"Can you bring me some crackers for this Diwali?"
It came as a shock to me. I felt ashamed in front of his decent request. He said nothing else, just kept looking at me. His eyes penetrated my soul.
"I will definitely." He left with joy.
His request reminded me of my younger siblings...

A Reading Gallivanter Girl...

My life started as usual. Woke up early in the morning, no breakfast, long day ahead.

But I was happy mainly because of two things. Firstly, I got the new book of my favorite author (Aleph- Paulo Coelho). I couldn't wait to finish it before my friend does. And secondly I'll be travelling again.

As usual, I was waiting at the bus stop for my bus to arrive with Aleph in one hand. The bus arrived and I got into it. It was almost empty. I occupied a window seat and started reading the book. 

I was so lost in the book that I didn't realize when the seat next to me got occupied.

It was a sweet voice that interrupted me. There was this sweet beautiful girl sitting next to me.

"Can I see the book?” she asked.

"Sure".

She read the introduction of the book.

"What does Aleph mean?” she questioned.

I took me some time to recollect what Aleph means. Then I explained it to her.

There was a strange smile on her face. Then I realized she very well knew its meaning and was simply testing me.

"Are you a Paulo Coelho follower?” I asked.

"No", she replied.

I was wrong; she didn't know what Aleph means.

"Can you suggest me some books which I should read?” She looked very curious.

"What kind of books do you like?"

She seemed puzzled to my straight question. Then she is told me, she was not much into reading. She got into reading recently.

"I need some books which can enlighten me spiritually. I hate to read something which is full of philosophy. I recently bought two books and they were full heavy dialogues. I want something simple, like a story book."

Only book that came to my mind that instant was 'The Alchemist'.

"Have you heard about a book called The Alchemist?”

"No", she replied.

"You must read this book. It’s in a form of story and you learn a lot from it."

I told her about few others books.

I had a prolonged conversation with her. We talked about a lot of things.

Finally, it was time for her to get down.

"I 'all definitely try to read the book you mentioned. Bye...”

Bye...

We talked a lot but at the end were complete strangers. I don't know her name and she don't know mine.

It’s good to know strangers sometimes....