Woh kaun thi?

I was tired. Though had walked only a couple of kilometers till then... I was panting like a fool. Had reached near CST when I decided to have something before I got into the station. My eye balls which were swinging in search of some life saving junk food got stuck at the site of a hawker selling boiled eggs. Before my taste budds could realize, i had gulped down two of them and was searching for some change in my wallet to pay the young seller.

With used paper plate in my hand, my eyes balls played again and now got glued to someone over the dustbin. Acrimoniously i looked at her. She must be 6, with long hair, but too shabby to even stare at, religiously searching for something in the bin. I seldom show generosity to give alms, and get irritated when approached by kids begging across the wind shield of my second hand car. This to me has always been conspiracy of their parents to push them into such business even when they were resourceful enough to feed them atleast.I was a bit hesitant in using the bin which seemed to be her property. But, then showed some courage and aimed the projectile of crumped paper into the bin missing the lady by an inch.

Yes.. the other hand was still in the pocket, searching frantically for change now, as i had only a 500 rupee note in my wallet.

'Accidentally', I happened to look again at the dust bin. Only then, It seemed the world had come to a stand still. My pulse went throbbing high, and my eyes were stuck again. Someone was licking the garbage madly. And, I could recognize in her hand the crump I had just thrown.
Oh God ! This 'normal incident' was sending me shivers. I was completely at loss to know the reason for this wave of mercy within me. Suddenly, the girl looked as if a neighbourhood kid. I couldn't stand it any further. I ordered a burger to another hawker on my left. He accepted the 500 ruppe note and gave me the balance in change too. I looked all around again. It was the same place i visit every evening. But, something seemed to be different today. I felt pain watching so many people gulping down junk at one or the other stall. But, none noticed the child. I have been one among them always.. but something was different this time.

Shyly, I handed over the parcel to the kid. I couldn't look at her eyes. I dint look at her at all. However, I suppose she was little interested in my stare. She took the stuff and immediately ran off. I felt good. For the first time in my life I had this feeling. And, its cost was Rs 10/- only.

Utility can be derived from giving also, and to know this i found myself fortunate.