Free Hugs! Anybody?

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Candles were lit everywhere, in the hands of kids, youngsters, elderly people and they were in large numbers. The array of people was endless extending beyond site. They all looked sad and were lighting their candles with the help of each other. Some were crying and traces of tears could be seen in all of them. Some of them, mostly kids were carrying banners. One of the banners read WE LOVE YOU, in colors and a line sketch of a kid. Another one read “You were the best boy in our school”. And there she was, the mamma’s girl, she was carrying a small poster, apparently made by herself which read:

“You're my Honeybunch, Sugarplum

Pumpy-umpy-umpkin, You're my Sweetie Pie

You're my Cuppycake, Gumdrop

Snoogums-Boogums, You're the Apple of my Eye

I WILL MISS YOU ROHAN ”

So she had written lyrics of the cuppycake song. But, miss you Rohan? What happened to him? Finally he saw his own photo clad with flowers, and agarbattis. Oh! So it was his mourning meet. His mom, dad, grandparents and the neighbors were sitting there circling around the photo. All were looking sad and sobbing; and some were all praise for him. “Do they really love me so much?” he thought and saw his mom coming towards the photo. She started yelling Rohan, Rohan beta, wake up… you are getting late for school.

“Oh! So it was a dream, obviously it was… in real no one would care for me,” he thought and left the bed. Now that he was in standard six, he could get ready on his own. The school was opening after a month break after final exams of 5^th standard and results were also expected today. He got ready fast, had breakfast, stuffed the bag with new books and lunch box and left for the school.

---------o-O-o---------

It was great to meet the classmates in school after a long break. He took his seat and participated in the chattering. After a couple of minutes she came and took a seat beside him, her name was Tanya. She was a good friend though some of the things used to pinch him a lot, such as she always used to say these things:

“Mamma brought me a video of cuppycake song and asked me to practice”; “Mamma dropped me to the school”; “Mamma took me for a movie”; “Mamma has packed some roasted paneer today for lunch”; “Mamma surprised me with a gift”; and so on…..

He wondered why her mamma doesn’t attend classes with her in the school too. The class-teacher entered the classroom and greeted them for advancing to the next standard. The results were announced and Rohan got 2^nd rank in the class, his buddy Rahul got 1^st and Tanya 20. She was happy and said her mom would be excited that she did well despite of taking part in dance and sports too.

---------o-O-o---------

He came back home, got fresh, started the TV and waited for mom to come from office. There was phone call from Tanya, she said her mamma was happy for her scoring more than 80 and is taking her out with dad for dinner. He told her that parents are not home yet and he will share the moment with her after they come. He called Rahul but no one answered the call. As if the celebrations have already begun, he thought. He checked the clock, 7PM, time for mom to come home. The doorbell rang, “what a coincidence”, he thought and opened the door.

“How you doing beta,” she asked while coming in. “I am good mom,” he said; “yes; I am always good!” he thought. “You say mom, how was your day at work?”

“It was good, a little hectic though. Did you take evening snacks; see how thin you have become?”

“Yes mom” he said and wondered what difference it might make if he would have been fatter. Everyone used to call Ravi, the fattest kid in his class, a ‘motu’.

“That’s good. Ok I will get fresh and then get back….”

He interrupted “mom you remember today was my first day in standard…”

“Six! Sorry son, how could I forget that? Congratulations beta. So how was the day? And what about the results?

“I ranked 2^nd mom”

“That’s my boy…” she hugged him and kissed him. “…Your dad would love to hear that. Great!”

“Thanks mom,” he smiled finally.

“And how was your first day, and you met your friends?”

He shared the day’s happenings with her and about the new courses coming up and about friends. Today his dad was unusually late and came just before the dinner. Her mom said it would be better to tell dad about the results during dinner itself.

---------o-O-o---------

As usual he was tired and got freshen up quickly for the dinner. Once they were on dining table and started eating, Rohan whispered, “Mom……”

“Hey, you know, Rohan has got second rank in his class.”

“That’s great, akhir beta kiska hai.”

“Achha, as if I do nothing for him.” His mom said, tone changing.

“Well, I didn’t say that…”

“You always mean the same; all you can do is to take credit. Have you ever asked him how his studies are going on and all?”

“Well, he is no more a kid and knows for better.”

The paratha he was eating had lost its taste. “They will miss me only after I’ll leave them…” he thought, recollecting the last night’s dream, “… but that way they are going to waste a lot of candles.” He found the idea of lighting so many candles funny and finished the rest of dinner counting the optimum number of candles. He thought he would not allow anybody to light more than one candle. “OK! You may take one more,” he thought as he envisioned Tanya whining for more. Finally he excused himself and went off to his room. “Are you sick? You didn’t even congratulate him properly,” he heard mom, who was still taking on dad.

“Sorry son…” he said as he entered the room after a while. “… so how was your 1^st day in standard six?”

“It was good dad,” came the answer in ‘do you really care’ tone.

“Well, I know we did hurt you. Sorry for that…”

“Its ok dad” he said as he was kind of used to this.

“So, you did really great in exam and deserve a gift. Tell me, whatever you want.”

This was a little unexpected for him. He didn’t have much interest in video games and the other usual things kids usually ask for. Suddenly something flashed in his mind. “A day out!”

“What?”

“I said a day out with you and mom; may be during this weekend. We can go out watch some movie and eat in a restaurant”

“Well…” Yes, he was trying to recall the last time they spent a weekend like this. ‘At least a month,’ he thought and continued “… why not? Let’s make it this weekend itself. And just a day out won’t be enough for this thing. We will do some shopping for you too.”

“Thanks dad. Thanks a lot!” he was smiling now.

“Anytime beta! Your mom said that you were just 10 marks short to the 1^st ranker. This time you should top the exam. 10 marks are not a big difference”

Rahul was one of his best buddies. They used to study together at times and shared notes. So it didn’t really matter to him if Rahul was 10 marks ahead. Still he said he would try to top this year. Looked like he was getting ready for the competitive world he will be facing upon very soon in life.

---------o-O-o---------

He told Tanya about the plan for the weekend. “That’s great!” she said and told him about the movie she had seen with mom. She also told him to watch the same movie since she liked that. “What have you brought in lunch today?” she inquired.

“Don’t ask!”

“Why?... oh the same thing, veg. cheese sandwich?” she said and grinned.

“Yup!”

“My mamma has packed chicken noodles today. Don’t worry, we will share.” She said and giggled.

“Damn your mamma!” he thought, “thanks!” he said and started thinking about the coming weekend. He was really excited.

---------o-O-o---------

So finally the weekend has arrived. They were getting ready to go to one of the newest and largest malls in the city. His dad proposed to catch a matinee show, do some shopping and then make the day complete with a dinner. However the mom reminded him that his friend Nishant was invited for dinner tonight and he will be joining them. So, the plan was modified by replacing the dinner with the lunch.

As they reached there, Rohan noticed some young girls and boys with banners in their hands which read, “FREE HUGS CAMPAIGN”. The same thing was printed on their t-shirts. Strange! He thought and moved on to hug one of the guys there. They hugged for a while; he really liked it and hugged another of them. Then another girl hugged and kissed him on cheeks and also ruffled his hair. He was all smiles. He was about to hug another one in the group, then his dad did stopped him by holding his hand. “Enough son!” he said “let’s go and buy the…” he was interrupted by one of the boys offering him a hug. He obliged though a little reluctantly. Anyway the idea of campaign sounded great to Rohan as he was feeling great.

Now they proceeded for a sumptuous lunch which was followed by movie and some shopping. They returned home early evening so as to buy time to prepare something and to order some more things for the planned dinner.

---------o-O-o---------

Nishant was his dad’s friend cum classmate and used to join them for dinner sometimes. He was a self-employed person and was also a trustee for one of the orphanage in the city. While they started eating Rohan observed him closely. He was tall, had a smiling face and kept two day grown stubble. “He looks younger than dad,” he thought. They were discussing general affairs related to work and his business. “So how is your orphanage going?” his mom asked in between.

“It’s great. Now we have more funds with us from the addition of some new donors.”

“Sound’s great!”

“In fact tomorrow we are celebrating the annual function. All kids are excited and preparing hard for the occasion.”

“Can I go there with you tomorrow?” Rohan asked.

“Why?” his mom and dad in unison.

“Well, why not! Of course you can join me Rohan. And you two are also invited.” Nishant said as he looked at his surprised mom-dad.

“OK, I don’t have any problem as such. Do you?” dad asked mom.

“No, he can go if he wishes. But I will not be joining you people as I got some work back home.”

His dad also had some work or something and refrained from the visit. So they finally decided that Nishant will pick Rohan in the morning and take him to the function.

---------o-O-o---------

Nishant knew almost each and every kid by their names. As he reached the orphanage, all kids surrounded and greeted him. Many of them came forward and hugged him. Nishant tossed few little ones in the air and kissed them. He also distributed the gifts he’s brought for them and other required things for the celebration. Rohan helped him in distributing the gifts etc. and relished the happenings.

It was a real festive environment in the orphanage. Some kids were dancing on some Bollywood dance number at one side. Some were trying to bind the matki rope on each side of wall which will be broken later today to mark the end of third year of the institution. Everyone was either having fun or was helping for the celebration. A group was preparing the feast to be served for lunch. Some kids were playing cricket on a side. Rohan joined them for a couple of matches.

A few hours after lunch, the celebration had come to an end. Nishant cheered the kids, and excused himself for the rest of the day. Rohan too waived hands as the car sped away from the orphanage. He thanked Nishant for bringing him to the place. “Uncle, they really don’t have any parents?” he asked, sounded inquisitive.

“Of course Rohan. It’s an orphanage,” said Nishant sensing Rohan’s doubts.

“Hmmmmm still they looked really happy!”

“Well, all of them are aware that they don’t have parents and they don’t expect any parental love to make them feel happy. I think that’s the funda here.”

“You mean to say that, the more you expect to be loved the less being loved you feel?”

“Yes probably! And to bring happiness in life you should love yourself and love others.”

Rohan was silent and thinking for a while. A memory of the free hugs also flashed his mind. A smile came on his thin face. Then he hugged and thanked Nishant.

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© Vikash Kumar

Dedicated to all my loved ones......

Dear Readers,

First of all thanks for reading upto this... :)

The primary idea of this story took birth around 6 months back. I thought of quite a lot of ideas and scenes to make it complete, but still took a lot of time. I am not very much aware of children' psychology so had to go through some experiences etc. to make it conclusive upto some extent.

I thank all of you for appreciating my work of Narrow-man Point which encouraged me to write further. However because of career pressure I couldn't spend much time. I especially thank Varun Grover, my friend and mentor for helping me continuously in this endeavor.

Again I would request all the readers to post your comments and feedbacks to enable me to improve further.

Thanks!!!!!
Vikash

NARROW-MAN POINT

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Churchgate! Was the first word whizzed into his ears when he came out of his high-rise office. The taxi-walas were trying to lure passengers for the station. It reminded him of his early days in Mumbai when he was doing internship with a firm in Nariman Point. Six years has passed but nothing has really changed in his life. The firm where he interned was just two blocks away and he often used to walk across the streets for fast food or just hanging out with friends. Once they took a buggy ride from there to marine drive, and then spent there 4 hours while chatting with friends. There were some good sandwich stalls, some bhelpuri-wala etc., who all were still there, but now-a-days he could hardly visit them. Suddenly his heart craved for such enjoyable moments. Now he could see the sea directly from his cabin in the office but could hardly feel it.

He was working for an investment bank in private equity and was usually loaded with assignments, commitments and appointments. He traveled across the world but his heart was still as earlier, quite but devoid of something he didn’t know. That day he was not in hurry to reach home. He saw a group of youngsters walking along the roadside towards the sea. He just thought of also going there and spending some time. Once, he used to enjoy the wide walls built along the coastline and sit there for long; doesn’t matter if he is alone or having some company.

He felt the cell phone pulsating in his pocket. Airtel was offering some discounted caller tune on Rs. 100 monthly rental. He got bit peeved by the message and deleted that. His thoughts raced and he was inadvertently calculating the expected number of song downloaders and as a result the returns to the company over the cost of acquiring the songs from the production company. Ridiculous! He cursed himself and marched along towards the sea.

What’s the time? Asked the middle-aged man in blazers, he wondered whether that man was really having no watch or equivalent. 8-40 he said and didn’t stop to acknowledge his thanksgiving. It was the usual time he used to leave the office. He thought of the village where he resided in childhood which was deprived of electricity and everyone used to go asleep by 8-30 in the evening. The children used to study in groups with a single kerosene-run lantern. The nearest high school was 1 kose (rural measure, equivalent to 1.6 Kms) far from village. However one good thing, there was no heavy baggage issue in these schools, one just needed to carry 3-4 books and 1-2 notebooks.

Now he was there on the seaside, found a relatively free place to sit quietly. He just remembered his old days, his family, friends and whatever raced through his mind. He felt at ease, after all he was there after at least a couple of years. He thought of his wife who was currently in Singapore for some official work and would be coming back the day after. He thought of the excitement they felt before the marriage and the consumerism evading their love, their life, everything. Both were at early stage of career and thus focused more on job than on each other to carve their niche in respective career. Lag jaa gale se ki phir...., sound came from his cell-phone. It was her call , she informed that she will stay there 2 days longer for some unexpected complexities, apologized and hung up.

He still sat there calmly watching the widespread sea. He suddenly felt like a child and remembered his mother. He felt like lying in his mother’s lap. The mom’s fingers trailing through the hair used to bestow much more coolness than any Daikin ceiling air conditioners. He felt little moist under his eyes, he just felt as if he had almost everything but still not happy. The emptiness did hit him hard and a stream of tears came out. He didn’t try to control that, it was making him feel better. He felt like smoking and picked a 555 from the packet. But, he noticed an elderly couple and didn’t light the cigarette. By this time he was quite calm and started recovering from the trance he was into. Now it was 9-30 in the night, he remembered about the invitation from Vikash, his friend cum colleague in the company, for dinner at his home. Vikash knew that he is alone and has arranged a small home-cocktail party for the two. He arrived there late at 10 hrs, and both ate, drank and talked for hours. He slept in his apartment only and left for office from there in the morning.

He again drove through the sealine and spotted the place he was sitting yesterday. A smile filled with varied emotions appeared on his face and he moved towards the office, again into the everyday life-tunnel.

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© Vikash Kumar

P.S.:

1. This is my first story, so all the readers are requested to send comments and suggestions on title and text.
2. It’s a work of fiction and not my real story.