“Hurry up Chotu. We have given time to your uncle, and we shouldn’t be late.”
“My name is Sameer, not Chotu. And I am almost ready. Just a few minutes.”
Staring himself for the umpteenth time in the mirror, he finally understood what was wrong in his look. His hair was not properly streaked. He took the comb and ran it through his hair for one more time, when his mother called him once more. Irritated, he left the comb and came out.”Why the big people always try to suppress the little ones, when they themselves are getting late.”
Standing on the platform, wearing a t-shirt which his mother bought for him, and a jeans, Sameer is looking straight towards a young couple on the opposite platform. “Losers.” That is what he thought after looking intently towards them for few minutes. “Don’t understand what these grown ups find good in being together. I rather feel uncomfortable when mom hugs me. All this is due to the increasing attempts to show romance in films. Yes, romance is the right word.” Clearly the eight year old kid was very upset with the romantic movies his parents went to see every Saturday, he liked the action of John Abraham and Christian Bale and enjoyed it every bit. For him, the world is a fight and only the hunks with six pack abs and big biceps can survive it. He sometimes imagined himself walking like John fighting hooligans all around.
“I want to sit too.” Ordered Sameer. Clearly, the elders didn’t give any respect to the young generation. Mom and Dad pulled themselves apart to create a little space in between and let him sit.
“I can’t sit in that little space.”He cried.
Dad with a smile turned to ask the person beside him to move a bit.The person already watching this, himself shifted a bit, before being requested. Father smiled at him and again requested his son to sit. Watching the space enough to put his bums down, Sameer was satisfied. Sometimes, even a stranger respects you more than your own parents, Sameer thought.
Sameer’s face had a serious look.It always seemed that he was ruminating. His father, mother and uncle-aunt used to think that he is going to solve the whole world conspiracy anytime soon, and joked about it. Sameer wasn’t remotely interested in these foolish talks. He had more important things to do.
When he was sitting, he saw another girl entering the metro train. Her mother beside her, just like his own, trying to hold the baby girl who was like a jumping jack hovering.Sameer thought, what is to be so happy in riding a metro, and turned his face to the other side, when he thought he noticed something.
The little girl was now on her mother’s lap. Her mother was trying to balance the kid and the shopping she did with both hands. The girl was staring intently towards Sameer. A white frock with white ballet shoes, black & curly hair, eyes big,black & round and with a tint, the cheeks were all red and she held a small teddy in her hand. There was something in her face, she looked extremely cute in some way, Sameer thought. The kid was smiling at Sameer. The dimples on her cheeks were too prominent. She blinked towards him, and Sameer felt a certain pang somewhere in his heart, or whatever they say in romantic films. But it was beautiful, somewhat heavenly. Soon, Sameer got very self-conscious and a smile escaped his lips.
Suddenly, Sameer got up scaring his father and mother. “What happened Champ?” His father asked. Sameer didn’t reply. He went to the lady, and offered her his seat. Parents were confused, they were looking at the sudden generosity of their kid. Sameer went to the girl’s mother and asked her to sit on his place. The mother and father totally amazed, mother shifted towards her husband to make room for the lady.
“Thanks” said the girl’s mother.
“Thank…..u.” Said the little girl with a sweet voice, biting her lower lip.
Sameer blushed intently at the unusual thanking. After some thought, he asked in a low voice, “What’s your name?” Now he noticed that his parents are watching intently towards him, with a bewildered expression. He ignored and saw the girl. The little angel still pondering over the question looked towards her mother, who gave a little nod to her, then she said, “Gaalllgii.”and then blushed and dug her face in her mother’s chest. Sameer looked at her mother, who was smiling looking at him, and asked,”What’s your name, beta?” Sameer said with a hint of confidence, “Sameer…”
Her parents were amazed at this little conversation and manhood of their little kid. Mother whispered, “No doubt this is your boy.” Father said, “Even better than me.”
The next station was where Sameer and his family would offboard the train. His parents getting up and holding his hands from both sides, a voice chimed from behind. “Byee Byee”. Sameer saw his little companion pick up her little hands and waving towards him, he waved back and blushed before going out of the doors.
