Just Before The Start Of The Day
Just before logging in for work and prepping the self for a long exhausting day at work, I decided to go for a walk down the road, just across the lane outside my building only to see that the city has started its hustle and is on the way to achieving its targets already. I see daily commuters decked up in their corporate attire rushing for their offices, some jostling through the road, while the local shopkeepers busying themselves with their shops opening.
While pacing back and forth I wonder what is it that’s so very exciting to them on a Tuesday morning, when all we do here is just hustle? I discover that the shopkeepers broom the dusty floors, that’ll be dusty again in a minute, yet that doesn’t stop them from their endeavours. And, quite remarkably they manage all of that with a smile.
Just a little distance away from them are these groups of women that sell all sorts of Maharashtrian breakfast for the fellow office goers. While some deck up their stalls with Vadapav, others seem to be in high competitive spirits with Poha, Upma and Rava Dosa. The sandwich sellers got a huge grin too, as their expressions speak exuding high hopes and confidence.
The early morning runners, joggers and walkers seem too excited and absolutely undeterred by the fact that there are three whole days to the weekend and that it’s just Tuesday. As I was still pondering over their extreme source of enthusiasm, I see my train of thoughts are disturbed by two creatures wagging their tails right in front of me, and most surprisingly as soon as they spot a woman descending from a purple car, they start wagging more.
I stay put to quench my thirst and investigate the reason for happiness of these munchkins. Staring at them and following their movements, I see a generous lady handing out packets of rice to all the strays. What was even more interesting and delightful to see was that the lady was literally searching for strays and then handing over these packets to them.
Believe me, by looking at these scenarios, I kind of felt ashamed of myself, especially my laziness, and ungratefulness. Seeing all of these people around me, it was as if someone pointed their fingers at me and was telling me that I had no right to complain about my life, and I was definitely operating from a space of privilege.
So, all of these happened just before the start of the day and I really consider myself lucky enough to be witnessing all of this just before the start of the day. Perhaps today for a change I’d begin my day at work with a bright smile and hope for the smile to get even brighter tomorrow.
