The Fresh and the Charmless: I don't know why I wrote this! 2

“These flowers are fresh and going to be like that for a long haul” the shopkeeper said to me.

They were indeed new but I had doubts about his second statement, still $10 didn't seemed much.  

I took my hands to the back pocket to seize my wallet but before I could pay him my attention went towards the direction of a jubilant crowd which just emerged from the corner of the street.

They must be from a novel batch which has joined a software company, identifying this category was easy: ID badges with a bright visible strap, neat and fine tailored outfit and choice of an up-market hangout place. The blood in their veins was indeed fresh and an optimal mixture of gender had made the group lively. Their faces were radiating progressive energy with a pinch of innocence.

I could see their shadows which reminded me of my own once upon a time.

“As I said these are the best flowers available on this street” the shopkeeper said while his eyes kept oscillating between my wallet and me. I became a little conscious but for curiosity I scanned the marketplace. I was neither the only customer nor he the only vendor but there were many stranded figures like me who got lost when that cluster assembled at corner. Just like me I found many of them gazing at them, like their eyes were searching for themselves.

They were playing around and cutting jokes and comments like carefree souls, I somehow sensed that everyone observing them or pretending to avoid them are having the same feeling:  I too was once like them.

Whether this was true or a part my imagination, the thought raised one question “How long are they going to stay like that?” I didn't realized when my self-talk gained sound

Hearing this shopkeeper rose a perfect sales pitch “As long as you want them to be Sire” I looked at him and found a nicely placed smile there, he continued “These flowers are nature’s gift to us.” and my eyes turned towards the group having fun while listening to shopkeeper “If you want them to stay in this way then keep them in their natural habitat: earth – water and sunlight”

He did answer the question, liveliness remains when setting sustains. But how is it applicable to this bunch of youth who are soon going to be captured by a volatile and contaminated corporate world. Their aspirations are going to carry them away from each other and from themselves shattering this happy setting.  Their internal egos are going to be clashed powered by the lust for pseudo labels which the ‘commercial’ will keep at stake.

Life sustains but charm doesn't, the loss of innocence also takes the magic away.

He almost thrust the flowers in my hand as I was proving to be a customer who needs a push to buy. It broke my chain of thoughts. I handed him the money and walked with the flowers.

Based on true incidents, they happen when you just pass by. Don’t forget the popcorn when you enjoy the show.

Don't know why I wrote this!

He was one of them. The ones who when fail to earn, fail to eat and fail to feed. He was one of those who fought this battle daily: not to live, but to survive.

Today he had an extra reason to earn as there was a new mouth to feed. She came to this world in exchange of her mother.

It was difficult to get to work, especially while standing with 40 others in a pickup truck and carrying her in his arms; there were none to look after her back home.

The construction of the new mall had begun like many others; he was one of the first to visit but never to return. Not that he disliked them, but a thirsty throat could cost more than what he could earn in a single day. These buildings when finished became the playground for the rich and amateur, but before all that it is the shelter for him and the baby.

Today the construction would not stop and neither could she. He didn’t hear her calls but could sense the vibrations in his heart. Many times he came down from the 12^th floor just to see if she is ok. But a hungry soul doesn’t seek love. He could feed her only after he gets his wage when his extended shift gets over. A few hours more my child, a few more

Today he will buy her milk and baby food, he can eat tomorrow. He will also buy a new pillow which will act as her bed -Manage today my child on the floor.

Keeping her back is shade of concrete, he flee to his work location. No matter how much work he put in the hours they were going to pass with their own pace. Pilling up bricks he resolved that she will not just survive but live. He will get her the best of meals so what if he had to work over hours, he will do it for her. It’s not a promise of a helpless labor but a committed father.

As the sun went down his hope to feed her went up. He stood in the longest queue to get his due. On his return the soul has left her body as hunger spares none.

Getting to work on the next day was imperative, as he had an extra reason to earn. Funeral cost more than a meal, but still it’s less than the will to survive.

Based on true incidents, they happen when you just pass by. Don’t forget the popcorn when you enjoy the show.