Epidemics

Oh my God! Your house smells like a hospital. Why, you even look like a surgeon. With your green mask and all!

Hmm. We're in the midst of an epidemic. So I'm busy sterilizing the place. It's contagious. 5 out of 8 kids are down with vomiting.

How come it's spreading that a way. Didn't you take precautions. You know when kids vomit we should disinfect area with either antiseptic, salt water or hot water?

Well, they're not too smart. When they started throwing up, they quietly did it in the toilet and settled in. Those who used the toilet after them got infected. Another girl did not know how to throw up in a proper manner. She did it all over and thus..

That's why, I always told you Miss. Why in the world you want to bring all these street people into your house? They really don't know how to use their brains. You should send them away to wear they belong. We can't change them much. You know the saying, you cannot straighten the dog's tail.

Oh, really? How come when the same children win in competitions no one says these kinds of things? Everyone joins in and rejoices. When this girl won first in the coloring competition why did we take part in the victory? The little boy, was champion of the singing event. All of us were jumping in joy. Taking pride in his victory. What's so different now?

Perhaps you're right but they create so much trouble for you.

It is trouble I agree but i do believe they can soon be trained.

I applaud your belief. Please do tell me if you need any help. You need only ask Miss.

For starters, you can sit and talk to them about hygiene processes during illness. Will be a great help for me.

Sure. I will do it. I'm glad to be of help and I'm sorry i jumped into the wrong drain just now.

Don't worry about it. 

Dreamhouse

A few years ago, someone asked me about retirement. I replied immediately that I love my job and cannot think of such a thing.

But you retired!

Yes, while planning the retirement another person asked me how I'm going to live my life after that.

And..

I remember telling her that I would get a small apartment. It would be really small, with a bath and kitchen attached.

You mean a studio apartment!

Yes. I only wanted a few pots and pans. Some cups and saucers. A moderate refrigerator. Electric stove.

Hmmm..

It must be on the second floor so that I have to walk a bit to get there. With a simple windy staircase. I would live alone. Occasionally entertaining limited friends. But..

But..

See how I am now. Nothing happened that way at all.

You're in an apartment.

Yes, and it's three times bigger than what I imagined it to be.

It is in the second floor.

Hmm true but I'm not alone at all. 8 children.  I think this is the messiest house in town.

Well it doesn't matter.  I envy you. Look at your days. All of you are bustling from dawn to dusk. I can see you're having a lot of fun.

We're.  I am. But it's not easy. It takes a lot of work.

Yes, I can see that. Isn't it fun to be busy like this?

Probably so. Sometimes I get so tired. Then suddenly someone achieves something and my tiredness vanishes.  It's replacedby an energy.  Jubilation. Victorious energy.

Aren't you lonely?

Lonely! Sometimes I do imagine how it would be if I had a soul mate, someone to do everything with! I used to think Jayan reappearing a changed man. Dancing to my every tune. Fulfilling all my wishes.

I see..

Then I'd remember the many deceptions and the many lies. The waiting around the hours till eyes were dry. I got no answers for all his nonsense.  Huhuh, no thanks. I don't think I want to relive that hellhole again.

Perhaps there is someone out there!

Yes, of course there is. There is the cosmic power with His cosmic law. He protects.  He loves. At the precipice He would send a solution, a saviour. A child to be changed. A soul to be salvaged.

You're happy with this?

Yes, I am. This is not how it would be forever.  A few more years and there will be glorious alone days. With my books. With myself.

You're looking forward to it.

I am working towards it.

I wish you all the best.  To get what you want.

And I thank you for that.  ☺

Companion

I am very lonely. Will you be my companion?

Companion? Why? Aren't you with a family?

I do. They're so faraway. My wife is old.

You are old too!

Ah, but I'm a man! That makes a difference.

Oh! How is that? Did you ask your wife whether she's lonely or not?

Well, the kids are there with her. We never have these kinds of conversation back home. Nobody talks about private matters. I instruct and she follows. That's about it.

Hmm. Typical chauvinism I'd say.

I don't understand that word.

It's okay you don't really have to  understand that particular word. Why did you come here?

To earn some money. A friend came to my homeland and told me that everything is possible here. He made it sound as if money grows on trees, but...

You are discovering that it is not so now?

Things are very expensive here. I might earn more here but my expenses are much higher. I lived in a rent free house there, here the rent is a lot. End of the day, I'm not really able to send much to my home.

Why don't you go back then at least you will not be lonely.

Firstly, I have a contract here for two years, i cannot leave before that. Secondly, even back home I'm lonely. My family regards me as the provider. Everyone is quite afraid of me. I don't really treat anyone harshly but they have decided as head of the family i must be kept at a distance.

I see, perhaps when you go back this time, you can create a bonding.

That will not happen madam, they're not friendly. You're different. You're friendly. You're different. How do we say, enterprising! I like talking to you.

Hmm. Unfortunately, you got me all wrong. I'm just friendly to everyone. The minute I leave, you'd be out of my mind. It diverts to my next duty at hand.

Ohh!

Well, don't be so heartbroken. Getting friendly with me is not going to solve your problems. We're all God fearing people. We cannot hurt our family members with things like this. Jumping into any kind of relationship is not at all in my agenda.

I understand. I'm sorry I asked you in the first place.

Its okay my friend. When i drop by we can chat a bit. After all i do need to eat. I'd continue eating here every Monday without fail.

Why can't you come everyday? I'd give you a discount?

No, no. Discounts are no good. You must earn your rightful share and i don't want to get attached to any particular person, place or situation. I'm really sorry.

Please don't stop coming here. It's quite refreshing talking to you.

Sure. See you next week. Meanwhile be happy. Call your family. Talk to them on and off. Build a platform from here so that you can break all barriers once back home.

Alright. I will try that. Thanks.

Welcome my friend.