The sun is shining brightly, and I have to squint my eyes to
see my path ahead. There is no sign on the road that there was a heavy rain
yesterday night.
I walk merrily into the shop. It is a bookshop as you can
see very clearly. I work here, and welcome to my workplace.
I am 14 years old. When I first wanted a job to support my
family’s meagre income, I roamed about the streets. I actually didn’t intend to
join here, but fate had me do it. Everyday I come early, clean the floors, dust the books, and
wait for customers to come.
You are the first customer today.
I am actually surprised at how people flock to the
bookstores always. Don’t they have jobs to do? Mouths to feed? I am not jealous. Just saying!
Don’t say this
to the person sitting over there. He owns this shop. He is very old, and after
his retirement, just to while away his time, he has opened this shop. But, it
came as a blessing to me, right? I earn what I can, and I am not suffering much
as a worker here. I must be happy. But, I am not.
(Why?)
I am here at the bookshop from the time sun shines the best
to when it diminishes in the west. I am always surrounded by books.
And, I love books.
( Who doesn't?)
I love how they smell, and how they feel.
When there is no customer around, I lazily walk around the shelves, looking at
the covers, and looking at the words in it.
I am saying looking at the words, because I cannot read
them.
This is an English bookstore, and I know nothing. Now, I must request you not to say about this to the owner there. He thinks I can read and write
English. But, I certainly can't. He might not keep me in this bookshop if he
knew. I can search for some other job, but I don't want to leave here. I like to dream about some day in future; some day that I could read them all. May be.
Actually, the only hindrance that I have in not knowing the
language is when some customers come and ask me about a book. I usually don’t disturb the customers by asking them
what they want. Most of them usually enjoy their shopping when left alone among
the aisles of books. They select their own, read a few lines, smile, grunt and
make their decision. If I am going to stand and watch them over like a hawk,
they usually don’t like that.
Oh! One moment.I have to see what the customer in the blue
shirt wants.
(I start to wander around the shelves. They do have a good collection. The customer in the blue shirt seems to want something)
(After a good 15 minutes)
I told you. I hate customers like these. He wanted a
particular edition of a book. It really made me afraid. In panic I didn’t know
what to do. Then he took his mobile and showed me a picture. Then I knew. You
see I am always roaming among them, and I can find them by just seeing them
once. He called it some ‘Agaathaa’. What is it? Do you know?
( Agatha Christie? The mystery/detective story writer?)
Oh! A mystery writer? Fantastic stories? You must have read
them, right?
I really love mysteries. But what better mystery than a
life?
I used to pester my grandma to tell stories always. She used to tell a
lot. Even now I would love to hear new stories. Those stories teach you a lot than many
classes at school. But, once you grow up you have to read your own stories,
right. I hope I can do that one day. Hopefully!
(and he gives me a laugh)
Also, if I am unable to sleep, I weave my own stories in my
mind. I don’t tell them to anyone. Just for me. If I can do something and by
some miracle, if I get to read all these books, that day I will be happy. I
want to do something. But, I don’t know how I can.
Do you want to hear my stories?
(I would like to read
them)
Not everyone has a chance at achieving what they want in life. Some do not pursue their wants beyond a certain limit. Some are thirsty enough for opportunities, but they do not get the timely help that could be offered to them.
Do you know someone who is eager to know and learn English? Yearning for it, but with no possibility of achieving it. You might be of help to them.
If we can do something to someone, that something might be more than anything for them.
This is Nihar Shanti Amla's Pathshala Funwala's toll free number 8055667788.
They have a fun way to learn English!
Do check them out, and share it so many people could achieve their dreams or may be to start a new dream.
Because dreams are the way of life! Always dream!
x
.
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