The Soda Stall

It's hot these days, I need to walk and keep walking until I can quench my thirst.

I walk up to a soda stall and say "Ek nimbu masala" -- I like my soda how I like my friends, refreshing and a bit 'chatpata', and yet unwanted on occasions. 

Anyway, I sit upon the bench waiting for my drink, While I see a mother come around and sit in front of me. She was with her child and she looked very well off--Fair, tidy, neat and skin taken care of. Her hair in a bun that was tidier than my braid, her fingers so fragile like all the house work is done by a maid. Her child too was dressed neat, in a uniform red-and-blue. He look like an elite, wearing a pair of sunglasses too.

Even after so much pomp, she sat in front of me, No class, No judgements, just sheer melancholy.

She seemed rather approachable, and I had a word with her. 

  She didn't seem too overprotective, like the parents these days, or even me, for that matter. If I was a mother I'd want to keep my child all to myself, and if he was so beautiful, oh definitely yes.

I spoke to her and got to know that she is a self made woman. Knowing that she was abandoned at an early age and she paved her path herself was very inspiring--but this is not what I'm going for, this time. I looked at her son and he spoke in the most jolly voice I had heard lately.

I asked him about school, and also his favourite fruit. He sipped on his Mango soda and answered every question. 

This one question I asked him, the response to which, moved me the most, why? You will know.

 "Isn't your mummy amazing? Don't you love her a lot?"

  -"y..yes I do! Maa is the best! I love her the most!!"

"Well, she is for sure! What do you like the most about her?" - I said with glee in my eyes

-"Yes! Yes! She is! She is the kindest person I know, and also, She is very beautiful!!" He said as a giggle ran across his face

I almost smiled, but noticed his mother tear up and ask "Where did you learn that word from, beta?" --"I learnt it at school today! I could only think of you, Maa!"

This was when she hugged him tight and started to cry. To think a mother would be so moved with such a general thing was a little over reaction, I said to myself,

And just when I got up to comfort her amidst my confusion,

I heard her look up at me,

Give me a faint smile and whisper, 

(Which is still very clear in my mind)

"He's Blind"