Biscuits

 One morning, as I returned from my customary stroll, an unexpected message greeted me on the ground, scrawled in chalk: “Maa! Mujhe bahut bhookh lagi hai (Mom! I am very hungry).” Intrigued, I followed the plea to the north-west corner of my property, where, in my retirement, I had built a small house. Adjacent to my dwelling, a humble corner house hosted a family of four, the husband and wife contributing to daily chores with contentment for the pay we provided. We had always supported them during crises, and their children, bright learners attending English-medium schools, were an integral part of their lives.

Driven by compassion, I purchased a packet of biscuits the next day. To preserve their dignity, I assigned the distribution task to the younger child. He followed my instructions, sharing the treats  equitably. The following morning, the same child awaited me, a poignant reminder of the joy this simple act brought him.

This routine persisted for some months, bringing a sense of fulfillment. However, a change unfolded when the children inadvertently began neglecting my wife, possibly influenced by her stern demeanour reminiscent of their teachers. My wife, hurt by their disrespectful behavior, decided to cease the biscuit distribution. This deeply saddened me.

In an attempt to mend relations, I approached the younger boy, recognizing his growth into adolescence. Yet, his eyes held a silent question the next morning. To spare them disappointment, I altered my routine, ensuring I returned home after their school hours. Gradually, the children adapted to the change, and I resumed my usual morning schedule.

A heartening transformation occurred as the children began greeting my wife with cheerful “good morning” and “good evening.” I was astounded. One day, while searching for snacks in the kitchen cupboard, I stumbled upon a carton full of biscuit packets identical to the ones I used to give the children. It was as if the universe conspired to remind me that kindness, even when faced with challenges, has a way of coming back to us, filling our lives with unexpected sweetness.