Tilak Dhari

A little girl of around five is waiting at the gate of her house with an eager look. She is little restless, anxious to be taken to school. A sudden ringing of bell lifts her mood; a strong middle aged man with weather beaten look arrives with his cycle rickshaw. He descends, lifts her softly and places carefully inside the rickshaw along with her bag. The girl smiles, he nods and starts towards another house to pick the other girl passenger.

The girls chat and giggle, at times even argue on their way to and fro. They ask the man several questions about his house, children and his village home. He answers patiently, breaking into a smile. He is often requested to pluck flowers from road side trees on the way towards home. Each time he obliges, the adoring smile of the girls thrill him, bring softness to his otherwise stern face.

His name is Tilak Dhari, a man from a village of Bihar. Like many of his fellow neighbors, he came to the big city in search of work. His current dwelling is in the nearby slum with his wife and children. An illiterate man in a humble profession, his natural grace and gentleness distinguishes him from others of his class.

His obedience and patience delights the girls, causing envy to their friends. They are in awe with his muscular strong look. He emerges to them as a brave hero glorious in his vehicle.

Time passes, the little girl grows; stops going to school in cycle rickshaw. She prefers walking down along with other girls. Gradually, Tilak Dhari fades from her world.

The little girl is now a young lady, newly married at a near by town. She comes to meet her parents with young husband at her side. From the bus stop they take a cycle rickshaw to reach home. The rickshaw puller being an old man rides slowly, the young man gets impatient. They reach her house, parents come running to welcome their son in law. Father offers fare to the rickshaw puller. He suddenly recognizes and calls, ‘Is it Tilak? It is such a long time, how are you?’ The man (by now sweating profusely) breaks into a smile. ‘Yes sir, I am Tilak. Where is our baby?’ Father proudly introduces the daughter and son in law. Tilak is awestruck, finding it hard to communicate with the lady. Father pays him some extra, he shyly takes leave.

The young lady stares at the departing figure of a stooped old man, secretly hiding tears in her eyes.