In the human world…
A usual start of the day in the city of
Pune means, that I finish with a few household chores; exercise; get ready and
leave for work on a two wheeler- the official ride of all Punekars. I have
almost mastered the tricky art of steering my two wheeler across the bumpy
road; staying clear off gaping potholes; skilfully manoeuvring the machine
through a maze of seemingly myopic pedestrians and reckless riders who have no
regard whatsoever for traffic signals or rules! The never-ending commotion and
the constant mad rush that exists; makes Pune roads dangerously chaotic and
unsafe.
A ride no less hair-raising than a
roller-coaster takes me to my workplace; which is a dental clinic located about
fifteen minutes away from my home; only to receive a cold greeting from my
assistant. Her troubled face tells me something’s amiss. On enquiring, I am
informed that the residents in the neighbouring houses have littered the empty
space in front of the clinic; yet again. I have till now; made several failed
attempts to counsel the residents in my neighbourhood and make them aware of
public health and hygiene. Today is no different. Upon confronting them, they
deny having thrown the garbage. Fuming, I come back to my clinic.
Meanwhile, a patient who has undergone a
minor dental surgery on the previous day is impatiently waiting for me with a
grumpy face. He complains that the surgery has worsened his pain instead of
relieving it. I calmly explain to him; that having a post-operative pain is
but natural; and it would definitely reduce within a day or two. Unconvinced
and still grumbling, he leaves the clinic.
I finish with the day’s work; and
exhausted, leave for home. On the way; I halt at a grocery store to buy milk. Outside
the store, I notice a vendor selling balloons. I immediately recognize her as
the same ailing vendor that I had found sleeping on the pavement a couple of
days ago. I had felt sorry for her back then; and bought her some food. Today,
I’m happy to see her in excellent health. Apparently, she hasn’t yet noticed me
looking at her. I buy some groceries, come out of the store and head for my
two- wheeler. It is now, that the vendor takes a notice of my presence; and
begs for some food; pretending to be sick! I refuse politely; though feeling
inwardly annoyed with her pretentious behaviour.
I get back on my two wheeler, reach home
and finally sink into my bean bag. Listlessly, I pick up a newspaper lying on
the couch. The very first page screams an unfortunate piece of news about a
teenage boy having committed suicide after a minor row with parents over his
exam performance. Wearily, I put the unpleasant piece of paper away; and drown
into a deep slumber!
In a parallel world…
There are two places that usually help me
gear up for a long, weary workday- one is a tiny garden in my balcony; the
other is the sports complex building near my home that houses a magnificent
swimming pool. While I’m in my garden getting rejuvenated and preparing myself
for the battle ahead, I notice an army of ants marching up the walls of the
balcony. Despite the fact that there is no dearth of space around; the ants
crawl extremely systematically; one after the other; careful not to break the
queue.
The master architect- a spider- is already
at work, weaving an intricately beautiful web across the branches of a hibiscus
plant.
Somewhere down in the lawn near the parking
lot, a cat is busy answering nature’s call. After it has finished; it leaves;
but not before it has wiped out all traces of the mess; meticulously covering
it up with fresh soil until it is completely buried under the ground!
Meanwhile, my own cat who’s been injured;
has to undergo a painful dressing change. Despite the agonizing procedure; it
rubs its head against my palm in a friendly sort of a way; as though knowing
that I only have its best interests in my heart.
After a while; I decide to go for a swim at
the sports complex near my house. Here, I meet a large ginger tom cat whom I’d
found to be in distress a few days ago. I remember having fed the cat with some
milk and a few biscuits that I had bought from a nearby store. The cat
immediately recognizes me; greets me with a friendly ‘meaow’ and a contented
purr and silently walks away; asking for no more!
I return home to get ready for work. While
I take another lazy stroll in my balcony garden sipping my coffee; I notice that
the painstakingly woven web has been torn apart probably by a violent breeze.
The master weaver however; has determinedly set to work yet again; without a slightest trace of dejection.
Somewhere amid the cruel, greedy,
undisciplined human world with all its negativity; exists this parallel realm;
that I come to relate to more and more; by each passing day… A world where fiercest
of predators have been seen to show tenderness and compassion that is beyond
humane; a world where its inhabitants do not need to be taught the importance
of protecting and preserving nature’s bounties... A kingdom with no monarch to
impose a set of laws to be obeyed; but where its citizens do so dutifully, on
their own accord! A world where genuine trust, unceasing belief and
unconditional love still reign despite hostility!
As we humans continue to proudly
acknowledge ourselves as a civilization, I smile at the irony!
