Struggle for Surviaval
Seventy plus old man Ram Sevak (name not real) is sitting and swaying due to sleepiness. He has a bundle wrapped in dirty clothes. The old man's struggle for survival is manifested from disheveled head to toe appearance. He has no sleeper in his feet, has bare minimum rag on his feeble body. To get rid of drowsiness he starts rubbing tobacco on his palm. Once rubbing is done, he puts the tobacco under the lower lip. He is still unable to overcome sleepiness. He loosens his dhoti at waistline and takes out coins. He counts it several times absent-minded. What is there in your bundle I ask approaching him. He opens his eyes, lift his head and replies. It's paan, betel leaves, 20 rupiah saikda( 100 pieces for Rs. 20). Do you grow it yourself, I ask. I brought it from Darbhanga town this morning, he says. Darbhanga town is 15 km away. The old man must have covered good part on his bare feet. How many have you already sold? I am still to find a customer, he responds without counte