As I Watch The World Go By

I'm sitting on my window sill sipping my hot ginger tea, well protected from sun, rain, and wind, watching the heavy rain lashing the street below. Few people are running for shelter under a nearby mighty Gulmohar tree, while few are just getting drenched and going about doing their work. 

Immediately I thank God for the safe haven that I'm sheltered in, I consider myself extremely lucky. A thought crosses my mind, "Life is so difficult for so many, whereas we take things for granted."

A rickshaw repair mechanic on the street below starts his day as early as 7 in the morning and continues repairing the faulty autos well beyond 10 in the night. Be it scorching sun or pouring rain, he never stops, and for what? To make a legitimate living in this city of dreams.

On the opposite street, a bike washing service has sprung up in the last few months. Initially, it was just one boy who used to wash and clean the scooters and bikes from early morning till late in the night, now three boys are working there. It's a prospering business.

The owner of both these services, the rickshaw repair, and bike washing, is a local goon who lets them work on the street, in turn, he protects them from the local police officers and municipality officers. Also charges them a hefty monthly hafta(fee) for protection.

Initially, I was really miffed with all the noises these both services made, I thought they're distributing the peace around here. I did complain to the local municipality, but no use. 

Eventually, as I kept watching them work relentlessly without taking a break or a single holiday, I changed my mind. My thoughts were, "They're working so hard to make money, at least they're self-employed, they aren't doing any kind of wrong things to earn money, then who am I to take away their livelihood!"

As I watch the world going by from my window, many such thoughts cross my mind daily, leaving me with immense gratitude to the almighty. I'm blessed to have it all, and I don't have the right to take away anything from anyone who is rightfully trying to make his ends meet.

Dear readers,

Life is pretty short, to have grudges and complaints against anyone, let's learn to 'live and let live.'