ATM story

Anu rushed to the ATM before reaching home. After a hard day's work for over eight hours and followed by an exhausting three hour commute, Anu exclaimed anxiously looking at the serpentine queue at the ATM. Since she needed the cash anyways, she waited reluctantly yet patiently.

What caught her attention though was the old man at the ATM. He went out of his way to help people at the ATM and ensured everyone enjoyed the experience. Anu had seen the old man on multiple occasions in the past too but she did not have a chance to talk to him. His moving around with a great spirit may not have brought down the waiting times for anyone at the ATM, but for sure the atmosphere turned into an immensely positive one.

Anu collected the cash, when she was about to leave she smiled gently at the old man and thanked him profusely for his gestures. He smiled back and confessed that he was more than happy to do his duty.

One other thing that made Anu curious was the stack of books beside his chair. When Anu inquired about it, his response moved her.

The old man shared that he had a long time wish to learn the English language. Due to a busy life throughout, he never found time. He toiled to meet his family needs; he spent wonderful time with his parents,parents-in-law, wife, kids and pursued a good day-job. In between all these, there was no time at all to learn English. Hence, at the age of fifty eight, he had already retired from his regular job.. The old man quite excitedly enrolled for an English course at a NGO. Furthermore, kind people who visited the ATM understood his passion and passed on their read and re-read books.

"It is wonderful to read books passed on by voracious readers. There are such nice, touching handwritten notes all over. It is a unique experience." The old man beamed even as he explained it to Anu.

Anu was impressed by his story and asked him whey he spent time in the ATM. He could always be home and learn more comfortably.

The old man's friend, a much younger one, had his mother hospitalized. The only bread winner in his family, the young man had no choice but to give up the job of guarding the ATM. Therefore, the old man came forward to stand by him during the difficult times. He spent his entire day at the ATM and continued to read English stories during the free time in the ATM.

"It is not so hard, Madam." He admitted.

Anu was pleased and indeed moved by his story. She appreciated him and thanked him. She promised a lovely book the next time she visited him. She asked if he had a specific need.

"Please bring me any book by Ruskin Bond if at all you have. I read two of his and I loved it. " The old man was on his way to becoming a pro at reading.

Anu smiled and gave a thumbs up.