"...Aap pilaoge toh pakka piyungi..."

"...Aap pilaoge toh pakka piyungi..."

...said the old lady, with a weak smile. ["If you buy it, I'll surely drink"]

After the jog at the beach this morning, I went to the soup/salad guy for my usual bowl of corn chana salad. When it comes to the morning beach, one always spots the same set of population -  people running/jogging, exercising, playing or walking dogs. Senior citizens are a major part of the crowd though. Most have a gang who engage in some exercises/laughter therapy followed by light banter.

So when I sat and ordered a bowl, the other 3 chairs were occupied by 3 senior citizens. One lady (who I had earlier spotted at the entrance while I entered. She was getting out of her chauffer driven BMW) and a couple of gentlemen. They were all  enjoying a cup of soup. The lady was quiet and seemed lost in her thoughts, just nodding when the two gents looked at her while talking.

When all three of them were done drinking their soups, each paid for their respective soups. After taking the money, the vendor asked the lady to try out the new soup that the gents had just tried. "No way, I am already full with the first one!" she declared, waiving her left hand. "But the soup is really superb, you must try it!'' said one of the gents, adjusting his spects. The lady just nodded her head, indicating she wasn't keen. The gentleman had not given up yet. "Please try, I will pay for it. You must not miss it!" he insisted. At this point, the lady reluctantly gave in and agreed [saying what I quoted above].

After the moment, the lady seemed all perked up, chatting away to glory. She started sharing how she used to make various soups for her husband when he wasn't keeping well. The discussion then veered into their newly wed days. She narrated how she disliked all kinds of soups back then, but her mother-in-law egged her on to make them for their family. After a bit of banter, she bid her goodbyes and left, all smiles by now.

A few moments later, the gentleman reached out for his wallet and handed out a Rs. 50 note to the vendor. "She lost her husband earlier this year. He was bedridden for a long time. Her kids are abroad. She hasn't been herself since her husband passed." he said, looking at his friend as they got up to leave.

The Rs. 50 note that was passing hands at that moment would certainly have been proud of itself on hearing that. The gentleman handing it over had experienced the joy of giving, the gentleman accepting it had made a sale and the lady who consumed the sold product seemed to have left the morning beach with happy vibes. I am sure the Rs. 50 note travelling from wallet to wallet would have many such interesting stories to share - only if it could. 

There is so much joy in little things that cost nearly nothing.