So the three boys made their way through the busy streets of
the big city. This was so different from what happened in his district, Paul
thought. Now he understood the real meaning of busy traffic. Also, he saw many
new cars on the wide road, big ones. All types of people, from beggars to
traders could be seen. He kept walking, gaping at the sometimes uncomfortable
phenomena of large population.
They walked through different lanes and streets. They came
to a lane with houses on either side. Paul saw a toddler in the front garden of a
house. Holding his arms was his mother, trying to balance him on his legs,
probably thinking, “That would be it, now he will take his first step. Oh, my
little Neil Armstrong!” The boy’s father was beside, not uttering a word, just
noticing the tender movements of his son’s legs. Paul’s eyes were flooded with
tears. He too needed his parents in this moment. But, would they help him? He
quickly consoled himself and walked on briskly.
On the way, they happened to pass in front of a school. Some
boys were making fun of a student. But the student, pride visible on his face,
kept walking on. Nobody could affect me, he seemed to think, who are they to do
that? I am my own boss.
For one moment, Paul stopped, and recalled what had happened
to him. He was ashamed of himself. He really was a sissy, a big one.
It seemed to be a pretty long walk. “How much more time is
it going to take? WE DO NOT HAVE ALL DAY!”
One of the boys answered, “Well, just think, you really have all day. Are we tight on schedule
for something? As for the answer, don’t expect to reach the Centre now. It is
located on the outskirts of the city, which are quite far.”
Paul ignored the last line the boy said. He did seem to have
all day, with absolutely no work to do, and no company to talk to (there were
the boys, of course. But Paul thought them to be too small for him).
Intentionally forgetting about all the matters in his mind,
which were making him tense; he tried to concentrate on the city. He had to
come here in his future. He was awe-struck by the diverse people found street
to street. In one lane you find rich people wearing intricate clothing,
and in the next lane beggars were begging for food.
Then he remembered the two boys. To which did category they
belong to?
“So, who are you and where do you come from?”
“Well, that’s a pretty long story.”, said one of the boys. “Our
life is not easy. The slightest sign of unruliness can bring the lot of us
down.”
“Oh, am I not fond of long stories. So, what are you waiting
for?”, Paul said.
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