THE BIGGEST SALARY

He would pass by the same route every day. He had an income merely just enough for him. His job was not fixed and he lived in a small room outside the city. But naturally, nothing for him was affordable in the city. He would travel miles on his cycle and come to office every day. Never was he late.

Evidently, he was just passing out his days by following the same routine and having nothing to look up for. Is that what you would say? Well I would disagree. He had the most precious gift in the world.

A few months ago, he was waiting at the signals just a few minutes away from his office. There was probably an accident which had taken place because the cars didn’t seem to move ahead at all. He was getting restless as he was getting late for his office. He started looking around for a way to get out of the massive traffic. He managed to get his cycle on the side and tried to pave his way over the footpath. Just then he came across a small girl and a lady with pale faces and rugged clothes sitting on the footpath. He looked at them and felt clueless about how to approach them to make way for him. He waited for a few minutes and then thought of finally asking them to move. He went to talk to them when he saw a small board which read ‘FOR SCHOOL’ and the poor little one held a cup in her hand. There was something in the innocent eyes of the girl that made him forget all the stress he had. He forgot about getting late to office, he forgot about his small house, he forgot how he skipped meals at times to save money and all that ran through his head was the small girl and the board near her feet. What he did next was completely unexpected. He took out his wallet and checked how much money he had. It was not much. He took all the notes and gave it in the hands of the girl. She was reluctant at first. All the money he had in his wallet, he was offering it to her. Why would anyone do that? Not like he was well off that he wouldn’t mind giving away his money. The girl took the money and seeing it she had a priceless smile on her face.

That day he got late to his office and was scolded and given a warning by his boss but that really did not disappoint him much. The next day he came near the same signal. Today there was no traffic. No accident. But he saw those two sitting there. He removed his wallet and gave away all the money he had. This continued for a few more days.

One day, like usual he went near the signal to meet those two but this time something was different. Only the mother was sitting there and there was no board which could be seen around. He got a bit tense and just then he heard a girl call out from behind. “Mumma!” he heard. He turned around and saw the small girl dressed in a white and blue colour school uniform. She had a small school bag with her. Her hair was neatly combed and the sparkle in her eyes was saying it all about how happy she was. She waved at him and came forward towards them.

That day he earned the biggest salary he could ever get. He stayed the same. He did not get a bigger house. His boss did not give him any promotions. But what happened to him was something more than what money can ever buy. He now is no hero about whom they write in books and newspapers. Nor did anyone ever know what difference he had bought. It is all that happened at the signal and stayed there itself. His mornings had changed. Now he would not upset himself over the petty issues in his life. He would go to office thinking about his other precious gifts of life.

Well that is just one story I was a part of. My daughter does not sit with me on the footpath with any cup. She goes to school every morning and the only things I love to see in her hands when she sits beside me are her books.

Every day the signal is a part of a number of such stories. Some are for all to know while others stay a secret and go away just as the signal turns green.

- Rtr Nishita Rane

Editor 2015-16

Rotaract Club of K.C. College