HIM

1

The light brown eyes that glazed under the sun which perfectly matched his tanned skin that was lathered with sand. His yellowish white teeth that showed up as his facial muscles contracted to give a wide smile. His hairs messed up with finer particles of sand sparkled as if they were diamonds. His voice, the sweetest of all I have ever heard. At places the skin tore off just like his yellowish brown XL size t-shirt that hung over his skeleton along with tattered knickers. His fingers and nails revealed the story of the struggle that his eyes and smile were desperately hiding.

"Ae mere humsafar, ek zara intezaar
(Oh my companion, this is a short time of waiting)

Sun sadaayein de rahi hain manzil pyaar ki
(Listen, voices are coming from the end of love's journey)" sang this little boy of around 12years dedicating a couple who requested for it. (This is one of the old romantic evergreen Bollywood song.)

The little boy had warmer vibes than the sand on the beach over which my feet basked. My limbs wasn't under my control as I was carried towards his voice. I sat down beside him. He wasn't distracted by my presence, he continued his song. As he finished, he collected a twenty rupees note that the couple gave him and blessed them "Aapki Jodi salamat rhe"(May you two always be together)
I smiled at his innocent and pure blessing. He then turned towards me and asked "Memsahab! Apke liye kuch gau?"(Mam! Shall I sing something for you)
I nodded
"Kya gau?(What should I?)"
"Tumhare pasand ka kuch bhi" (Anything of your choice) I affirmed with a bright smile
His happiness seemed to have no bounds. Hardly anyone have told this to him before.
Clearly his throat he sang his favourite song that turned to be mine too.

"Lag jaa gale ke phir yeh haseen raath ho na ho.
(Embrace / hug me for who knows if this beautiful night will ever come again.)

Shaayad phir is janam me mulaaqat ho na ho.
(Maybe, in this life, we may or may not meet again.)

Hum ko mile hai aaj yeh ghadiyaan naseeb se.
(I have been given today, this time, through / by destiny.)

Jee bhar ke dekh leejiye hum ko kareeb se.
(To your hearts content see me closely.)

Phir aap ke naseeb mem yeh baat ho na ho.
(Who knows, if your destiny, may present this situation again.)

Shaayad phir is janam me mulaaqat ho na ho.
(Maybe, in this life, we may or may not meet again.)"

As he sang my eyes followed his hand that tried to make invisible notes in the air. His lips moved effortlessly. The way he sang at the higher notes closing his eyes to meet the perfect tune with the marvellous art of trembling his voice, made me think that he has been taught how to sing.

Few more audience gathered and applauded for him and they also gave him some money. As he was done with the song he turned towards me to find me looking towards him.
Before he could say a word I asked "Tumne gaana gana seekha hai kya?" (Have you learned to sing?)

"Bs thora bohot" (Just a little bit)

I smiled and he continued "Sahab nhi aye?" (Sir did not come?)

"Oh shit! I forgot to message him." I thought. I had to call or message him once I reached Marine Drive but I was so engrossed into this kid that it completely slipped out of my mind. We were supposed to meet here at the evening and then go to dinner. But right now I neither want to leave this place nor walk away from this kid. So I immediately took my phone and messaged him
"Sorry honey! Stuck in some work. Meet at our restaurant at 7!"

Within few seconds I received the reply "It's ok love. Meet at the restaurant." I knew he was waiting for my message but that's ok.

I looked at the kid who was now counting the money he gathered.

"Tumhara naam kya hai?" (What's your name)

"Raja" he said.

What an irony! Raja.. means King and a king is a rich person. And this kid.. so poor..

"Tum kaha se ho?" (From where are you?)

"Aap kyu puch rhe ho? Aap kya police ho ya phir mujhe aap pakar k me jayenge" (Why are you asking? Are you police or will you take me away)
A fear that shook his soul ran over his face making it pale.

I laughed so hard that he returned to his normal state. "Tumhe bhookh lagi hai?" (Are you hungry?)

He nodded. And I told him to gather his stuff and come along with me.