The Other Day in
Auto Rickshaw Conclusion
As Roma ends her story, a heavy silence falls between her
and Aqeel. Deep in thought, Aqeel keeps throwing stones into the river while
Roma watches him curiously. This goes on for some time then Aqeel says “After
hearing your story, I have a few questions in my mind. Can you answer me?”
Strangely looking towards Aqeel, Roma replies “You can
ask your questions.”
Aqeel says “The incidents happened in your life were not
in your control. But one thing I could not understand is why you have not
continued with your ladies tailor job? You could have worked as a ladies tailor
from your home or you could have also worked for some tailor on salary or
commission basis. You would have earned more than nursing salary.”
Roma replies “I did not have money to purchase a sewing
machine that was the reason why I did not start stitching work from my house.
If I would have worked on salary or commission basis in a tailoring shop I
would have earned the same amount as a nurse. Also, I had to take care of my
daughter because she is very small in age. My mother works as housemaid in day
and my duty as nurse were from 10:00 Pm to 07:00 Am. There is less work load in
night duty, I could also take small nips of rest and smoothly continue with my
work”.
Aqeel says “My other question is why did your father not do
any job even after years of shutdown of the mill and if he was not working he
could have taken care of your daughter?”
Roma replies “My father has become a lazy person. He has
a habit of drinking alcohol daily. He also tortures me for money and he is not
ready to except my daughter. This is the reason he doesn’t care much for my
daughter. Whenever he needs money he keeps taunting me about the expense on my
daughter and my two divorces.
Aqeel asks “Suppose you get an opportunity to buy a
sewing machine and start your tailoring business, will you be able to manage
the shop and the home at the same time?”
Roma replies “Yes I can manage, but I have to look after
my daughter also.”
After a deep thought Aqeel says “Roma, I understand all
your difficulties. To help you get rid of this uncertain situation you need to
help yourself by breaking typical mind set barrier. I will help you become
self-dependant women, for that I will need help of your family and yourself”.
Roma says “I cannot understand what you are thinking. The
only thing I understand is that you are my well-wisher.”
Aqeel replies “If you have faith in me then don’t ask
further questions and just do what I say.”
Till now Roma is full of confidence and has built faith
in Aqeel. Roma says “As you wish. I believe in your word. What will I need to
do?
Aqeel replies “You just take me to the hospital. I need
to meet your parents.”
After thinking for a while, Roma says “Ok when you want
to come to the hospital?
Aqeel replies “But obviously right now?” Roma reacts,
saying “Then we will have to hurry because visiting hours are only up to 08:00
Pm. Aqeel says “You don’t worry about that
Both of them walk towards the auto rickshaw. Aqeel asks
Raju to take them to the Government hospital. As usual Raju replies “Ok brother.”
At the hospital, Kashibai is sitting in the waiting
lounge. Roma introduces Aqeel to his mother as a friend. Aqeel interrupts Roma
in middle and inquires about the health of her husband. Kashibai replies he is
stable now. Doctor has said if everything goes right, they may shift him to
general ward in one or two days. Aqeel says “If you need anything, you just
call me I will be at your service, for now I take your leave.”
Kashibai silently gives a medicine prescription to Roma.
Roma tells to Kashibai “Mother, I will just go up to the gate to see off Aqeel.
Roma and Aqeel walk towards the hospital gate. At the gate Aqeel asks Roma to
give him the medicine prescription.
Roma says surprisingly “How you saw my mother handed me
the medical prescription” Aqeel says politely “Please give me the prescription.”
Roma gives the prescription to Aqeel.
Aqeel takes the prescription and goes to the medical
store with Roma. When Aqeel enters medical store, he is glad to see Rehman
Uncle at the counter. Rehman uncle is a very close friend of Aqeel’s father
Baban Khan.
Rehman uncle welcomes Aqeel. “Welcome my son, how did you
come here? Is everything all right? Aqeel introduces Roma. “Meet my friend Roma
her father is admitted in this hospital he had a heart attack a few days ago. I
came here to see him. Is this your shop Uncle?”
Rehman uncle replies “Yes this is my shop. I look after
the shop near your house and my son handles this shop. Today my son has gone to
attend a marriage so I am here. Tell me what I can do for you?
Aqeel gives the prescription to Rehman uncle. Rehman
uncle brings all the medicine in the prescription, the total bill is Rupees.
890/-. Aqeel pays the bill and says respectfully “Uncle, can I request you a
small favour?” Rehman uncle replies “Please tell me son.”
Aqeel says “Rehman uncle, if my friend Roma or her mother
comes to take any medicine they need, please give them the medicine, I will pay
the bill to you later.”
Rehman uncle is an experienced person he gives a visiting
card of his shop behind which some words are written in Urdu. Rehman uncle says
“Any person who will bring this card will get the desired medicines and bill
will be in your account. I will make a separate diary for this account.”
Aqeel gives the visiting card to Roma. Roma is so happy
that she has no words to express her feelings. Aqeel asks Roma “Are you going
to stay at the hospital tonight?” Roma replies “Yes.”
Aqeel requests to Roma to meet him tomorrow at 04:00 Pm. “I
would also like to visit your home and have a cup of tea there. Is it possible
for you to meet me?”
Roma replies “Yes sure, no problem”. Aqeel says “I will
come tomorrow at 04:00 Pm at the hospital. Then we will go to your home.”
Aqeel takes Roma’s leave, goes to the auto rickshaw in
the parking area and asks Raju to drop him at his home. Raju replies “Yes
brother.”
Aqeel is so tired that he falls asleep in the auto, He
wakes up when Raju shouts “Brother wake up, we have reached your home... Aqeel
awakes and says “Raju I am so tired that I don’t feel like getting out of the
rickshaw”
Raju replies in a humorous manner “Brother if that is the
case, you can sleep in the rickshaw. I will go home walking.”
Aqeel also replies humorously “I will do that on one
condition, you will have to take extra money as sleeping charges.”
Both of them laugh heartily. Aqeel gives Rupees 600 to
Raju.
Raju accepts the money and says “Thank you brother! You
think of everybody.”
Well Wishers Are Like Beautiful Street Lamps.
They Cannot Make our Distance Shorter.
But
They Can Lighten Our Paths,
And Make Journey Easier.
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