The Old Man

As the old man just arrived right near to me, it draws my attention on him. He was very old man with long hair all are white and combed straight back. He was with his old cycle. Wrinkle on his faces gives me the idea of his age. His clothes were stitched from so many places and not properly. It was just like a man made. Different sleeper appeared on his both foot. He was limped while he walks.

As the old man come to me I just asked how much cost this book? He replied me with very enthusiasm, 50 Rs. for two books. Which one would you like to have it? He asked me with very deep interest! I said let me have a look. I figured one book, which I liked to have it, so I decided to buy one book. It was book from Aliaster MacLean. The person who wrote the books like Guns of neveron, Where eagles dare etc.

It was Saturday evening at 4 PM . I was as regular looking for my Bus for Bhavnagar. Every Saturday I go to Bhavnagar for weekends. The old man who owned one old cycle, found always there. He sold old books, magazines etc. and as regularly, he just stands right in front of the bus that may give us the idea about his intention to request driver to wait for few minute. Always he was having good old books collection and it is limited too. As it was regular for him and me on every Saturday to be there, I just got some sort of interest in his books collection.

I went near to old age man and asked “kaka shu che kimant?” (Uncle what is the price) by pointing the two books of aleaster MacLean. He replied me Rs. 50. Out these two books, I found interest in one book. I decide to buy one book at Rs. 30. The old age man asked me once does not want other books? I said no. he went on to other persons. After a few minute, he came back to me. With holding one book in his hand, the book for which I have not gone. He shouted to me but not rudely! He came near to me and offered me the same book for which I refused earlier. Take this book my son... I just thought it might cost you high but you fond of reading … take it from me as a gift. I was just shocked. Not a single word comes out for while. I was just amazed by his very kind gesture. To be an honest it was my out of expectation! He said to me that I offered you because I just thought it may cost you high but I found your interest in the book that is why I am giving you as a gift.

It has just shaken my mind and heart. What kind of respect he was having for reading. Secondly, he was not my relative but to make me happy he was ready to give me book as a gift even though Rs. 30 is important for him to earn on same day. Nevertheless, his feeling has just shaken up my confidences that are we persons with value.

This incident has upset me for while but it has taught me the great lesson of value.

It has also questioned to us that are we still give more important to money?!