Chal...tu nikal -Ranjith Boyanapalli

"Chal...tu nikal". This is the usual command I receive everyday. I looked at him in a painful manner, pleading with my eyes to let me sit in his so-called share auto. He quickly scrambled for some change, counted it and thrust a couple of coins into my pocket, and stopped the vehicle. I was now supposed to get down and give the other commuters, the privilege to sit. I get down, and the vehicle chugs away leaving a trail of smoke, for me to relish. I take a deep breath and look around. A Completely empty road stares at me, with no vehicle in sight from either side. This is nothing new to me.

I get up early every morning, and rush my way to the auto stand. I wait for some driver to signal to me, and then the rest is history. I first go and stand besides the auto, and scream at the top of my voice, the destination of the vehicle. I need to do this until the auto gets filled. I spare no one, college goers, housewives, office goers in fact any soul coming my way. Some just stare at me, as if I were a creature straight from the zoo. Others just ignore me, and some get into the auto. If the auto is completely full, the driver is pleased and pays me right there. On other occasions, I am asked to accompany him on the journey, of course shouting and screaming all the way. If anyone signals to stop the vehicle, the first to be shown the door, incase of space constraints is me. He pays me then and speeds off. I do around ten such trips in a day.

I look into my pocket, and find three rupees. My bare feet have got used to the scorching sun. Anyway, there is little I can do about it. How I wish I were one of those tie clad gentlemen, on my way to the office. It is at these times, I realize how cruel god is. I sometimes ponder over the very existence of mine. There is not a soul to cry for me. I live with my father and my stepmother and their five-year-old son. When I think of my mother, I sit in a corner and cry bitterly and curse god for having taken her away from me. I remember that day very well.

...To be continued !!