“How can I withdraw money from my account?”
Manoj was at the bank much before its working hour and waited patiently. When the glass door opened he walked in, a little intimidated and a little confused. I guess that happens when you never actually visit a bank as often as most people do. He looked around at all the people engrossed in their work trying to figure out who could help him out. And finally, the watchman walked up to him. Manoj felt a sense of relief and asked.
“You can use your debit card at the ATM sir.”
Sir? Is he really talking to me?
When you live a life when your existence matters very little to anyone you tend to feel invisible most of the times.
“I don’t have that card you are talking about.”
“No problem, you can fill this slip with your bank details and the amount you need to withdraw.”
Manoj hesitated before taking the slip. The watchman seemed to read his thoughts.
“Do you need help filling it?”
Manoj nodded. He got his passbook out which had all the details and handed it to the watchman. He filled all the details then asked the amount he needs to take out.
“Fifteen thousand.”
The watchman handed him the slip and pointed him in the direction of the counter. Manoj thanked him and made his way to the counter. He slowly opened the passbook to check the balance. It read – ‘22,380’. That’s all he was able to save in the past 15 years of his life and he was going to use ¾ th of it just now. It felt like he was bargaining for ¾ th of his life for her daughter’s good health but then what do the poor have except their life to offer?
He folded the notes and carefully slid them into his trousers hidden pocket and made his way out. He thanked the watchman one more time as he did. He made his way to the hospital constantly checking his pocket; you would too if you carried ¾ th of your life in there.
thewanderingwriter 