The Colourful Book

Children Short Story – The Colourful book
Photo credit: Ladyheart from morguefile.com

I had a passion in photography. So, I chose to join a glossy magazine.

6^th November 2011

It was my first day to have a real professional experience. I was assigned to cover the various bazaars of Trivandrum. I chose to visit Pulluvila, a busy local market. As expected, a strident ambiance was prevailing there. I was taking some shots when a puerile voice enticed my ears. I took a few steps forward. I saw a middle-aged man, having a scruffy look, sitting under a small shade. I knew that it could not be his tone. I bend a little. A boy wearing a tattered dress was sitting almost hiding behind the man. His eyes were brimming with innocence. It captured my camera and me too. On going a little near, I heard the following conversation. Though it was in Malayalam, I will tell in English.

The boy: You told me that you would buy me a book today, containing colorful pictures.

The man: I will.

The boy: Promise!

The man: Hm.

The boy: No, promise me.

The man (angry): Do not disturb me. Can’t you see that I am busy?

The man had a purchaser and was busy in satisfying his needs. It seemed he got one after long wait. He had variety of items but in scanty amount. The boy disheartened by his father ran out almost sobbing and was soon out of his father’s focus. I could not resist but hunt down him in that busy market. The boy started loitering around the small bookshops while rubbing his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. So I also stood in front of a bookstall. However, the books were not my curiosity. His eyes were hopping from one book to another. Nevertheless, the faded covers of the books were not alluring him.

While I was turning some pages of a book, I lost his sight. I was about to keep the book and run, when I felt a gentle pull in my jeans. I looked down.

Me: Hey!

The boy looked towards my transparent bag.

Me: You want that?(I asked in Malayalam).

He murmured…..Hm.

Me: what is your name?

The boy: Viju

I gave him the magazine. He was gazing at the pictures with his eyelids opened to its fullest.

Me: You like it.

He nodded.

Me: Then keep it.

At first, he feared. However, I agreed him. He smiled softly. I tickled to make him laugh out hard. For him this was like his biggest fantasy come true.

He kept my camera on the go, while he spent some time with me. I still evoke those gleaming eyes, while glancing over my collections.

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