To Give or Not To Give - 1

I was struggling to strap the seat belt across my widening waistline and I heard
'tap tap tap' on my window. 

An old bent crinkled lady with spectacles, supporting her bent body with a stick was asking for alms. 

Time : 11 am 

Place : Defence Colony, Delhi, a semi commercial cum residential colony.  

I looked around, there was no one else in sight. 

No other beggars, no walkers, no hawkers, no bystanders. 

I was inclined. 

I contemplated ... Should I ? Shouldn't I?

Usually it is a 'NO' from my side as I wish not to encourage this booming activity, abundant among the young especially at traffic signals. But in a country like our's which has as much disparity as diversity, it is hard to remain emotionally unaffected by it. 

I gave in to my emotions and gave her Rs. 50 in the hope to brighten her frowning morning. 

She was grateful. She did her ritual of blessings and thanks givings, and moved on, out of my sight. 

I started the car, took a U turn and at a short distance I saw a woman similar to the one who had tapped on my window a few minutes ago, but she looked younger, stronger and taller.  No more did she suffer from a bent back.  

I slowed down to confirm my doubt. She smiled and titled her head. Her frowning crinkles now begone. No longer did she seem as old as I had perceived. 

I had definitely brightened her morning, straightened her body as well. 

And she had helped me clear my mind, 

just incase I felt inclined 

to give in to my emotions at a window tap again.

***************   

Yet, 

next time it will be Should I ? Shouldn't I? 

all over again.