Monday, January 01, 2018

Albelabhai shall try to give up tobacco

Albelabhai Saraniya contemplating if to give his promise to
 Mittal Patel
"Promise me you will quit taking tobacco!”

“You do so much for us, how will the poor like us ever repay!!

The moment Albelabhai Saraniyaa uttered these words, I brought my hand forward and asked for my reward. “Promise me you will give up your habit of tobacco!”

“This is very tough promise you have asked for! It is difficult to function without tobacco, I feel weak without it. Ben, I wouldn’t be able to give it up just like that!!”

“I will not listen to these reasons, you will need to give it up!”

“Promise me that you shall give it up,” I asked as I stood there with my hand stretched for a commitment from Albelabhai.

Albelabhai Saraniya barely touched Mittal Patel's hand
Albelabhai stood there, smirking and confused watching my hand that contemplating on what next.

“Why think so much, you will have to promise. I am not taking this hand back without a commitment from you!” I insisted.
The entire settlement that was watching us got confused. “He cannot leave the addiction so easily. It will make him sick!” they said in chorus.

Finally, after almost five minutes Albelabhai barely touched my hand “I cannot promise but, shall try,” he said.

After a fortnight, I called Meera, Albelabhai’s wife to inquire about his half-hearted promise. “Ben, good you took this promise.  I have tried so hard to make him give up but, he never listened. He hasn’t stopped yet but, am sure he will quit this time.” Meeraben spoke with a hearty laughter. “The moment he picks up tobacco packet he stares at it and mentions your name…” she continued speaking and laughing at the same time.

Strange are these warm relationships with these communities. We cannot rob people, we cannot fight like this, what will people say about Mittal’s relatives, your actions can embarrass me!! Such nudges and sweet threats do make an impact and I am enjoying these moments to the core! Pray to Almighty that I always find strength to serve them….

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