Underpaid..

I am waiting at Howrah railway station in Kolkata, on my way to home, whish is also nicknamed as the “Chicken’s neck.” Got two newspapers to read, this time too the headline is about the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha demanding a separate state, two of their party members were killed in the protest, and they have called for an indefinite strike.

I am done with newspapers, and reading a book, the only time I get disturbed is by the people of all ages begging for money. I have not yet refused anyone, but I am running out of patience and also the coins. Giving away coins shapes my wallet, in a way it does not poke the bone of my butt. I am sitting along with other passengers; with a huge center stage; only to be occupied by a few street performers. Clattering by two children draws our attention, she must be using the same plate to eat; it is old, out of shape and no more in silver.

We have heard stories of non performance of Indian sportsmen in gymnastics and complain we don’t start at the right age. These two kids, around eight years old and her partner of almost half her age are setting the stage to perform. They hurriedly unfurl a plate, a saucer like utensil, two hats and an iron ring. As kids, we use to use such iron rings as wheels supported by a stick with a hook at the end. An arm length rope is stitched at the tip of the hat, and the boy rotates his head to make the rope go a full circle a number of times. He has a make up done to equalize their not so attractive dress. A four year old wears a black color moustache with the tip pointing towards the heaven, it looks funny, surely holds our attention. Girl shows her skill artistically, bending her body, and is able to support her weight with her left foot when she lands, and the boy rolls over on his head, lands trembling on his feet, reminding us of our childhood days when the playgrounds looked like a sea of grass. After a couple of bending and rolling, it is the time for the highlight show.

This time the iron ring comes handy; she flexes her hands, her hips, her legs, bends her knees and comes out a number of times through the ring. Now both aim to pass through that ring. Girl lies on her stomach, positions the ring on her hip, and instructs the boy to enter the ring. He crawls facing the back of her neck. At first attempt he hits his nose with the elastic band of her skirt, he retreads touching his nose with eyes closed, thinking what went wrong. All of us smile, but wanting him to succeed the second time. He tries again, this time his head gets stuck, between the ring and part of her butt. Her butt looks undernourished to the naked eye; does not have the privilege of a mid-day meal, and even if she did, her fortune that she was not in Orissa. He tries the third time now facing to his right, after a lot of struggle he is able to pass his shoulders, and his hip.

The entire show does not even last two minutes, but is able to bring a smile to dull looking faces. He gets a one rupee coin from me, one tenth of his demand, hurries towards all the passengers and runs to entertain the next group.