by Shobhan Agarwal
The sun was up in the sky. It was nearly 11.00 am. The sandwich looked pretty good with the cheese dripping from the sides, it was a perfect “brunch” (breakfast + lunch - in case you don’t know ) - for an obviously long day ahead. But what has to happen, has to happen…………
” I want a sa.. sa.. ” -
and that was the end of my “brunch”.
This was not the first time it had happened. It had happened with the sandwich ; the burger at Mcdonalds ; the pizza at Pizza Hut . Come to think of it ; it had also happened at the cash counter at the bank and the jeans salesman at the Wrangler store. And to complete the list - with person I wanted to talk to - at college.
I was stuck again ………………
” Hey , I tried ” - said the Voice. “It might not be difficult, but i tried.”
” No, didn’t ! You just didn’t know what to let out when !! ” cried the Mind
“Hey ! Hey ! Hey ! You are supposed to TRAIN me for that ” Voice snapped.
” I have to TRAIN you ! - exclaimed the Mind.
” What about the other voices ? How do they TRAIN themselves ? ”
” Well , it’s a problem if i am special , isn’t it. What do you care if i can’t do so just because you’re faster than average ” - Voice replied , disgusted. ( For your information ; people who stutter have higher I.Q. level than average ; and are often good singers)
I was hungry and i had already left the store . However , somehow somewhere i had made my decision. I wasn’t going to let this happen again and again and again……….( The fact that stomach was making noises helped making up my mind as well )
So i went to the store.
“May I have a sa… sa… number 51 please ” ( substituting the word )
and thus got my sandwich.
” Nice thinking, boss ” said the Voice.” But if I have to ask someone out; I don’t think numbers or any such substitution will help.”
” One step at a time , son ! one step at a time ” smiled the Mind .
” But I don’t want this any more . The problem is that it depends on you - not on me - and you keep wishing and hoping for some miracle to change me ; when it’s all upto you . ” - Voice suggested.
” I know but I don’t know how ; I try and I really try but it just happens - I want to just go slow but always ……….. I fear. ” - Mind said, softly.
” Coward , that’s what you are ….. Lets do this together, tomorrow , why not today !! ” Voice exclaimed.
It was 8 pm ; and the sandwich was calling out to me again. It had been a long day , and a nice day, at that . I was pretty good in my work so my work was easily accepted.
Decided to indulge myself in some more sandwiches , and so started on the 10 minute walk to the store. As I passed by the park , I saw people - many people - a lady learning how to drive; a child falling from a bike (and then getting on it again , least bothered about others); an old man trying to move his new wheelchair.
And thats when I felt - maybe I needed to not let past experiences get the better of me - maybe all I needed was a little will , a little Voice and a little Mind ( with SO WHAT !! attitude).
The door opened . I walked towards the counter.
” A.. sandwich please ! and some extra cheese ! ”
“Sure Sir , that will be Rs.49.50 ”
“He..re ! Could you give me the 50 in 10s. I..need the change.”
” No problem, Sir. Here you’re …… Enjoy the sandwich.”
MY heart was in my mouth but now I was smiling. This was going to be one hell of a journey !
” Wow ! Wow ! Wow ! It was so beautiful, so smooth, so confident , so nice ” Voice exclaimed
” Well as you see - it took a little work - its the power of mind …” Mind replied proudly.
” So what next. - Voice was excited.
” Don’t know. I used to believe in miracles ; but next time,
remind to rely upon them” Mind determined.
There was a moment of silence.
” You did it ” - Voice said , softly
Mind back slapped Voice - “ NO , WE DID IT . “