Chapter Thirty-Five

Outside, kids gathered around in twos or threes playing a timeless game. It brought on a smile as I remembered that I have also played those games too; Tinko tinko and the likes of them. Life was a strange thing. One day you are laughing, the next minute you are sorrowful. I extracted my thoughts from its gloomy cocoon to the present world. Adults were chatting about one thing or the other while those who owned dogs took them on strolls. I was amused when I saw a little boy of about seven pulling a big bulldog. It was as though the dog was dragging him and not the other way round. I bit my lip from laughing. Then there were the hawkers, displaying different types of things under the sun.

If one could watch these activities with concentration, it could belie the gross environment. Empty water bottles were strewn around like graffiti and other disgusting things. When the sun was high in the sky, the place was dirty. You can't imagine when it's been soiled with rain.

I cl