Inverse Karma

The other day I had been on the train on my way to a friend’s place. Now the train is one of those places where you can study all the sub-cultures of society – the first class passengers, the pass holders, the college students (sigh, no longer am I one), the lovers, the ‘withouts’ (the ones travelling without buying tickets), the hawkers and the beggars, of course. I always make it a point to take some change with me to give them.

Now on this particular day, this mom & daughter pair of beggars got inside my compartment. They’re the ones who beg by performing acrobatics. I’ve always thought it is cruel to put little kids through that – its humiliating. I managed to take a picture of the kid I’m talking about.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t look down upon them. I pity them for not being given what we take for granted. Anyways, the girl finished her routine and came around with a plate, asking people for money. Everyone shooed her away. When she came to me, I smiled at her and gave her some change. Now I didn’t know so many were watching this, but soon everyone gave her some (even the ones that turned her away the first time). Its amazing how you could inspire people into an act of kindness. The girl smiled back at me when got down at the next station. Truly a smarmy Kodak moment!

But that is not where this story ends. As that girl got down, another beggar got in. He was the non-performing type. Again, people assumed I’d be the first person to initiate the alms procedure and looked when he came to me. When I didn’t give him any, I could literally sense every single eye staring at me with such disgust. Of course, I wouldn’t take some stranger’s judgment. But then, they figured I must’ve been some self-righteous asshole to give away something only in return for something. Isn’t life full of surprises? Truth is – I didn’t have any change left!

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