Originally posted here on March 29, 2009.
I was walking to the gym early this morning. It being a Sunday, streets of Bangalore still had a very sleepy look and there were few people around. I was listening to music and walking at a good pace towards the gym.
I reached a big gate, and a biker reached there at the same time. He gestured to me to stop. Assuming he would ask for directions, I stopped and removed my earphones.
He let out his hand for a shake. I shook it, and he would not let go. It was not a hard grip, but firm nonetheless. So far there had been no reason to panic, so I let it stay there.
“My son is Jai. He is a participant at the ‘Dance India Dance’ competition. He is one of the finalists. Please vote for him. Ask your friends to vote too.”
I had been nodding all this time because the mention of the show had taken away all my interest. Then he gave me very detailed instructions on how to vote for Jai. I kept nodding all the time, hoping he’d let go.
By this time I had managed to get my hand free. I promised him I’d vote and was about to resume walking when he held my hand again. This time, somehow, it felt warmer. “Please vote for him.” Then his face changed, as if he was trying not to cry. “Agar jeet gaya to picture me hero banega. Uska life change ho jayega.”, He said with almost a lump in his throat.
He then explained that he was a security guard in the building which we weer standing in front of.
I set off after promising him I would vote. A few steps into the walk I decided I am not going to vote. After all, nothing has come free for me, ever. Why should I cater to the instant stardom of somebody i have never even seen dancing. Maybe some other participant deserves it more.
My right hand, though, was still very warm. I had been walking briskly in the sun, and was already warmed up, but it felt really warm. That made me stop and think. It was as if the father had used every part of the body to convey his feelings. The voice, language, face, eyes, and the hand had all talked to me during those two minutes.
As I still felt the heat on my right hand, I picked up the phone, and voted for “Jai”.
