As Sunil stepped out of the airport, a very strong wet and fresh air filled his lungs, “oh my India “he said with a big smile. Sunil is coming to India after six years in US where he went for his higher studies. He got a job there and was doing extremely well.

The car was now was heading towards his village Banjara…. his mind started flooding with memories.

Many years ago, he came to this village as a child to live in the servant quarter of a wealthy men called Sir ji who lived in a huge white mention with a beautiful garden, everything about Sir ji was grand including his name “Kunwar Mahendra Pratap Singh”. A six feet tall man with a pot belly.

His father started working there, his main job was gardening and washing cars and a blue scooter. They were given a two-room set with large blue door; everything was like a dream for young Sunil.

Soon he understood that Sir ji has a special love for his scooter, despite having two cars he used to ride his scooter. Leaving for work early in the morning and returning by lunch time, Sunil could recognise the sharp sound of the scooter.  Soon Sunil also learned gardening. Sir Ji’s wife Manorama liked him

Sunil was very good in studies. His love for vehicle grew by each day. He used to observe each part of the scooter and cars soon while cleaning. He also learned some repairing. Sir ji used to come and inspect himself -careful, I don’t want even a trace of dust on my scooter, clean it properly. .... Sunil came to know this scooter was a gift from sir ji’s father.  When his kids were younger, he used to take them to market on his scooter, he had many fond memories of this scooter.

 One day Sir Ji asked, “What do you want to become?”

“I want to make cars.”

“But for that you need to study hard.”

“I will.”

“If you will study properly and become engineer, I will give you whatever you want Sir Ji said with a motivational tone.”

“Anything?”

“Yes.”

“Even your scooter? He asked with great courage.”

Sir ji didn’t say anything but called his father and said that Sunil will not work as a Mali anymore. He must concentrate on his studies.

Time passed fast and he got admission in an engineering college, sir ji was very happy. He paid his fees and asked him to study well. One day before going back to hostel he heard disturbing sounds coming from the mansion, it was Jeetu …. Sir Ji’s son …. he was shouting and asking for money.

Manorama was crying.

Sir Ji didn’t say anything.

When he came next time, he came to know that Sir Ji had sold all his land and cars to give money to his son.

Next year Sunil secured a seat in a prestigious college in US under student exchange programme, but fees were huge

Sir Ji would have given him some money but he also didn’t have much left

As if this was not enough, Sunil’s father also died due to sudden illness…now Sunil was all alone. He told Sirji -I can’t continue my studies; I will work as Mali at your place.

Sir Ji said we will find something…. he was right …he found one sponsor for Sunil…. He himself took Sunil on his scooter for all the documentation, his visa, his ticket everything was taken care by Sir Ji.

He was constantly in touch with Sir Ji and Manorama and wrote letters and sent small gifts for them

He came out of his thoughts at he reached his village.

Nothing has changed … a smile came on his face

He opened the gate of the mansion and quietly entered …. He wanted to surprise Sir Ji and Manorama ji so he didn’t tell them about his coming

The house looked very different….

A man came out and asked … “Who are you?? Who are you looking for??”

“Sir Ji…???”

“Oh…he sold this house.”

“Sold???  When??”

“Six years back…. he sold the house to pay the fees for a boy and shifted in a small house. Only his scooter is here, it’s a gift for that boy.”

…. Sunil’s tears started falling on the scooter …. he felt as if sir ji was saying clean properly, I don’t want any dust on it.