The Muslin Cap

Front of my house sometimes there are some unusual visitors that sound names other than a beggar. Usually I don't like the word beggar. It is a ritual in this world that penury decides the level of people in the eyes of dignity.

I may say destitute attire has the extreme penalty of mental state which is rather a sense of utter neglect.

It was the occasion of my father's death anniversary and as a custom feeding the poor and provision of some cloth with some necessary amount of cash that would sustain the being was in question.

Incidentally that morning I met a couple in their 60s who were invited by my wife to attend the occasion as guests. It was as if the departed souls had taken these forms and revisited our premises.

The couple sat near the entrance very close to a cover well. I asked, "Please get up and come upstairs inside the house on the first floor".

The old man was looking with pale eyes carrying a very old and dirty cap on his head. Maybe for years he might not have given it a wash. The cap showing the intricate design lay hidden its pristine beauty sedimented into deep layers of dark gray mud finely clinched the white fabric behind. It was a one glance affair with me, for this old man was very humble and not at all bothered about his cap.

Holding his long supportive wooden stick he moved with directions from his wife upstairs very slowly.

His face with white beards was hesitating to grow beyond a certain length as it might ask for a knife or a blade to cut short its length. He seems to be happy with his beards.

The woman wore a saree and was hiding her right face in half as if the traditional way to keep a sort of burkha was sincerely manifested by the cloth itself. Her fingers were constantly busy keeping her face covered a little.

With respect both were let in, made to sit on a mat in a traditional way. My wife then served them the food that was cooked before their arrival. Both started in the name of God and were happy to dine together. After meals got over both thanked God again. Wife offered them some clothes and cash to the deserving couple.

Sitting in front of them, I took off my clean white cap from my head and replaced it on the old man's head. Then I wore his dirty looking little torn cap on my head and felt happy. If my own father happens to dine and sit before me like this old man, would I still engage my gaze in just observing that dirty cap.

This all happened in a flash of time. They departed with a happy note.

Later on, I washed that dirty cap myself to bring back its lost glory and shine. With a little torn part I still remember that old man with the fine cap.

After many years I visited my home for a short while. To my surprise I found the same old couple standing again at the gate. I waved them to wait. Went down and found the ever smiling couple. It was as if the time span has not elapsed. The old man still wore that cap provided by me. It was clean and I could see the clear line and shine of the muslin cap. With same respect the old woman bestowed her blessing and remembered the fondness provided earlier. With some cash to purchase new clothes for the coming festival I let them depart with smile and happiness.