It was a Saturday night when I was travelling in Delhi metro to visit a friend. Reading a novel, and simultaneously thinking about the UPSC results that were about to be announced, my eyes fell upon a differently-abled man who just boarded the train and was looking for a seat. His both hands were cut from the elbow and one leg was only half the length of the other, making it very difficult for him to walk and balance. From looks and dress, he looked like a low wage laborer going back home at 10.00 in the night after a hard day’s work.

After taking the seat next to me, he took his mobile hanging around the neck and was trying to dial a number, struggling to balance the mobile with his two elbows. I asked if I could help, but he refused. I wanted to strike a conversation with him and know more about him, his work, and why was he going home so late in the night.

Hesitatingly, I asked him “Bhaiya kahan kaam krte ho aap”? He was trying to say something, in a very low voice, and was using his elbows to point towards a direction. He was obviously not feeling comfortable in answering and gesturing, and so I decided not to ask any further questions.

But I could not control myself from thinking about the man. I tried to imagine what his life would have been like. He would not have been concerned about the big talking points of the day: the policies of the government announced in Budget, performance of India in World Cup etc. For him, it would have been only about earning enough so that he can feed himself and his family somehow.

And, here I was: thinking about my results, reading books, planning for future, visiting a friend because it had been some time since last visit. Moreover, I had the time to think about what this man would have been thinking; the luxury which was indeed not available to this man.

I am not sure if the man had come to terms with the sight of able-bodied individuals all around him and feel comfortable about it. If I were him, I would definitely have felt uncomfortable.

We are always concerned about so many things in life, without even realizing that we are better off than so many people who are struggling to make a life of whatever little that destiny has offered to them. To be content with what we already have is difficult for us, but it is the only option available to many.