Free Hugs
I walked around Times Square, awed at its blinding brilliant Neon signs and larger than life Billboards. I was shocked to see several young men and women carrying placards saying “Free Hugs”. Their happy faces as they cried out ‘Free Hugs’ was so infectious. I smiled at the suggestion of a free hug to strangers. This was a culture shock even to a liberal person like me. This is the limit. I did not understand the relevance of this idea.
I approached a guy with a placard and asked “Why are you doing this?” He looked at me like I was from another planet. “We make others happy”, he answered in a nonchalant tone. This new concept distracted me from the purpose of my walk. I was here on an official trip; I was offered a plum position, provided I shift to New York. The luxury the city offers, will be a paradigm shift to my current lifestyle in the Tier 2 city I lived in. I am an only son to my mother, and her only companion after my father passed away. She didn't like the idea of leaving the country and the people around her, who were her small world, albeit a very precious world. I could not fathom her mind. Why did she not realise how great it was to live in New York? I was in a dilemma.
An old lady with bright blue eyes holding a small cane in her hand, held her arms out to a young Afro-American girl. They hugged each other, as the old lady looked keenly at the girl, with tears flowing down her cheeks. “No Nancy, you no cry when I am here for you,” the girl spoke sweetly to her. Nancy held her hand and kissed it. The girl gave her a candy bar and another tight hug. Nancy’s face lit up with a smile and she walked away nodding her head.
This was such a touching scene. The girl picked up her placard shouting “Let’s make the world happier” and walked away. I caught up with her and asked if Nancy is related to her. She pursed her lips and said, “No, I come here every Friday. She waits for me for a hug. She said I remind her of her daughter who visits her only on Thanksgiving. I feel very happy to be of comfort to some soul. That’s why I joined this community.”
“You know, there are so many lonely people here. Their cry for someone to talk to, is drowned by the fast beating pulse of the city. I guess you are from India. I love your culture of taking care of your elders and living with them. Thank you for offering coffee, young man,” she finished.
“Can I have a hug please? I really need it,” I said. She gave me a warm hug as I wiped a tear. I had made my decision.
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