I could now relate to Ramu very well as I met him every day on the same signal in the evening at around 6. My auto almost every day waited at that signal for the traffic to move ahead and I would meet Ramu there.
I, very distinctly remember when the first time Ramu peeped into my auto and asked for money, I got very scared and instantly gave him the first coin that came in my hand. It was not out of mercy or pity that I gave him money; it was merely out of FEAR. In return I got a broad smile. I was pleased to see that.
Ramu was tall; dark skinned and had a strong voice. One thing that made him stand out of the crowd was his smile. A smile which had a lot of Confidence.
This had become a routine. I always had something to give to Ramu. Mostly I gave him money every day but sometimes I also got chocolates or old clothes for him. The pleased look on his face made me happy every day.
It was a Friday and I met him at the same place, it seemed like Ramu was waiting for me since long. He said “Didi, I want to talk to you if you have sometime”
“Is it something serious”, I queried and got down of the auto.
He asked me whether I have the time to sit at his home which was just one lane away and chat for a while. I don’t know why but he had the convincing power and I couldn’t refuse.
We went to his home; his roommates got up and brought water for me. I could see the confusion on their faces. They were hesitant to offer water to me because they weren’t sure whether I would eat or drink at their home. Without making the situation more awkward, I took the water and thanked them.
“What’s wrong Ramu? Any serious issue?”
“Didi it is my birthday”, he said with the same pleasing smile.
I was shocked and pleasantly surprised at the same time. Was this the reason he asked me to come to his place after such a tiring day!! Putting all my emotions aside, I wished him which was the most intelligent thing I could do at that time.
“Didi I want to celebrate my birthday with you” With this, his roommates brought a nice pineapple flavored cake. “It is Ramu’s favorite cake”, said his friends. He cut the cake, all of us wished him and they brought a lot of eating stuff.
I picked up a thing and we were chatting.
“Ramu I never knew you lived such a normal life”, I honestly muttered
“That’s ok Didi, no one knows. But I am very glad you came to my home and showed so much trust on me. We are normal human beings with just some hormonal imbalance and that’s why we are called Eunuchs. It is just some of our friends’ deeds that have made the entire community look bad. The society accepts the word homosexual with great pride but accepting the word ‘Eunuch’ is a matter of shame for everyone. I am born that way and I don’t have a choice in my life except for begging. But you know didi I am learning to style and tailor clothes. Look at that machine I brought from saving all the money you give me every day. Once I am done with learning this, I will start my own business and will go a great way ahead. “
His talks inspired me to think that day.
While leaving, I tried giving him some money as gift but he didn’t accept it and said he wanted my presence and no gift.
He handed some chocolates for my family, thanked me for celebrating his birthday and called for an auto for me.
With a smile and some confused opinions, I left his place.
When I reached home, my little daughter rushed towards me and I gave her the chocolates. “Mumma you brought it??”
“No, Ramu – my FRIEND has sent for you. You know baby you should meet him sometime.”
PS: Some facts about EUNUCH
1. a man who has been castrated, esp (formerly) for some office such as a guard in a harem
2. A man or boy whose testes is non functioning or have been removed.
For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.
