Small lady with big heart

It was a hot and sultry day. There was no breeze and the leaves in the trees stood still. It was the busiest part in the city with all the textiles and jewellery shops. There is always a milling crowd in the narrow road. The newly opened air conditioned ice cream shop was making good business. People made a bee line to it to enjoy the comfort of the cool atmosphere and savour the ice creams of many flavours and varieties. There was a cone ice cream dispenser too.
One little boy in shorts with a sleeveless banyan and bare feet was standing outside and staring at the shop and at the young kids of his age who went in and came out with a cone or a cup in their hands. His clothes were dirty and his hair had not seen a wash for ages. Afraid to go in he was lingering there for long time. Finally he mustered the courage to step in. He was pulled out by a strong hand as he pushed the door to enter. With tears trickling down his eyes, he came down the steps and sat on the parapet wall.

A puny old lady who was panting heavily behind the boy when he was pulled out muttered “tsu, tsu” as she went in. In a jiffy she came out with two cones of ice cream and offered one to the young boy. The misty eyes of the boy could not comprehend why the lady was giving him the ice cream that he longed for. She said “Never mind the rude security man. They don’t know the hurt they cause.” The boy flashed a big smile at the small lady with a big heart and ran away happily licking the cone