Change

Today I met an old man. He was a fruit seller. He had finished his day's work and was headed home. He had some fruits left in his tottering wooden cart. I could see how difficult it must have been for him to push the cart around in real hot sun. And also he had to scream out loud asking people to buy his fruits.  It is a difficult job. Something that I am pretty sure pays him not enough. He must have been in his 60s. 
I had not had my breakfast and was trying not to munch on something unhealthy. I was looking for some fruits to eat on my way to office. 

I saw this man, and looked at his cart to see if there was something left. There was.

I went up to him and asked for the price. It was 2 rupees for one banana.  I had to go through the whole pile to find some good ones and that would take time. So I decided to buy just one.

Before I keep ranting, let me tell you that I am a real frugal person. I don't spend much. Infact I don't spend at all. I ain't that good in bargaining and my brother would testify to that but I ain't that good in spending either. Let's conclude that I don't like spending at all, my money or someone else's money, none of it is going anywhere under any circumstance. 

Now, few days ago I read somewhere that we should buy atleast something from the street seller's because these are those brave souls who decide not to beg but instead they work hard for each penny they get. 

So when I saw him I was thinking of what I read.  Therefore instead of giving him 2 rupees I gave him ten and asked him to keep the change.  Let me tell you it was not something huge I did, but in my frugal world it's a huge feat. 

But to my surprise, he refused the money! Infact he wanted me to take the fruit for free.  Good thing I dint allow my frugal spirit to take over. She's mean.

I forced him to take the money, but he started walking away without even looking back. I quickly went through my bag to get 2 rupees and ran after him. And gave him the money. 
 
In this day and age where I see beggars with fully functional appendages begging for money, there are some people who really want to go against all odds and earn each morsel of food that goes into their mouths. 
While leaving he said something to me that made me restore my faith in humanity. He said, "how can I take more than what is right. It won't stay with me (meaning it won't be a blessing). I have two daughters. "

God bless such people. We need more people like him. I am sure that he is setting a good example for his daughters. The world change. One person at a time. One act of kindness, one step towards honesty and the world will surely change. Change will begin from you, change will begin from me. One step at a time.