I had a dream last night. I was with Sahir, yes, the legend Sahir Ludhianvi. I don’t know why I was with him. Probably discussing some idea with him about a story, the wannabe writer that I am, I think.
It was all very natural and lucid in the dream, not a piece out of place. Apparently he liked my idea & thought to share it with Majrooh Sultanpuri (I don’t know why? I got to read up on Majrooh). Anyways we got to Majrooh’s car, which was waiting for us with Majrooh inside, on foot & Sahir gets in from one side. I went to the other side to get in but the door won’t open. The car leaves, leaving me on the roadside.
I follow on foot. I get to a place when I see the car parked. I see them far ahead. I started walking towards them and pass through a lane full of people with houses on the side. One child pickpocket tries to grab my wallet. I am instantly alerted. More child pickpockets start encircling me & their actions change from pickpocketing to mugging. They move with intention & block my path. They start pushing me & grabbing me & trying to get at my pockets. I feel helpless in containing them.I start crying out loud — “Sahir, Sahir.” Suddenly one of the assistant comes runs to me & saves me from the child-thieves. I start looking into my pockets that I took out my wallet from the back pocket & put it in the front pocket of my shirt. Then I check my other pockets. Every pocket is filled with money — currency notes. I start emptying my pockets & keep the money in the front pocket of my shirt. Every pocket when I put my hand into, there is money. The front pocket is now full & can’t hold any more.
Finally I reach up to the two stalwarts. I don’t know what happens there but now we are leaving. I am left behind walking again & have to cross the same lane again where I was tried to be mugged. This time no one is there except the children, half naked, destitute, poor and hungry. It’s dark. They are just standing on the roadside by their houses, making a line on both sides of the road. A deep sense of empathy comes over me, looking at these kids. I put my hand in my front pocket & take out all money. I call out the children to give them the money. First they hesitate, then they come. I keep handing out the money till I am done & I don’t have any more. Tears start trickling down my eyes.
I wake up crying.
