A little Candle Seller

Snowflakes came down slowly by-and-by. The awaited scent for the snow filled the hearts of people with joy. ’Twas the time for the journey, so Tom and Lily boarded a double-decker bus to reach the heart of the city. The transport was draped with fetching garlands, embellished impeccably with aureate and silver bells, fancy lights and multi-colored ornaments. It had a banner posted on the walls with text in graceful letter, which read-

The passengers- young and old, simple and bold- they all sang together melodious hymns and Christmas Carols. A man in the bus served free desserts to the people. Passing through the splendid streets of Amsterdam they witnessed beauty. Every single thing out there was enfolded into frost. City known for its arresting canals. Enchanting fairy light loosely flopped above which canopied the roads all over the town. Queued up lamp posts along the footpath too were elegantly adorned with lights and garlands. On the footpath there were parked cycles by the river-fences, people walking by and jolly snowmen smoking cigars. Cafés and bakeries effused sweet aroma to steel away the mind. A fantabulous way of attracting customers. Little siblings were lost somewhere; too busy. Of course- window shopping! They noticed how the entire place was expressing the holiday hallmark. Each and every house had a Christmas wreath affixed on the door. Workers dressed as Santas pleased kids at the shops.

Lastly the bus terminated at the stop. Travellers alighted one-by-one. And the bus departed swiftly. There was an absolutely decorated noshery by. As Lily insisted, Tom too couldn’t resist. They went inside to feel a little warm and relaxed. The place resounding with euphonious music and a little hubbub had made a suitable environment. They sat on a vacant seat. Taking up the menu card and without thinking much ordered two hot coffees and a plum cake. Within minutes it was served. The cake topped with Christmas holly was offered with a small greeting card. ‘Easy Chrissy‘ it said in bold.

The plum cake was fabulous, and talks a little spicy.

Lily:
A normal coffee usually costs €2 to €3. Don’t you think €10 is a lot?

Tom:
Afterall it’s Christmas

At the mean time something outside the window caught his sight. Out there on the road was a Beautiful Christmas tree by a jewellery shop. Not that grabbed his attention, but who sat by that conifer actually did. She was a poor little girl selling stark white candles. She was in rags; shivering under the numbing air. They noticed how she insisted everybody who passed by to buy one. But no one actually gave her a damn. The common scenario of the poor people across the country. Tom and Lily gave each other a look. And then quickly walked out into the cold street. They went upto that candle seller. And asked her the price of it.

“€1 for the small ones. €2 for bigger candles” she spoke in a soft trembling voice.

Lily offered the girl her coffee mug which was still hot enough to warm her bones in that chilly cold weather.

Lily:
Please have it. You’ll feel better.

The poor girl took a moment to realise she was being proffered with something good just for her sake. She was absolutely delighted. For long enough she gazed at them. Then she took her hands out of that thin shawl revealing how emaciated they were, and firmly held the cup.

“Thanks… Thanks a lot for this sister” she spoke expressing her gratitude

Tom and Lily purchased a packet of bigger candles offering her the money. An amount enough for her to manage a decent dinner. Taking out one of the tapers Tom lit it up with a match. Assuming it would keep her fine through the night. Then taking off his jacket he muffled her under it nicely. So she spends the other days without any difficulty with the work.

Doing this good they waved her good-bye and walked away. The little girl saw them leaving dwindling into the misty street eventually. Think of it- would such a person ever forget this, the day when they were treated with so much of kindness and compassion? Surely they never will. Maybe ’twas her best Christmas ever.

Lily:
Hey brother, why did we do so much of favor to that girl whom we don’t even know?

Tom:
Do you remember that story of a little match seller?

Lily:
Yah! I do. The girl couldn’t bear that cold night…. OKAY! So this girl reminded you of that character..

Tom:
Exactly. And why are you asking this? Didn’t you offer her your coffee.. And didn’t you feel delighted doing that?

Lily:
Of course I did. But don’t you think offering her the coffee was enough?

Hearing this her brother sighed, and patiently replied-

Tom:
Lily, if you think that way then certainly your weren’t actually to help her out.

Lily looked at him with in bafflement

Tom:
You didn’t recognise what was her necessity. You attempted to relieve her pain because you hate the scenes of misery. And only that much you did.

Lily was astonished

Lily:
OKAY! You mean whatever I did was done with a selfish reasons?

Tom:
I didn’t mean that.

Lily:
Then what did you mean? And how was your kindness different from that of mine…?

Tom smirked. And he continued

Tom:
For how long do you think the coffee would keep her warm?

Lily:
Not for more than half an hour

Tom:
And the jacket?

Lily:
For as long as she puts it on

Tom:
For as much time as she wants, and that too each day.

Lily was surprised

Lily:
I didn’t even think like that!

She added-

Lily:
And what about these candles… I mean these are of no use to us by the way. Why did we purchase them when we have better ones?

Tom:
Selling candles is her job. This would motivate her to keep up with what she’s doing. You know such people usually end up becoming petty thieves which in the end only worsens their lives.

Lily:
Means we did the good thing, right?

Tom:
Right. We cannot fix the darkness of their lives, but we can surely help the needy ones so their future is not subjected to bleakness.

Light snow fell upon the city with a beautiful falling night. Citizens had gathered around the little candle seller as customers. Maybe because one of the tapers had been lit up now, which certainly appeared aesthetically charming. And was enticing the people around.

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