The much awaited doll

(A POEM ON A TRAGIC TRUE STORY OF DRUNK DRIVING CASE THAT KILLED A MAN IN NEW DELHI)

***

a young man tired from a long day’s work

walked back home,

stopped by a toy shop, on his lips – a smile

for his daughter waiting for a doll tonight

a much awaited one

he promised to bring it with his next paycheck

he packed the doll in a bag hung on his back

gleaming smile on his face to imagine

a child’s excitement to possess a new doll

dreaming his dream he crossed a busy road

started from one end, never reached the other

lifeless body laid on the road

not dreaming, not smiling anymore

few teenagers today had their share of a few beers

tinkling of empty bottles played music to them

decided to party, racing in a new Mercedes Benz

alcohol commanded a speed of 140mph

just a blink of an eye, hit someone, a man

with no desire to learn who, they never stopped

never looked back, racing went on

little girl sat by the door, looking out waiting

excited to see her father coming back tonight

hiding a doll in his bag somewhere

her wait was extended till endless time

a young man, a father, died on the road

in his arms, holding a precious gift

the much awaited doll

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