घुँघरू की तरह बजता ही रहा हूँ ………….

घुँघरू की तरह बजता ही रहा हूँ  …………. 

Yesterday I visited a supermarket and what caught my attention was how people were using their trolleys. It then struck me that I could write an autobiography from a trolley's perspective, similar to what we used to do in school. Immediately I imgined the clock ticking backwards and quickly thought of the points I wanted to cover. Here is my attempt at it:

Hello, I am your reliable trolley, expertly navigating the crowded aisles of supermarkets. Life as a trolley is not all about the glitz and glam; it is filled with bumps, both literal and metaphorical. I have many utilities. Each time I roll into the snack aisle, my excitement grows. Kid's eyes swell when they stop at their favourite chips and chocolates rack, and I cannot help but feel a part of their joy. When I bump into another trolley, I hear a silent chorus of “ऐ भाई, ज़रा देखके चलो, आगे ही नहीं पीछे भी” - we are all just trying to navigate through this crowded chaos.

The escalator is a familiar place where I find myself walking in and out countless times in a day. Here space feels like a luxury. Packed in with families, shopping bags, and the occasional grumpy toddler, I find myself thinking of the song “ये शाम मस्तानी” as we squeeze in together. The anticipation of reaching the next floor keeps me moving forward. When the doors finally open, it feels like a breath of fresh air, full of promise for new adventures.

Sometimes, shoppers fill me with all sorts of items—groceries, snacks, and even random gadgets—only to leave me abandoned in a corner. It feels like they are saying, “अभी तो party शुरू हुई है ” In moments like these, I think of the song “कोई मिल गया “that celebrates the joy of living at the moment.

Checkout time is the grand finale of my daily routine. I often find myself immersed in the hustle and bustle around me. Couples bicker over which cereal to buy, while kids plead for one more chocolate bar. It serves as a beautiful reminder that even amidst the rush, connections matter. After the disagreements, they eventually compromise and settle for each other's choices. I cannot help but think of the song “तेरे बिना ज़िन्दगी से कोई...” as they find harmony amid chaos, with each moment telling its own story. If someone were to say goodbye, I would hum “न जाओ सैंया छुड़ा के बैंया" because every departure holds a promise of a new beginning. As I stand still, I reflect on the moments shared and the stories carried, humming softly to “मेरे सपनों की रानी कब आयेगी तू “just waiting for the next customer to fill me with new treasures and experiences.

As night falls and as the shop closes, my day comes full circle. After a busy day, I am wheeled back to my spot and I find myself lined up with other trolleys, all of us waiting patiently. In that this moment share a silent bond, humming to the tune of “आज फिर जीने की तमन्ना है ...”  It feels as if we are all dreaming of the adventures we will have tomorrow, filled with hope and excitement of rolling through life.

So, next time you see me in the aisles, remember—I am not just a trolley; I am a part of your everyday adventure, rolling through the ups and downs of life. “कर चले, हम फ़िदा, जान-ओ-तन साथियों …” to the journey ahead! 🛒