Not That Desperate
Words 99
“Sharpen your tools!” The shrill cry cut through smothering blanket of heat.
She handed a kitchen knife to the scrawny unkempt man.
“That will be Rupees 10.”
Reluctantly she held out a 10-Rupee note.
He bowed over it.
His first earning of the day! She was glad she hadn’t bargained with him.
He sat on his haunches. “I am thirsty.”
He downed the water. “Business is dull.” He looked down. “I haven’t eaten roti for two days.”
Poor man.
She offered him her favorite snack – bread topped with mango pickle.
Gingerly picking up the pickle, he walked away.
***
Roti: Wheat-based flat bread popular in India
Based on a true incident
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and to Kelvin M. Knight for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
Good story about a good person.
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With an attitude😁 Thanks Sascha
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He didn’t want the bread but Roti, particularly ? 🙂Lovely story , Dahlia .
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Yes! Even dire straits wont make him compromise with his habits😊 Thanks Moon⚘
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Haha!…her favourite not a favourite for others…seems he hasn’t heard the lines “beggars can’t be choosers”
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Or he just wanted to prove he wasnt a beggar!😁
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Dear Dahlia,
I really like the way you’ve written this, with dialogue, interior thoughts, description of people and their actions. It all fits beautifully with the scene you’re dramatizing. (I like the message, too, of course!)
With best wishes
Penny
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Thanks so much Penny for your generous comment😊
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A hungry man not willing to compromise on his tastes – I’ve met a few of those. Well written tale
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Thank you Lynn😊
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My pleasure 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
I like where you went with the prompt. Picky beggar, that one. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Or not a beggar just down on luck. Thanks Rochelle😊
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We don’t hear that cry often these days. We have to hunt down the knife sharpener in the bhaji gulleys if at all. Loved this interpretation.
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Actually to be honest he was someone ground stone grinders! A rare find even in those days and given word constraints i took the more familiar profession😊 thanks for visiting
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Nice little snippet of life.
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Thanks Iain😊
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I once offered a homeless man part of my lunch but he wouldn’t take it. Guess he was holding out for cash.
On a quite separate occasion, I gave a homeless man my leftover Thai food. Hope he liked Thai.
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If he took it, I am sure he liked it. Thanks for reading 🙂
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A very big message in hiding, a needy saviour or not really hungry….gives two dimensions of the pic, lovely message indeed……
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Thanks😊
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Bread topped with pickle …. this induces such nostalgia.
Lovely reality take.
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It is yummy isnt it and ages since I had it too 😀 Thanks YS 🙂
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Yes 🙂
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This is like a scene from a movie, so vividly described. Great story. This man certainly has his pride left.
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Thank you 🙂
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Not hungry enough for the bread! Dahlia, what is roti?
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Roti is the Indian version of bread. I found his response very revealing and reflective of human nature. Despite dire straits, we are often fussy and picky about our choices and options. Thank you Linda for your interest 🙂
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I love naan, and I know what chapati is–never heard of roti. I’ll have to go find a picture 🙂
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Wow! I am impressed and naan is my favorite too. Chapati and roti are synonymous! 😀
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I figured that out when I looked up pictures. I have a son-in-law whose parents were missionaries in Kenya, specifically the Nairobi area. He grew up eating real Indian food, not the Americanized version. He’s introduced us to some pretty awesome food. I think chicken tandoori is my favorite 🙂
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Ah that is interesting, thank you for sharing 🙂 I love chicken tandoori too – but then I love a lot of other dishes too 😀
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Clearly, a proud man that’s not ready to accept charity.
Click to read my FriFic
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He did take the pickle. It was just that he wanted charity but one that was of his liking and taste 😀 Thanks Keith
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She was a better person for her generosity. Good story!
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Thanks Jelli 🙂
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culture rich and slice of moment to chew on…
🙂
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Aww thank you Y for your lovely comment 🙂
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🙂 have a nice day my friend
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You painted a lovely image for me, I nearly always like pickle better than bread.
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Thank you Michael 🙂
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That was a kind action. Nice story!
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Thank you David 🙂
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Very well done, Dahlia. Picky bugger… (note I did not say beggar!)
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Yes and thank you Dale 😀
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Very original. Nicely done
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Thank you! 🙂
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Well, mango pickle sounds tasty. Just add some cheese. Now I’m sounding like the chap in your story 🙂
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Hahha – now I wouldnt take the pickle either I get severe gastritis 😀
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Bread will make you thirsty on a hot day. Perhaps the pickle with rehydrate him.
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The pickle is likely to be chili enough to demand water and the bread would actually tone it down 😀
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I love how the heart plays into your story.
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Thank you so much for the great comment.
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That’s an interesting interplay of opposing convictions. Nicely done.
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Thank you Sandra 🙂
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Haha this surely got a smile on my face. Cute story. 💜
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Thank you Jade 🙂
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Enjoyed this little slice of life. He was a character.☺
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Yes he was a memorable character 😀 Thank you for visiting 🙂
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hmmm thats a good way to express resentment, needs are devided by us and our state somewhere is dependent on how we potray it too
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