The Magician

Ramlal ran away from the orphanage when he was twelve and attached himself to a circus troupe that crossed along. He was doing menial jobs there, but always had an undying wish to become rich and famous one day.

Of all the events that troupe performed, he eyed upon one of those and targeted that to fulfill his goal. It was the magic show run by an old man named Syed. he performed solo and did not allow anyone to interfere with his show. His tricks were quite good, but he seemed to be remote except while performing. He always went to his seperate tent and never came out otherwise. Ramlal tried to get closer to him. He took Syed's food from the kitchen and tried having a conversation with him. Syed cut him off with a firm signal.

Not to be disheartened easier, Ramlal continuously tried to get into Syed's good books, by doing various things to please him. Syed seemed to melt a little, much later when he allowed Ramlal to bring his items to and from the stage. Once Ramlal got a bit bolder and requested him to teach magic. "Do learn something useful Ram! This is nothing!" he said. Ramlal did not understand this. "If its nothing, then why Syed himself is doing it?" he questioned himself and thought that he had to request him again a few days later.

Soon Syed got very sick and was not able to perform. His show was replaced in the circus, but he was allowed to stay, for he was associated with the circus for a long time. He knew that his end was near. The doctor who treated him was even surprised about his still being alive. Ramlal was attending to him and tried to be with him as much as possible.

One day Syed called him and said, "Ram! All my magic did not save my only daughter, years ago! I lost all the interest, but still continued, because I didn't know anything else!"

 

Thanks for your fast feedback Sreema. Yes. You are right. Syed lost all his hopes on magic. Thats why he did not proceed to teach that. -rgs

 

May be. Syed's decision was about not preaching something which he himself disregarded. It showed his helplessness. Ramlal is seen still as a young one who had other options from Syed's point of view, so he discouraged Ramlal to pursue magic, that too from him. Thanks for your nice feedback Uma. -rgs

 

Thanks for your appreciation and continuing support Sapthu. -rgs