OK, Here goes my confession. It was a foolish act I did and I knew it then and there itself. But I did it. It happened like this- About 10 to 15 days back, one early morning, I was sitting in a public park, sipping my morning tea with cigarette in other hand, thinking and worried. Someone came, said good morning and asked it he can sit besides me. Definitely, he must have seen my tense expressions. After a few moments, he asked if I have any heart or sugar problem. I said no but confessed I am not keeping well and very much anxious about my future. To this he started talking, offering advice, asking questions and suddenly he asked my for a coin, any coin. I took it from my wallet and gave him. Further talking followed, during which he closed his palm, took it near his mouth, blew over it and gave me back. and LO… when I opened, it was an almond ! He said, he is a gifted person, can do lots of miracles, and once I go home and eat this almond all my worries will vanish. I knew he is trying to fool me, but I continued the game. After sometime, he told me to get a small pebble or a small stone. I got up, got it, but he wanted still smaller. Again I got up, selected 2 or 3 smaller ones,gave him, he selected one and again after blowing over converted it into some shiny precious stone. He asked me if I knew whats this. I said no and he told its an emerald. Green Emerald. I should put a ring on it and wear on my third finger. This will protect me. I knew this is a fake stone, but I was enjoying the game. Further talking followed and once again he blew over his fist and brought forth a pearl. Beautiful light green pearl, which he suggested me to wear around my neck. After some further talking, I said OK, Thanks and before leaving I offered in a small 10 Dhs note (around 3$) for listening to me and his help. To my surprise, he declined. Its not for money he does all these things. This made me curious and I continued talking to him and thanking him once again, I offered all the cash I had in my wallet (around 10$ equivalent) Again he declined, I thanked and I rose to leave. But by this time, I was in his complete grip. He asked how much I have in my account. I told him. He wanted me to withdraw all of it and give him for some social cause he was planning. I said no, I was aware he is trying to work on me, but offered to take him to ATM, withdraw and give him 100 (about 27$) The nearest ATM was not working, we walked to next ATM about 10 min away. All this time I was aware and wanted to get rid of him after giving him his money, which I had committed. I took my 100 from ATM,gave him and saying good bye, when again to my surprise he returned this to me with a remark that he was just testing me. In fact he never needs money. Anyway,we were leaving, he called me back and again asked for all the money I had in bank, again I declined politely and expressed my concern how do I live if I hand over all the money to him. So ultimately what happened is I took out further 100 from ATM, gave him and also the 25 I had in my wallet and we separated,with lots of blessing from him. When I came back home, I realized my foolishness and realized I had given him 225/- (about 61$) I knew the emerald and the pearl are fake, and they are. (Cheap plastic ones) But the Almond was genuine, which I ate after thorough washing. and I am ashamed to admit that I have been fooled – at this age ! Never told this to anyone and 225 Dhs is not a small amount! Anyway, that's my confession.
Live and learn. we have all made mistakes....and some people are real good con artists out there......I was taken once like that......and now, it is hard to pull the wool over my eyes.....but in the scheme of things....maybe the money you gave him really helped him in some way, too......and taught you a lesson.....lol.....
