Life is so full of surprises...When you see butterflies spreading their colors... when somebody calls you beautiful/ handsome... when wind blows your hair...when you get that extra share of pizza....ohh that's so very filmy!! (Imagine Ranbeer Kapoor as Barfi.. proposing his girl........)
But, is life so full of surprises each time?? I guess after yesterday's experience I'd say a No! It is full of shocks rather.
Actually, yesterday(15 sept)was the day for the distribution of Shiksha: Tadka Education Rewards. It was an act wherein we tried to help the meritorious students below poverty line towards motivation with a few requirements of theirs. Originally, I was mentally prepared to meet students with great percentage, probably not so good attires, not so exclusively smart but ya wonderful attitude. And I am glad as well as proud to say I met a few wonderful students. Not because they scored high; but because they scored despite their financial hindrances. Hats off to them!! I HEARTILY SALUTE THEM!!
However, beyond this stuff, I'd like to introduce to a child in the crowd- different from crowd. Before the guests' arrival I was chit chatting with the to-be-winner students. Everybody was narrating their stuff- how parents work as 'mazdoor', how do they stand in long ration lines, when they get a high percentage- but still Father says " kam hai!". But in between, a child sat blank, quiet and a little disturbed I guess. While the others were either listening or talking to me he made no such efforts. He was a 10th Pass but looked no older than an eighth class student. A maroon colored T-Shirt and he held a poly with some documents we hadn't asked for. All that attracted my attention was his simplicity but a silent expression. I simply called him, asking " Konsi class mein ho?"
He: 11th
I: School??
He: XYZ School
I: Intelligent ho tum to?Ye saath mein papa aaye hain? Tumhari % dekhkar khush hote honge na?
He: _________________
Just then the man with this child spoke, " Uske Papa ne use chhod diya hai.."
I could now understand his expression. why blank? why confused? why angry? why thoughtful? why insightful? or why questioning?
I didn't know what to say this child. He must be asking himself every now and then, "I am so intelligent.. phir bhi papa ne mujhe chhod diya.. kyo?" How should he be facing everyone who asked him about his father? I guess situations made him maturer than what the need was.
Dear God, I have a complaint to make to you. Why do You trouble the innocent? Don't tell me Raaz pichchhe janam ka...because that wouldn't be fair. Poor child what was his mistake?? But his life will be a war throughout! He'll face the war with the public who will speak ill of him without knowing his part! And for such parents... better throw the heart you carry in your body. use badnaam to mat karo~!
And dear child--- FOR THE FIRST TIME I EARNED SOMETHING MOST CHERISHED- YOUR SMILE! WHEN YOU SMILED WITH A WORD YOU SHARED WITH ME!
DEAR CHIRAG! MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
