2) Another day in paradise

The cars lined up at the Milan subway traffic signal having to contend with another jam. The chaotic growth of vehicles, the blaring horns of impatient motorist on humid summer day added to frayed tempers. In addition, one has to contend with nuisance of beggars and eunuchs.

I saw this 6 year old girl scratch the tinted glass of the car window. Her running nose, disheveled head while carrying a 2 year old brother around her waist was a picture of total destitution. She stood stubbornly pleading as the baby howled in hunger.

That sight was a heart wrenching one as I reached for my wallet. It was empty save a Rs.1000 note; signal turned green as my driver pulled the car up.

The girl sensing my helplessness smiled,” Saab, kal milega”.

I couldn’t sleep that night. The image of a bawling baby contrasting to the girl’s grin haunted me. Her eyes had a sparkle that seemed to mock my soul.

I sought her out the next day near the Bandra signal. I asked her to hop into my Honda City and took the children to a Udipi hotel breakfast. In between mouthfuls, she narrated a tale of her mother’s premature death and an absconding father ever since.

She added,” I am Jhansi and I named him Shivaji”.

At the office I couldn’t think of anything save these kids. I found a home for these abandoned children at CRY chapter in Mahim; I would financially support these kids and the charity would find a home and school as its end of the bargain.

This incident happened 5 years ago and since then I have not missed a weekend when I did not see Jhansi and Shivaji. I would bring them to my flat at Andheri and take them out for zoos, treks, pictures, plays, restaurants.

I remember an animated Jhansi at the zoo riding an elephant while her brother was on the swing. She said,” Saab, Why are you kind to us?” I just kissed her, content in the thought that she has provided me a meaning to my own life.

During all this time, I have seen a transformation. She is now more confident, cheerful – must be a huge ask after all those years on the street – and surprisingly studious. Her teachers tell me that she has a natural flair for Maths and can even become an engineer. The young fellow though adamant still obeys his didi.

My wife has supported me on this. At the CRY get together, she said,” Of all your investments, this is the best” as we saw Jhansi playing hopscotch.

I turned my face away from her gaze as my eyes moistened; only a girl can be a mother and child at the same time.