Stories of Kindness from Around the World

 She has big boils on her face and near her eyes. These make her look scary. She is around 8-9 years old but begs for living. 

The first time I saw her while getting down from an auto, I got scared and almost shrieked. A few times I handed over some coins. Later, I felt little annoyed at her parents and her for scaring others to get money. Another time I thought of giving some more money or talking to her but felt she may regularly bother me after that so did not proceed. She may not understand the language, was another reason I gave myself. Later I felt a little bad about it. It's after all about her and not me, whether she would come again to me is immaterial.

Today, when I saw her sitting on footpath counting coins, I thought she would come near my auto to beg money, but she didnt. I started walking towards home but then thought of coming out of my inhibitions, discomfort and selfishness.

I walked to her and asked her whether she would like to eat dinner. It was an immediate happy 'yes', with a smile. She understood the language and spoke it too. Oh she was just another child I thought. I showed her the shops across the road where food was being sold and asked her to walk with me. She trusted me and welcomed this so easily. 

During the 1 min walk , I asked her to be careful while crossing the road and stopped her once or twice. She seemed to like it and was not used to being cared for in that way, it seemed. Before we reached the shop, she called me and said, 'No I won't go and sit, I will take my packet and go'. I understood the problem, her disease, her torn clothes and beggar status made it so difficult for her. I agreed. I had the same plan but never realised she was having such an inconvenience. 

She told me she wanted 'roti' not 'parathas', so we went to the next shop. She again stayed back, as was shy, uncomfortable or probably afraid of being insulted, even to come near the shop. 

It makes me cry when I think about it now, but the expressions and unsaid communication said all this to me. How narrow-minded and cruel our society is. For having a skin disease, which anyone can develop, a small child is being punished so much. 

'Where is mother'..'no mother', 'no father as well'.                                         'Who do you live with?' ...'Didi ma', she was excited about this lady. 

I thought inspite of her being there, the child begs (though I dont know her situation) but the little girl was still joyous and wanted to carry food for her. Probably, she was the only one the girl had, and likely she was not rude in her behavior, with the child. Atleast she was there, I now feel, even if she made the little girl beg, she was there with her. May be the parents left the girl because of the disease, who knows. The child needs someone, I reflect.

I ordered some food, and noticed that the waiters and others were a little shocked to see me talking to her and getting food. I continued my communication and asked about her disease. It was the pain area, I realised, She became uncomfortable and did not look up for some time.

'Does it pain'... 'Um Ya!!!',                                                                                 'Oh it doesnt pain right'..... 'No it does pain, it does pain', she repeated and I could realise the problem.                                                                                   Oh my God, the little child is in pain and torture.

'Was it there from birth'..... 'No it came up later', she said. 'Ok.'                      I could feel the connection by now, every moment. The little one answered me, respected me and I could feel her pain and difficulties. 

The food was ready and given with some warmth/respect by the waiters, I felt. I gave it to the girl and asked her to go to her 'Didi ma', straight. She agreed. I gave her a little touch and she left satisfied.

I started walking home, feeling overwhelmed and blessed. I was in a state of peace and deep satisfaction. The last few minutes had made me feel more needed and worthy of living. On the other hand, I realised how important it was to take that first step and talk to the girl.  It was so necessary that she should be treated as a part of human society, another child and given a few moments of small kindness. 

What a life! So much suffering, and I have guts to complain. Being on the road, having a painful disease and being treated as an outcast, what more could one ask for at such a small age. My eyes were tearful.  How could I avoid / ignore her for past few months. 

She is a child, needs care, treatment, clothes and schooling, I thought. I have written to a doctor and another friend who helps children, to see if they can help. I also have a plan to get her few things she immediately needs.

Thank God, I could come out of my inhibitions, uneasiness and take a small initiative. Had I not been visiting this site, it would have been impossible. I am grateful to all CFers for making me realise and react in thoughtful & small kind ways. These lead me to experience some overwhelming deep, profound moments.Thank you all.