Im sure almost everyone knows the story of "The Little Match-Girl" by Hans Anderson... The little ragged, slipperless girl who is trying to sell some matches on a bitter cold christmas eve night... in a feeble effort at getting some warmth starts lighting the matches and with each flare she sees one heartwarming vision after another... the last one being that of her grandmother who takes the little girl with her to a warmer, happier place... the next day, people pass by the silent, still body of a little girl... spent matches all around her and a small smile playing about her blue lips.............
I saw a little boy today outside a mithai shop at around 8:30 at night...no older than 6 or 7 years... he was selling balloons and other small toys and trinkets...
I imagined myself in his place... holding small delights in his hand...but he knows they are not for him... he has to sell them and get money to supplement the family income.....
But why is'nt anyone buying anything?? He knows if he had the money he would buy everything...from the colourful balloons to the racing cars and spinning tops....
I wondered what he must feel when he sees small children pleading with their parents to buy his wares..and then them giving in to the whims of their children... does he wonder why his parents dont buy toys for him?
I wondered what he must feel when no one wanted to buy from him?
I wondered what he must feel when at the end of the day all he has earned is a few measly rupees...not even enough for one square meal... and i wondered how he would be able to walk all over the city on an almost empty stomach....
I wondered if he ever thought about the future...or for that matter, anything, beyond when and where he would get some money next....
I wondered if he ever had to or would have to sacrifice his innocence and childhood because all else failed...
I wondered why we turn away from such innocents? How much would it affect our daily lives if we all spared a few rupees, just so children like him get at least one square meal a day?
I wondered if after ranting so much the next time some such kid comes up to me would I turn him or her away empty handed...??
And I wondered if I would see the little balloon seller ever again............
