She is a waif to this world

But to me she is an angel

Demure and yet rebellious

Weak and yet strong

Stronger than any child of her age

Sharp, intelligent, beautiful

Without a roof over her head and yet secure

Laughs heartily

Giving strength to others

She is kumkum

A sweet 7 yr old kid

My fren :-)

I first saw her in reception cum medical room. She was getting dose of her daily medicine and a reprimand as well for not wearing her mask at all times. I smiled at her and she smiled back. I had instant liking for her. Once she left the room, Preeti glanced up at me, I told her that I had came last week and had been selected as a volunteer. She added my name in Butterfly’s volunteer’s register and left me in a big room full of children. Kumkum was the only girl among all those naughty kids. Naughty they were, but all of them suffering from one or other disease and yet they could not stop chattering and laughing and running around! Their age and sizes varied but there were certain things common to all of them: homeless orphans and all suffering from one or the other disorder. Kumkum was suffering from TB, although she had crossed the main hurdle but had still not fully recovered. She was a brave soul and had lost both of her parents to this disease. Despite the strong medications and injections that she would get she would always smile, such bravery at a tender age of 7! Being the only girl she was constantly teased by boys and she would keep fighting them off like a warrior. I would visit her every Saturday and we would spend time together, she would hug me and sit on my lap for hours together. I really loved her. In one such moment she came closer to my cheek to kiss and fearing that she was suffering from a communicable disease I moved back. But then I saw her eyes, she was so innocent so full of love and she really wanted to kiss me, in that one moment I overcame my fear and let her …

But I think the child sensed my hesitation in that moment as she never became that generous again!

The most beautiful thing in this world is a child’s sweet kiss which she gives of her own; I got it and yet lost it…