Most days on my walk, I see this mother-daughter pair walking to school. The moment they come close to me, the mother looks away (in India we do not have the practice of saying 'Hello' or 'Good Morning' to strangers and with good reason because the next thing people want is your number). But the child has no such fears and looks directly at me and smiles brilliantly. And she does that every day. I also love that look in her eyes - full of eagerness, looking forward to go to school.
Children trust easily. I do hope to find an adult story which is similar. (And if not, create one).
...
Vijay and me were returning home at 8 pm in a remote part of Mahindra Hills and two ten year olds pop up asking for a lift. I stopped much to Vijay's surprise. I asked them where they wanted to go. 'They did not expect us to stop but answered 'To the shop'. 'What for?' I asked. 'To buy Limca,' they said. Hop in I said.
They must have a pact of going to the shop which was some half a kilometer away and drinking Limca. It must also be fun to ask for lifts. Vijay asked 'What if someone kidnaps you? It's not safe to ask lifts from strangers.' They looked chastised. I said 'But there are also good people around like us. So don't worry.' They laughed.
'be careful though,' shouted Vijay as they got off. They told us their names and Vijay told them to study well and become stars. They nodded.
Hmm. To trust easily like a child. To be like one. To fall in love with every moment. And enter the next moment afresh.
What is love if it is not trust. No one does it better than children.
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