Angels at the traffic signal

I have wonderful friends - a group of street children at the traffic signal, near my house . They are about a dozen charming kids . Some of them ask for alms or try to sell some products and some just peep through the glass window of the cars, to have glimpse of the world they can not afford to dream. Most people ignore them and drive off, the moment traffic signal is cleared . Mumbai is a throbbing, pulsating city and one just can not miss a moment in its maddening pace else the rhythm gets disturbed .These children have learnt to survive this city in their own unique ways.

Can you ever imagine, running frantically amidst the scary traffic of Mumbai ? Well , these children are expert at that. They have mastered the art of manoeuvering the traffic and make me stop my car no matter how hard pressed I am for time. The moment one of the children identifies my car, she calls other members of the group, posted at different locations at the signal and the chase begins. It is futile to try escaping it . Their smile, the glint in their eyes and sheer warmth captivates me and I am always compelled to stop for few minutes and end up spending more time chatting up with them .

It is more than five years since I know these children. Every time I stop by at the signal, I learn about new facet of life and human nature that my privileged life might be devoid of. I have seen myriad stories in their beautiful eyes and sordid truths that they manage to lock up behind their innocent smiles. Sometimes they open up and tell me about their lives and something deep inside me snaps. They are smart children and understand human nature much better than many of us. Perhaps, life has taught them that . When the going gets tough, I have seen them stand by each other despite their individual fight for survival everyday .The amazing part is, their hard life might have made them lose their childhood to great extent but not the hope .

I often ask myself what is it that drives these children to me ? Is it just the food and other things that I sometimes provide them ? But I don't give it so often for them to chase me like that! I think it is the time I spend with them and the way we all connect . They are thrilled to know that someone is interested in their lives and well being ! The most beautiful part of our relationship is, we all can read each others' minds and know what is going on . There have been instances when I have been upset over something and just by looking at my face they have sensed and comforted me saying " Didi , tension mat karo, bhagwan sab theek kar dega " ( meaning , don't worry, Lord will take care of everything ! ) .

These little angels often say profound things very casually and it works like placebo sometimes . They don't understand global warming or pollution but they do criticize cutting of trees and people spitting on the roads or throwing waste. ( I have taught them to confront people who try to litter the road and we often laugh when they narrate their experiences while performing this task ) . They don't understand racism but they do know that in eyes of God  we all are equal. Most of them don't go to school but what they have learnt from life is more meaningful for their survival .

What is it that draws me to them ? I think its their pure love ( no , they don't expect me to take care of their needs), their spirit to fight and survive and above all the beautiful bond that we share . What is it that these children really want ? I think they wish to be treated, acknowledged and accepted like human beings, and not looked upon as some unwanted part of society. That's all !

 Is it possible ? I think it is . Only if we look beyond their dirty bodies and filthy clothes.