The other lives

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to visit an orphanage as a part of my firm's corporate social responsibility(CSR) drive.

To say it was a wonderful experience would be putting it too mildly. There was one defining moment in that entire day. As we were leaving some kids accompanied me to the car. And then they caught my hands and asked..."Anna...when u come again??".


It was not an artificial question. That question had a lot of warmth in it... That question had a lot of love in it....
I couldn't answer them. I wanted to say 'next Saturday' or 'next month'. But what if I was not able to keep that promise? I'm sure they would wait for me..And when I don't turn up they'll convince themselves with the thought that they are orphans. And that no one in this world cares for them. not even the 'anna' who was so nice to them.

I think its a terrible thought.
And I didn't want to be the reason why they felt that way.

I said.."Soon".
The children smiled. I guess they just wanted an assurance from me. Maybe they wanted to look forward to something..Or someone.
It must be pretty hard living each day knowing that there is no one to go back to share your sorrows and pains.
Sometimes I wonder why God (if there is a God) made it happen this way. Why does these sweet, innocent children have to suffer for the ways of their elders?

But as Lester Burnham says," it's hard to stay mad when there is so much beauty in this world ..."
And whenever I'm filled with doubts and sorrow, there is a quote from the movie "Shawshank redemption" which gives me great strength. The quote goes like this...


"Hope...is a good thing..Maybe the best of things...And no good thing ever dies"

I hope and pray that these children have a brighter future...
I hope that these children become shining beacons of the society..
I hope that these children get all the love and care they deserve...
I hope..