Storizen March 2018 Holi Special Issue Holi 2018 Special Issue | Page 24

STORIZEN CONTRIBUTE
They wore rags and their clothes were torn at odd “Good Afternoon sir”.
places. The infants didn’t have enough to cover “Do you know you need permission to pull off
themselves in the remainder of the winter that something like that? It’s a corporation area”, said
was leaving in few days nor did they have the Inspector, frowning lightly.
sufficient to eat and were bawling due to hunger “I am sorry sir; It was a quick plan. Plus, I thought
or pain – not sure. The elders were trying to sell that we just want to feed the unfed and the poor –
vigorously just so that they could make money. even if it is just for one day”, said Nandini,
honestly.
“Is it just me or has the world always had so much “The good part is that your father heard you four
suffering behind celebrations?” asked Anoushka, muddle together and mumble the plan and that is
as she intently stared at a few months old baby why he took permission on your behalf”, said the
lying in a crib made out of cloth. The baby had Inspector smiling at her, “Now, get me and my
curled her fists and was sleeping peacefully. colleague a plate too, will you? We are hungry too.”
“We just grew up, I believe”, said Rishi as he looked
away. Nandini burst into a broad smile and she and
“Holi is only for people who can afford to have Anoushka ran to the stall where the boys and the
Holi”, said Kartik, thoughtfully. new volunteers were volunteering. They quickly
Nandini looked at her friends and smiled, “Are you loaded three plates with food and went and
thinking what I am thinking?” offered to the police.
***
The next day there was a huge stall in the town
square where there was food being prepared and
four very enthusiastic youngsters were running
around. A sign-board read, “We need volunteers to
serve those who serve us Holi!”
Many who had come after playing Holi and
positively colored beyond recognition were
enthusiastic to join. The four had to send them
away to take a bath first. As the food got prepared
and the smell wafted in the air, many street
urchins came looking and peeking meekly. Nandini
and Anoushka were encouraging the kids to come
in. Slowly, poor and underprivileged – all joined in.
Nandini and Anoushka started playing Holi with
themselves on the street and a few of the kids
joined them. For a change, it was really pleased to
have done something totally different on a day as
auspicious as Holi.
A police van came trudging up to them and an
Inspector jumped out. Nandini was the first to run
up to them.
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