To Razia, With Love

I met Razia in a slum community in Pune during Teach for India training. She was about 12 then. 

We needed to do the community activity. Did not feel up to it but did it because it had to be done. I  did not  gain anything out of it. I did not give anything back. But I did make a momentary friend. Someone who summed up her entire life infront of me, as she weaved through the ‘henna’ design on my palm and in the process she got a good glimpse into mine too.
Razia, I know you are immensely talented. I know you have learnt to do the mehendi design, dancing , cooking and what not, all on your own. I can understand your love for computers and college and all the little things that make your life beautiful.  I have so much respect for you. I wish the world was a fairer place. But I must say, because of the artist you are, your  experiences  when you use you art for sheer pleasure will overshadow the question of you being underprivileged.
And as I told you, please be safe. People might make use of the free spirit you are.

May god help you fly.
May you have a wonderful, wonderful life.
Love,
Shefali.