"Thank You!", I said to that disheveled, dirty little brat with broom in his hand. "Good morning" came the instant reply. I smiled and saw his dirty but grinning face. His clothes were strewn with dirt, his face was unwashed and hair uncombed. With the broom in his right hand, he kept looking at me and smiling!

I was unsure as to which side the platform would come when I saw this little devil sitting near the gate. I questioned; he answered. I looked skeptical; he was confident. Sensing I was not convinced , he said, "Didi, roz is taraf hi aata hai". I smiled and he said that even he has 2 elder sisters at home. Like me. I smiled. 

I got down on the platform and looked back. He was waving. I waved back. He kept standing on the doorway waving, till he lost sight of me.

I don't know what touched me in those brief 5 minutes encounter. Was it his innocent smile?Was it his confidence with which he easily changed "Welcome" with "Good Morning"? Was it sympathy? I am still debating and keep remembering him.

I think it was his Spirit!!!

No complains despite having to clean the railway coach at that tender age, no complains of the poverty, no complains whatsoever!! Just that cheerful spirit!!

So many questions he left unanswered...what was his name....was he going to school....

I wish.....