Today was one of those very rare days when I ventured out of my neighbourhood. The plan was to get something for Kavin that cannot be ordered online. I was in the Hong Kong bazaar area when a child approached me. She asked me for money for food.

I quickly decided that in the times of Covid, I wouldn't be encouraging child begging by giving alms. So I promptly fished out ₹10 for her. She said she'd need more, she couldn't possibly get a meal in 10. I asked her how much she needed. She said 30. I made it 30.

Then I casually asked her if she went to school. She said the school wouldn't accept her in torn clothes; they need a uniform. I asked her whether she'd go to school of she got a uniform. She nodded a yes. I told her I'd swing by later today for sure, and see what could be done about her schooling. She smiled, thanked me, and waved good bye.

I was confident I'd be back. The plan was to give the kids their first outing outside the neighbourhood since March. They'd stay in the car and choose something, and then I'd step out of the car alone and buy it.

But later in the day we got busy doing gardening, and then washing all the mud with our super soaker. And then soaking each other. And laughing. And stopping Nilay from trying to soak passers-by. The gift buying expedition was forgotten.

Until now. And now I've lost sleep over this. I've never seen a more genuine smile on the face of a beggar child. She really meant it. She wants to go to school.

Khushi. About 8 years old. Stays at Rajesh Pilot Chowk, in the service lane that leads up to Club Florence.