“Toffee In Kashi: And Tiny Sparks.”
…Kashi has its own way of speaking.
Today, while exploring the narrow “galis”, four small girls came running up to me, saying, “Didi, Toffee De Do, Toffee De Do.”
I said I had no toffee, but I would love to take a picture, and they were all for it.
Innocent giggles, a spark in their eyes and playfully running around, but my heart sank… should not they have been in school?
A silent ache. My heart melted, yet it also awakened.
I spoke to their mothers, who were nearby doing some work, urging them to give their daughters even the most basic education if possible. And, they listened to me with patience.
They were ready, without knowing, and in that readiness, “Ārogini” found its breath again as a reminder for me.
I am not sure if my words will stay with them, but I hope they do.
And then I realized, this too is Shiva.
Here in the city, Shiva does not simply sit in temples; he walks the “galis.”
He hides in the eyes of children.
He whispers through day and night.
Perhaps this is what he was showing me, “Ārogini’s” journey.
The vision to see hope, dignity, and light in every child.
Shiva reminded me: the purest offering is not a flower, a flame, a mantra, or a chant but opening the closed door for someone’s tomorrow.
In that moment, I felt “Ārogini” breathe, quietly through those four little Kashi girls.
They lit a quiet fire within me, reignited the passion to do more, to begin here.
A gentle burn that is now “Ārogini’s” heartbeat.
***Thank you, dear mischievous four, for kindling the soft glow.
~with heart,
monika
