The grass is always greener...

Ananya was a beautiful bright girl who was born in one of the many sprawling slums of Mumbai. Her father was a chai vendor outside a behemoth commercial complex. Everyday he served ginger infused tea to hundreds of office goers dressed in dapper collared shirts. Standing under the sweltering and unapologetic Mumbai heat, he would serve tea to some of the most illustrious business men and women in the city. For his efforts, he earned a measly ₹5000 a month. Naturally he could not afford to send his four children to private school.

Ananya attended municipal school diligently. Being the oldest, she would get her younger siblings ready and trudge 5 kms everyday, manoeuvring her way through traffic and hawkers, to get to school.

Ananya's small home abutted the walls of a beautiful 3 story bungalow. Everyday she would see a young boy waiting for his father's car and driver to take him to school whilst she got her siblings ready. His name was Rehan, she gathered, and he had a young maid servant escort him to the car from the majestic bungalow . This 'didi' as he called her, would hold Rehan's bag while they waited for the car. How lucky he is! She thought. Not only did he have an air conditioned car to take him to school, but he also had someone to hold his bag! When the summer kicked in, the didi also held an umbrella over his head to protect him from the unrelenting heat!

Every night Ananya would pray for an opportunity to sit in that beautiful silver car! To feel the air conditioner blow cool air on her face. To be able to sit on the plush leather interiors. She had even heard that these fancy cars had buttons that automatically opened and shut the windows!

Seeing Rehan get into his car was the highlight of her day. And her dreams always featured a stylish silver car.

Rehan was a shy young boy who was born to a business baron. His father had founded an IT services company which was now clocking in ten figure annual revenues. The success of this enterprise motivated Rehan’s father to diversify industry presence.Unfortunately, it also meant Rehan saw very little of his father.

Having lost his mother at birth itself, Rehan was raised by an array of nannies and helpers. His only family was his father and 'didi'. Didi was 16 when she became Rehan's nanny. She was his closest friend and he loved her. Therefore when he learnt of her impending marriage and subsequent shift to another city, he was crushed.

Every evening he would look out of his room, into the settlement on the other side of his bungalow’s wall. He would see four siblings squealing with laughter as they played a plethora of games. Even though they didn’t have any of the sophisticated toys Rehan did, they always seemed to manage to have a great time. They were always together, while eating, playing or even going to school.When their father got back from work, the kids would run out to greet him, hugging his legs and climbing on his shoulders. His face, creased with worry lines, would transform with his laughter.

Seeing these children were the highlight of Rehan’s day. And his dreams always featured a big, loving family.

Books of the week:

Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

To kill a Mockingbird,Harper Lee

Videos of the week:

Inspirational: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqjmh3ScqMU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SIReRIAJZQ