Varsha - A rainy day in my Life.

Varsha, in Indian, means rain. Rain is incredibly important in Indian culture since it is believed to be a gift from God. It must be true for the girl in the image.?

Varsha is 11 years old now. Many years ago, when she was as old as my 3 n’ a half year old twin daughter, Varsha was discovered in a pile of city garbage before being transported to a care home - Cheshire. Cheshire Homes are centers with the objective of making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities, allowing them to enhance their quality of life through education while also enjoying equality and inclusion.

Her legs are incapable of assisting her in walking. The good guess is that her parents (unknown) were destitute or homeless, and a lovely daughter was born with a walking problem that they were unable to treat both financially and physically, despite the fact that they already had two children and a lot of other stress in their lives. They loved and cared for her for three years and more, but things were getting out of control. There was nothing better than leaving her alone at a rubbish dump with a toy and a slice of bread, hugging and kissing her before parting.

Was that an act of love? Did they want her to have a better life than them, or did they desire a better life without her? I have no idea. The girl had no knowledge that it was a Goodbye. She awoke in the morning to plead for her mother to be heard by the public, and after all of the clearances and administrative work, she was taken to Cheshire.

The above is a benign assertion, and there are many uncomfortable assumptions we could make about her storyline, but they aren't worth it because she is seen as a blessing for the Home, and the Home and this Life are God's gift to Varsha.

“I was about to go to bed yesterday when our warden informed us that a large group of individuals from a private company called Adobe would be visiting our Home today evening and staying for a few hours. It got us all excited since the time we spent with the outside world teaches us many things and brings us a lot of happiness. Mam suggested that everyone help each other dress good and be happy. She tells us this whenever a group of outsiders come to visit us. I got up in the morning and pulled out my favorite pink dress from the wardrobe. I wore it last week when some nice people arrived. An Auntie among them, Seethal commented that I looked lovely in pink. I had spent a long time with her. When they were leaving, she said we'd meet again. I'm not sure I will, but I like her very much.

I counted the hours, performed my homework in the meantime, ate breakfast and lunch. I also noticed my friends dancing and singing, which I knew?was all in preparation for the evening event. By around 4, we set down the chairs, prepared, and took our seats to receive that day’s angels. I don't need a chair because I have a favorite one with wheels that I can move around. They came, bringing chocolates, pastries, and biriyanis for dinner. Some of my hearing-impaired friends performed dances on stage to popular music. I also moved my hands; I enjoy those tunes, which have a lot of country beats and can move anyone. Some of my buddies sang on stage. I hummed along to those melodies because I adore them; there is so much sweetness in them that it can make anyone sing. The visitors then gathered us all on stage to dance to our master's moves. I was overjoyed since everyone was performing to their best abilities. I did significantly better than some of the uncles among them.?

They spent the second half of the event planting seedlings for the Home. I sat with one uncle, who taught me a new handshake. It's not difficult; one tap to the left, one tap to the right, and then a high five. We rehearsed it several times before becoming friends. I asked him whether he was the same uncle who was introduced on stage as funny with serious looks, and he said I misheard and that he is a seriously funny uncle. In the middle of our talk, he asked me about my arithmetic assignment and began quizzing me. He asked me, "What is 3 times 3?" I replied 6. But he corrected me and said it was 9. He sought out again, "What is 5 times 5?" I firmly answered ten. He corrected me again, indicating it's 25. He is intelligent; he asked me what four times seven was. This time I couldn't go wrong, so I said 11. He grinned, smoothed my hair, pinched my cheeks, took my hand, and told me it was 28, darling! I asked him what 15 times 15 equals. He gave a response of 225. Oh, I've got it! Continuing firmly holding my hand, he explained that times implied multiplication. He asked the same questions again, and I only had the correct answers. He taught me something new today. He introduced me to many of his colleagues, demonstrating my multiplication talents. I was overwhelmed, had tears in my eyes since time was passing, but I laughed with each applause. That uncle and I exchanged several jokes. He was very funny. He said that he liked my dress and matching nail colors.?

We were requested to put back the chairs to the sides of the porch. He offered me help and stated that he is quite strong and can carry 15 chairs. I challenged him, assuming he would carry all 15 at once. Well not! He began with one, followed by another and then another?one. I asked him to stop fooling around, and we both laughed out loud.

When it was time for everyone to leave, I sensed that he felt inclined to spend more time with me, as was I. Yet, neither I nor him can expect. I wanted to know if I would see him again, and he responded that time pulls people together, so we will. He also commented that I look lovely in pink. I stayed on the porch to watch him go with his colleagues.

Even as he was ready to drive away, he opened the door and thanked me before saying bye. I am not sure what the thanks were for. Perhaps I made him happy. I offered a smile and winked. However, I'd like to thank him for making me happy today.

Will we meet again? I missed to ask that Uncle’s name, perhaps next time? I'm not sure, but I like him very much.” - Varsha

Adobe , like many other organizations, is deeply involved in giving back to the community. The CSR actions that take place every quarter illustrate that we have the potential to aid those who lack the ability to help, but just expect to be helped. It demonstrates our interests in inclusion and the desire to improve society for the benefit of all.

“I drove through Bangalore traffic to a location called Cheshire Home to participate in my team's quarterly CSR(Corporate Social Responsibility). Unlike the usual tensions I experience on Bangalore roads, there was little traffic on a Friday afternoon, so I arrived on time for the event. We participated in a variety of fun activities with children with various levels of disability, enjoyed their stage performances, were amused by the coordination of deaf children who performed to fast numbers of Indian music, listened to them singing, and we all danced together to make the event more enjoyable for us and them.

There were children who were deaf and dumb, children who could not walk, and children with different anomalies, yet everyone working together for the same goal of bringing joy gave me a feeling of their needs. They don't require sympathy; they just need to feel interested and included. Adobe did an excellent job of making the kids feel it throughout the event.

I noticed a young girl?in a wheelchair watching me while I tried to be comical on stage and around. I was familiarized to the crowd?as a grim man with a funny outlook, so I had to meet their expectations. I also saw the girl dance to music and mumble to the songs?along with it. She regularly stared at me and smiled to get my attention. I smiled back to keep up with it.?

When most of our group moved on to the second half of the agenda, which included planting saplings?for the Home, the warden motioned me over to the girl in the wheelchair and?handed me a pamphlet about Cheshire. It had images of her. While I gazed through, the warden explained the girl's backstory. Varsha, she called!??As she rode her chair towards me, I formed a reflexive positive assumption about the story that I just heard.

I introduced myself as the?uncle who can make her giggle, and Varsha laughed aloud. I told her that the pictures on the brochure were not hers, and she disputed and said so herself. I said that was a four-year-old child, and she was much older. She stated that the booklet is a long time aged, and it still shows her when she was only 4. We strengthened our bond through teasing and some very hilarious arithmetic quizzes. I noticed her nail paint, which was complimenting her clothing. I asked Varsha if she had a matching nail polish, and she replied that her nails are purple, and her outfit is pink. “Nonetheless, Girl, you look lovely in pink/purple”, I winked.?

I’m usually confused between purple and pink. Well, I know they are two separate colors.?

While I played with many other kids, I gave special attention to Varsha. I could tell from her eyes that she needed it. I helped her in shifting chairs to the sides as the event came to an end because I couldn't bear the image of her attempting to raise another chair while sitting in a wheelchair. I tried to be as humorous as possible, only to see her eyes grow wet every time she laughed.

While we were about to go, she checked if we would see each other again, to which I replied that time brought us together, and we shall meet again as long as time moves. Varsha chuckled and replied, "Yes, time flies." She hung out on the porch while I started the car. A couple of colleagues?joined me on the ride back. Before departing, I opened the door, expressed gratitude for the time, and waved. As I shut the door, she winked at me. For me, that is Love and the need to be Loved.?

I could see her in my side mirror, watching me drive away; clear accomplishment of joy for both of us!

Later that evening, someone told me that there was no rain today and that the weather was pleasant. I reassured myself that it rained heavily; indeed, yet it was truly pleasant and 'Love'ly?weather.

As I approached my house gates, I firmed up my answer to a question she may be?asking:

Will we meet again? We absolutely will, because I had a lovely time with you, Varsha!” - That Funny Uncle.

God Speed!

-

KM