A dream that came true

It was the birthday of a little girl named “Bhumika”, younger daughter of Mr. / Mrs. Rajesh Garg respectful citizens of Darjeeling and the owner of the most happening place in Darjeeling. The shopping Mall.

I was filled with joy and happiness when Mr. Rajesh Garg told me that he wanted to celebrate his younger daughter’s birthday with MARG children on our first meeting. Wow!! was my reaction. Without wasting any time I rang up the school principals and informed them about this gathering. Accordingly MARG children were informed to assemble on certain locations.

Mr. Sagar Pradhan and Mr. Albert John volunteered to usher the children of TurnBull HS School Darjeeling to the shopping mall where we all were supposed to assemble. I took a vehicle to Ghoom railway station to pick up MARG children from Ghoom Boys High H S School and Ghoom Girls’ H S School.

We were right in time at 4:30pm. At one corner MARG children from Turnbull High H S School were waiting for us eagerly. My old friend Mr. Vikram well known as Viki was there to make us feel comfortable.

Mrs. Garg and her father were there to welcome the children. After few minutes they were joined by Mr. Rajesh Garg. The children were then ushered to the near by coffee house (Café Coffee Day). MARG children had glow on their faces, some were shy, some were nervous and some were quite. What can we expect from them? I thought I should spend some time with them and started chatting and cracking jokes. Very soon all their nervousness vanished and they were sitting like any other confident boys and girls reading the menu card in the cafe. Café Coffee Day team was very hospitable as they always are. I am sure the children didn’t feel awkward with their service which was with full of love. After the snacks were over MARG children sang and wished Bhumika a very Happy Birthday. A Birthday card with all the children signature was handed to Bhumika by one of the MARG children. They also showed their gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Rajesh Garg and others present in the café by offering the sacred scarf (Khada).

As a return gift MARG children were given a shopping voucher worth Rs 500/- each of Big Bazar which was handed to them by Mrs. Garg.  The children had no boundaries for joy and this was showing it on their faces. They were running from one corner to the other, from the ground floor to the first floor looking for items to buy.

Some bought school bags some dictionary, some bought stationery items, some were looking for t shirts, some slippers, and I did see some boys buy hair gels and face creams too. Some were very wise enough and decided to come after few days to use their voucher. What a wonderful sight was it to see them happy and running around in the mall. Though I know it’s was a momentary joy I am sure this day will be carved in their memories in their whole life. 

Finally since it was getting dark and some children had to trek back home We all gather outside the Big Bazar and thanked Mr./Mrs Garg for their noble idea of celebrating their daughters birthday with MARG children. Yes, Mr./Mrs. Rajesh you have truly IGNITED SMILES of many children.

MARG family would like to thank you from the bottom of our heart for giving us this opportunity.