Little Ms. Sunshine

Little pea

Just like the small notorious piece of chilli she is, she ran outside of the house, a small lit candle in her chubby baby hands. Diwali was over yesterday but, she wasn't yet done with the starlike magical fairies that flew in the sky once you burn the fire crackers.

That's all we need to do right? Burn them and they'll bring the fairies to life, she thought in that pretty little head of hers.

She hurried to the veranda, her wet brown hair glowing in the sunlight. With the small candle she had, she burned the little box of matchsticks lying on the floor.

A few seconds in and it burned alight, the mini bonfire bringing her warmth.

She waited for the faires to come out, a minute and then another. The flames now almost gone, she bent over, searching and calling out for them. Calling for them to play with her, dance with her.

The flames too clingy to let go, caught up with her hair. The hotness traveling from her hair to her face.

Not understanding what's happening, she squeaked out to call mumma.
Her soft voice now shaking with the sobs coming out, her hands trying desperately to make the heat go away.

Upon hearing her cry, mumma rushed out to see what happened. Watching her sweet little baby battling with the flames alight on her hair, progressively succumbing each strand, her mumma bear instinct kicked in and before she knew, she was trying to stop the flames from taking her baby with her bare hands. Calling out for help, she continued with her attempt at stopping the flames that were now aiming for a new place: the sweet child's face.

People gathered around, hearing the desperate cries of the mother and daughter, curious as to what was going on.

Quickly understanding the situation at hand, a kind soul rushed ahead with a blanket, covering the area alight in an attempt to save the innocent child.

The flames now gone, little pea wobbled her way to her mother, clashing with her legs, desperately needing to feel her safety. Mumma wasted no time and hugged her back just as tight, thanking God for keeping her baby safe.

Not yet assured of her good health, she picked little pea up and rushed to the hospital, calling the family and informing them of the mishap on the way.
...........

I ran all the way to the hospital with my elder sister following and stormed inside the ER. I scanned every direction with teary eyes, looking for a tiny sweet pea.

Upon catching sight of the little girl with burnt hair, scarred face and no tears in her eyes, I rushed and sat in front of her. No being able to control the tears in my eyes looking at the little pea that's my responsibility, I broke down and whispered sweet nothings to her, convincing myself more than her.

The little one wiped the tears off my face, crying out "Please don't cry di. I don't like to see you cry!"

How she might not even remember this, years later. Her little strong self broke down not after hurting herself but, after seeing me cry. Little pea was always a strong, young, fierce woman.