December 18, 2000: I had skipped writing about the years in between because it was the same old stale monotonous never-ending days. I couldn't possibly remember anything that could give my heart a "skip" or sorrows that could give me "heart burn".

The only memorable laughter's were those I had with Vicky who is 7 years old by now. My baby has grown up to become a very talented kid, full of life and ideas.

Life is very promising for him, I was so sure.

Had never been so sure in my entire life! But the time I spend with him is decreasing everyday because he has to go for his classes, play with his friends, as I was not his sole friend anymore.

I kept making more friends with girls from the locality. The count has increased to ten by now. Aunty was more than happy because I could provide her with more helping hands whenever there is any festive occasion in the family like ushop, chakouba etc.

January 4, 2001: I have an intutive feeling that this year is going to prove to be a lucky one for me for I found a new 'friend of a life time'.

Henna was getting very popular among the young girls and even among married ladies.

One of my friends told me that I should try applying it on my hair to make it more silky and lustrous besides giving it a shade of reddish tinge without having to spend on hair dye.

Since I am a lady, I could go till the end of the world to improve my looks. And I was provided with a cheap easily available beauty secret. So I thought of using it the very moment.

I was basking in the sun on the terrace after washing my hair, with a hand mirror checking now and then if my hair is improving in colour and texture.

Suddenly, I could feel a bright light hurting my eyes. I thought it was the reflection of my own mirror.

But I found out that the source of light was coming from a building opposite to ours. My temper was wide-awake voluntarily but my heart was racing involuntarily.

I was angry but at the same time I was full of questions. A guy trying to get my attention? Is he interested in me?

I looked around to see if there are any pretty girls other than me, Miss Memton, who isn't pretty but on the threshold of becoming a late bloomer.

But I felt that I should face that 'irritator' because 'I am a girl with my own dignity and pride'. I yelled on top of my lungs to retreat or face severe consequences.

I should say that I am gifted with a very shrill voice that can make all eardrums question their very existence. My words had reached those irritators for they came out of their 'cocoon' and standing below our terrace made faces at me.

They were a gang of four boys probably of my age. I was in the peak of my temper for I expected them to say sorry and confess that one of them likes me.

But they were making faces at me. I shouted some sober slang at them. Aunty came up inquiring what the noise was all about. I took my hand mirror and ran downstairs.

Back in my room, I looked at the mirror. I was blushing with a smile on my lips. But why? I thought, maybe I am not that bad looking!

January 6, 2001: My friend Menao's dream date! I was supposed to accompany her. My friend had always talked about this guy but I had never really seen him before.

My friend was so nervous though she had borrowed the best attire from all of us and adorned herself with it.

She was blushing and there was no need to give her cheeks some rosy shades. With cold sweat, I went with her. Her Goosebumps was contagious. I was also having it.

Alas! I saw her dream date. Acting coy and presenting the best of himself., he was non other than the one of the "Mirror Boys"!

To be continued ....

NOTE:
There is strong opposition against child labour in the entire world and mostly in the third world country. In our very own state manipur,there is a common practise of giving away innocent children as domestic helpers by the poor parents. Some are lucky enough to be treated as the children of the new home while some children have to face the brutality from their "new home".

But even if the childrens are being adopted as the children of the new home,what about the innocence that they have to compromise with by exposing them to the various facets of life at an early age? Every one of these children have a story of their own which is as important as anyone of our life story.

They are the unsung heroes who had learnt to face life"s challenges since early childhood. My story is an adaptation from the real life story of one of the domestic helper whom I know and had grown up with though the names and certain events have been slightly modified.