Day of the Child - November 14

I was travelling to Patna on Children's Day which fell on a weekend this year. As the Magadh Express nudged into the vast fields of Bihar, child-musicians struck up a tune in the passageway. On the harmonium the elder boy played a tune while the younger duo - barely 5 years did cartwheels. Needless to say they were unaware it was 'Bal Diwas' (Children's Day). I asked the little girl her name. She told me. When I asked her to smile, she refused.