Neeti was a dear child. Soft spoken, kind and sincere. Also, a little timid. Not that she got bullied easily but she avoided the bossy types. She was never comfortable around new people, in new places and situations. Her parents prepared her time and again on how to face them but they never pressed it. "She's just a seven year old kid. Time will groom her gradually. Besides, some learnings happen on their own." They used to say this to any unasked comments that came from neighbours and relatives. "Neeti seems to be a little under confident. She looks intimidated by strangers." "Oh dear, my kids are never this shy. They mingle with anyone instantly." "Your daughter tops her class as I hear. But she needs to be street smart too." They knew all of this was true. A little boldness could help Neeti a long way. But they let her take her time. It was the last school day of the week. Mummy had told Mansukh, the cycle rickshawala who took her daughter...