“My father sells Falooda during the summers and sweet potato in the winters. He has been doing this work for the last 18 years. For the last three years, I have been helping my father during my school vacations.

I study in 4th grade at a private school. We are six siblings - three sisters and three brothers. I am the eldest among my brothers. We are from Gujranwala but I was born in Rawalpindi. My father lives here alone while the rest of the family resides in the village. Earlier we used to stay in Rawalpindi, but due to the rising cost of living, my father sent us back. All of us siblings study in private institutions. My father is very keen that all of us study.

I come to Rawalpindi during the holidays and stay with my father to help him in his work. My father and me set up our stall at 9am on City-Saddar Road. We buy the vermicelli from Narankari Bazaar, and the ice from a nearby vendor.

Most of our customers are people visiting the District Headquarters Hospital, and the bulk of them come in the afternoon. I do the serving most of the time. I try to give as much rest to my father as possible. He works throughout the year, and the summer vacations is the only time when he can relax a little. He gives me Rs50 everyday, and that is more than enough for me. He earns around Rs800-Rs1,000 every day.

I return to Gujranwala about three weeks before the vacations end. I do that in order to complete the work given by my teachers for the holidays.

I will never discontinue my studies and disappoint my father. I hope I get to join the army. That is my passion and that is what I want to do in life.”

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2019