Beta

PICNIC

Apr 15 2008 | Views 484 | Comments (22)

PICNIC Day was perfect. Lazy sun was trying to shine through scattered clouds and shivering itsel... Expand

PICNIC

Day was perfect. Lazy sun was trying to shine through scattered clouds and shivering itself. People were enjoying their sunny day on that chilly January forenoon at that picnic spot. People of all ages, faces were looking happy. No work tension, just a Sunday to ease the hectic routine of mundane life.

Kids were playing in-groups with their fathers throwing the ball and mom’s arranging food and throwing proud glances time to time. It was a colorful scene, with so many voices, shrills and shouts. Some ponies were seen with kids on their back, horse riding and some on camels riding lazily on that long stretch besides the river.

The river was huge, and cool breeze was coming through the waters touching people and making them shiver in excitement. Different smells of food were floating in the air making kids and grown-ups hungry.

Some chaiwala’s were running here to there with their silver kettle and disposable glasses. Even some soft drink sellers were making good business despite a chilly day!

River was calm. Some people were boating on motor boats and Some Couples were on pedal boats, laughing and singing at their full pitch.

Balloon sellers and some knick knack sellers were sitting with their things and enjoying the left over food given by the picnickers and talking with each other in high pitched voices.

Suddenly there was chaos. People saw one woman shouting and crying.

‘My baby…my son…. ‘ She was frantically pointing towards river.

People, who saw her son walking some seconds back with her, were shocked to see that he fell in the river in a flash. The ground near river was slippery and the boy just left his mothers hand and ran chasing some butterflies. Next moment he was in the river. People were shouting…help!! Help!!!!

Mothers who saw this happening started looking for their kids. In a second everything was changed. Some brave people jumped in the river to save the boy and after some nail biting moments they saw a man coming out of river with the boy in his arms.

Mother ran towards him. Thankfully the boy was all right. After giving the kid to his mother the man fell on the ground. A huge crowd surrounded him. He was unconscious. A man came out of the crowd and said ‘let me check him, I am a doctor.’ Crowd gave him the way. He checked his, pulse and tried to see his eyes. Then he threw some water on his face and after some moments he was fine. Woman thanked him profusely for saving her son and took out all her jewelry and offered him. She seemed a rich woman, but the man was unfazed. He joined his hands and requested in a low voice..

‘Madam, please I do not want your jewelry, I need some money for the treatment of my mother who is in the hospital. Doctors said they would start medication only after I deposit some money in the hospital.’ He said in a pathetic voice.

‘I came here to jump in the river because I was feeling useless. when I saw your son drowning I changed my mind and saved him. I would be thankful if you help me.’

‘How much money you need?’ people started asking.

‘At least five thousand rupees to start with.’ He said politely.

The woman opened her purse and took all the money she had. It was around two thousand. Then she requested to the crowd to pool in some money for that poor fellow. Within minutes people collected around seven thousand rupees. The man was virtually in tears. He thanked every one with folded hands. Then he left with tears in his eyes. Crowd dispersed too. It was time to go home now after this excitement. The woman held her son in her arms and left too.

It was dark of the night. The man turned to woman and hugged her. She was crying.

‘Don’t cry.’ He pleaded.

‘It is dangerous. It was matter of seconds.’ Woman started caressing the child sleeping near her.

‘I know, but I was careful.’ Man said in a weak voice.

‘No more stunts involving the kid, promise me’ woman took his hand to her head.

‘Swear upon me’ she insisted.

‘Ok, I swear. I will try to find a job again. You please don’t cry.’ Man promised.

Then they started counting the money and slept peacefully.

Close

Leave a Comment Flat Nested

Comments (22)

promilla posted 4 mnths ago

Hi Sceptic

'Only when we have something to value, will we have something to evaluate.. and we cannot value something that we cannot share, exchange and examine.'

It is a pleasure to see your detailed comments. Whatever is true must be exposed, however bad or ugly it is.

Thanks for ur comment.

promilla

Reply | | Report Abuse

sceptic posted 4 mnths ago

Hullo Promilla

Midnight scene involving the man and his wife detracted both from the merit of the piece and the values system subscribed to by the author. Unpleasant truths are best left unsaid in the interest of happiness and feel good factor. Of cvourse, your decision to finish your story as you deem fit is beyond questioning.

Sceptic

Reply | | Report Abuse

promilla posted 4 mnths ago

Hi Ashu

Thanks a lot for your comment Ashu.:))

Yeah world is weird for sure.

Promilla

Reply | | Report Abuse

promilla posted 4 mnths ago

Hi Yashasvi

I'm glad that you liked it.:))

Thanks for your Hila dal comment.:))

Promilla

Reply | | Report Abuse

promilla posted 4 mnths ago

Thx Jatin for dropin in.

Got your note. Will reply on sunday. Busy.

Promilla

Reply | | Report Abuse