Tara-“gran…there is something you should know…”
Gran-“yeah tell me…you know these days kids of your age never listen to anything. See Only yesterday..”
Tara scared-“grandma….hear me out will you, It’s…it is important”
Gran-“see this is what I mean…you people hardly listen…Huhh….tell me what’s that...”
Tara trembling-“well…you know…it’s…”
Gran encouragingly-“hmmm...”
Tara wondering what and how to approach-“ gran…you know…there has been many mysterious missing cases of cattle lately, and villagers are worried and last week Chandu’s classmate Raaghav… He had a fight with Chandu and next day he too was found missing…”
Gran a little annoyed with where the discussion was heading-“now… now… it’s so wrong of you, It’s just a coincidence. He’s still a kid Tara. Don’t blame him…he’s only a child”
Tara scared she might never say it again reproached-“yeah Gran… I know but it’s just… I know that you know what is the reason behind all these.. Don’t you think we should tell dad... I mean he doesn’t really belong here you know...I... I’m scared”
Gran too petrified with the thought of losing him-“no way Tara… I have brought him up like my own son… We found him alone scared and little. I know your dad did not want anything to do with it. He just wanted to avoid complications involved with villagers and all that; well… you remember don’t you, we couldn’t have left him there all alone. Tara don’t be a kid he’s not going to harm anyone.”
Tara pleading-“but… he needs to eat; All talk grandma… He’s growing big and he needs his home. A real one from where he had come. I know he was lost and we found him in our farm that evening. How can I forget… that day was the best. We had our picnic and and Chandu found him from nowhere… but… grans we cant hide him anymore…”
Gran-“This is his home…safe…and no one doubts… even today, unless you plan to tell everyone. If he goes I go… there’s nothing to be scared of or talk … where will he go? What is the guarantee that he’s going to be safe? … Not another word… listen Tara you better concentrate on other things. There are millions of things you need to learn and worry about and this is the least of all…”
Tara now annoyed with her Gran’s stubbornness left the room still not convinced she decides not sure if it is right but still goes to her dad. Not sure of what he’ll do scared of him now more than ever she says-“dad….”
4 hours later….There were 3 vehicles standing outside the gate… Men in uniforms coming out so fierce. An officer shaking hands with her dad. People gathered to see what was going on… murmers and gossips…
Dad –“we are extremely sorry sir. I had no idea about this. All these years…I’m really sorry for this inconvenience and disappointed.”
Officer excited-“not at all Sir. It’s the right thing you did by calling us. It did not take much time for us to talk to forest officer about this. I guess everything will be fine. All are safe now. . by the way how old is he? ”
Dad still in shock-“1 or 2 years. My mom says he’ll be turning 2 this month… sir… about that kid.”
Officer more enthusiastically-“oh yeah…. He’s just been to his uncle’s place for a week... Nothing to worry...”
As they were talking five men came out trying hard to not let go of the Tiger. Excitement and sound scaring him more, the Tiger tries to cut the cuffs. Tara with her granny silently crying at the corner holding her brother who was trying to run towards the Tiger... He shouts-“you’ll kill him. Murderers…. He is harmless…let go off me…Tara its all your fault… Save him now…”
P.S: My first question how’s it? ... Second who’s right...Tara or Grans? ...wod like to know ur opinion…P.S.S: please be kind.. any corrections welcome:)...this is usually not my thing:)...
