Treasured Walks

Tia woke up early in the morning to gaze upon the bright sunshine as well as to feel the cool plus comforting breeze which seemed to whisper melodies in the ears. She thought to go for a walk alone in slow pace, in addition, to enjoy watching the daily chorus of people in the small town. She informed mother about her desire before leaving home. After strolling for about half an hour Tia thought to retrace steps home wards. Now the Gulmohar, neem, peepal trees arched over the streets forming a canopy of leaves made it seem like a maze. Tia continued walking and could not make out which way to go. Then to her ease, she saw a playground on one side and houses lined up on other side. She had been this way several times in the past, but which way lead to home confused her. She walked to a nearby house to ask for directions, opened the front gate as well stopped suddenly on hearing the barking of a dog. Someone from the terrace waved at her and asked her to get in. Due to the sun rays, she was incapable to see the face however the voice was familiar. Tia stood there contemplating by that time the figure came down from the terrace. He was the village chemist and grandfather's friend she greeted him with a namaste. Tia told him her dilemma. He smiled and promised to escort her home after meeting his family. Tia greeted everyone and returned promising to visit them again.

On arriving with the chemist Tia found grandfather at the gate and was told how everyone at home were worried as because she had never been alone on a walk in this town more so without her mobile phone. Tia grinned at the same time moved in to let others know about her adventures leaving the two old friends chatting in the veranda.

Grandmother along with Tia's parents were in the living room waiting for her after listening to her they had a hearty laugh moreover disclosed that this was not the first time she had lost her way.

It so happened a decade ago when Tia as a toddler was visiting her grandparent's place, their neighbors twins Lucky and Cutie who were her age were playing with her. A cotton candy seller passed that way seeing him the kids pestered the elders, grandfather regaled them with cotton candies. The twins left for their home holding the loot with Tia following them. Instead of going to her friend's place little Tia went behind the gotten candy seller, having crossed several lanes the seller noticed Tia following him and escorted her home. By that time grandmother had visited the neighbors house to bring Tia back however did not find her there and was frantically knocking every door enquiring, while her mother was fanatically crying. Father and grandfather was searching the neighborhood streets. And then father noticed her accompanied by the cotton candy seller on his bicycle relishing cotton candies.