The Journey

The rain was relentless. The roof on top of the shed was useless as the wind was blowing all rain into the waiting shed. Viny looked at his mother. She was still having the same emotionless expression. He knew that when she has this face, never ask her anything. Else he would have shouted at her. He badly wanted to let her know how angry he was at her.

The day began with much expectations for him. Anu, had told him that she will tell him the secret behind the magic box of hers. From the moment he woke up till he reached school all he thought of was how she was able to pull out a pencil from such a small box. It was such a sensation in class and he badly wanted to know how she did it. He had to do a lot of cajoling to finally make her give out the secret. And today was the day!

The moment he reached the class his eyes went to the second row. Anu was sitting at her place, smiling at him. He ran towards her and excitedly asked her about the box. With a mischievous smile, she told her that she would show the box during the interval. Though a bit disappointed Viny decided to wait out the two periods that separated him from the biggest secret in the world.

It was during the second period that Kunjettan, the peon came to the class and called Neethu Miss. She went out and spoke to him. After sometime she came inside.

Viny you can go home. Your mother has come to pick you up.

At that moment Viny felt that his mother is his biggest enemy. How can she come and pick him up when such an important thing was about to happen to him? He wanted to shout and say that he wont go. But Neetu Miss had already picked up his bag and gave it to Kunjettan. So he followed Kunjettan to the Principal's room. Mother was standing there, speaking with the principal. Though he wanted to show his anger, he had to keep it to himself. He decided to take revenge on reaching home.

The rain was relentless. Slowly Viny started to enjoy the feeling of cold water hitting on his face. A pool of water had formed in front of the shed. And every time a vehicle passed by, the water splashed up and drenched him. The more he got wet the more excited he became. He waited for the next bus to splash the water and moved close to the pool. Unlike any other day his mother was not protesting. He was enjoying his freedom. Finally he couldn't resist anymore and jumped into the pool.

Viny, come back here.

He looked back and saw his mother looking at him. Her face was also wet. She was using her towel to wipe off the water in her face. There was someone with whom she was talking. He reluctantly gave up his time pass and went back to his mom. That person was asking her something.

How long will it take?

Almost three hours.

Is there anyone coming with you?

No, I can manage alone and I couldn't go without Viny.

Finally the bus came. The moment he got the front seat, he forgot everything. He loves watching the driver handling the bus. The driver was a big guy who drove very fast.The way he clutches the steering and rotates it to maneuver a curve was fascinating. He overtook almost everything going in front and never allowed anyone to overtake him. Viny noticed that every time a successful overtaking was done, the driver took his hands off the steering as if to enjoy the win! Viny watched with admiration and excitement every action of the driver and was absorbed in all the actions taking place.

Viny, wake up, we need to get down at the next station.

He rubbed his eyes and looked around. He couldn't remember when he slept off. He looked at his mother.

Mone, you need some water?

He nodded his head to say 'no'. And she looked away and started staring outside. Why is she so quiet today? Is she angry at him? He couldn't understand what happened.

Suddenly he realized that the path the bus was taking was familiar to him. He has been to this place a number of times.

Mom, are we going to dad's place?

Without looking at him she nodded to say 'yes'

Viny was really excited. It has always been fun whenever he went to his dad's place. He was the greatest guy in the world. The last time he went to dad's place, he had bought him a cricket bat. The whole day and most of the night they played and after that they went to a film where Viny sat on his lap and slept off. He knew that they were a great team. But why cant mom and dad live together?

Viny was now eagerly waiting. He knew that he could see dad's home from the bus itself. It was always exciting to watch. At the turn of the curve, his dad's house came into view. But why are there so many people outside? As he curiously watched, he saw a few people carrying a bed in which there was someone wrapped in white cloths....

Viny turned around to look at his mother. She was still staring outside and wiping off her tears.....