" The air was cooler here,' Lochan exclaimed, ' It's refreshing"
"Yeah, indeed so, I would like to take rest here," Sambhu added, he was feeling a little sleepy too because of their early departure.
" The wind is cooler here, I admit that.' Dhanush added, ' But don't you dare take rest here, we have a promise to keep. Also, I don't was you to catch cold and risk our exploration plans"
" Yes, yes, listen you kids, fist you all should deliver the package to the that village merchant and then we will explore this area while we return." Parvati scolded Sambhu and Lochan.
" Who made you the leader here?" Sambhu protested, offended by Parvati's attitude.
" I am your guide here, give some respect." Parvati retorted.
" Boys, don't fight, Dhanush mediated, ' Parvati is right, we need her to scout the surrounding to make it safe for us to explore. We need to appreciate her help here"
Parvati smiled proudly, as Sambhu sighed at his defeat. Lata saw the fight and decided to join in.
" Sambhu don't be angry, we are all friends, right?, 'Lata said soothingly, ' Take this crackers that I made and smile."
" Parvati, you come with me, let us pick some flowers that are growing here ion the sides." Lata called Parvati to her side to bring down the tension and lighten the mood of the group.
Dhanush looked at Lata and smiled at here sweet manipulation of her friends. The had gone down the mountain trail, carefully treading the steep path. After that it was a little rocky jungle path with wild shrubs growing on the sides. The fruits and flowers were inviting but they need to reach the village early.
It was late evening, as they reached the village outskirts. Only a few people were walking towards the gate and the gatekeeper was scrutinizing them. The children thanked their luck to pass over the jungle before night or they had to camp outside and it could have been dangerous.
" Who's there, " called the gatekeeper as the children were coming out of jungle path towards the gate, happily chatting among themselves. The gatekeeper was concerned about the stranger faces near his village. Although, not in alarming way as they were only children.
" Sir, we are from Sikharpur village. I am Dhanush and came here deliver the package." Dhanush announced as he made contact with the gatekeeper.
" Oh, you are from Sikharpur village, but that's so far and the jungle is dangerous. Where are your guardians?" gatekeeper asked.
" It's alright, we were in group. We had taken parent's permission and also Anuj kaka's permission.
can you tell us the location of Narendra's shop?" Dhanush replied.
" Narendra's shop is just straight from here, you will find the big board and fancy designs there. You should hurry as it's his closing time." The gatekeeper said.
" Straight from here, thanks sir....?" Dhanush thanked the gatekeeper.
" It's Ram Singh," answered the gatekeeper, ' now go, hurry!"
The children run straight towards the shop as they wanted to deliver as soon as possible. Sambhu was the first reach the shop. The shop was just going to be closed as Narendra was closing the door.
" Sir, wait...." Sambhu shouted as he inhaled deeply to retain his strength.
" Do you need anything son? Narendra questioned, surprised by the arrival of unfamiliar faces.
Narendra saw this kid, breathing heavily, may be tired from a long journey. Following him are a group of kids, two boys and one girl, all looking too tired. He invited them inside the shop.
" Sit on the chair here, do you need water? " Narendra said.
"Thanks sir, I would need a glass. Kindly give some for my friends here." Sambhu thanked Narendra as he sat on the chair.
All the children sat on the chair and drank water. Dhanush and Sambhu went near Narendra to talk.
" So, what you kids need?" Narendra enquired.
" Sir, I am Sambhu and this is Dhanush. We are from Sikharpur village and here to deliver the package that Anuj kaka promised." Sambhu took the lead.
" Oh, the package, I needed that urgently. Do you have everything that I asked." Narendra was happy as he recieved the package.
" Yes sir, all the medicinal herb that you asked and other things, I don't know. " Dhanush assured Narendra.
" I believe you, don't worry." Narendra said looking at the nervous kids, ' Anuj always keeps his promise."
" Thanks for believing and also for the water." Dhanush said.
" By the way, how you kids crossed the jungle alone? Were there no porters who normally bring these packages to me?" Narendra asked.
" Actually, they were busy and package would have gotten late. So, I asked Anuj kaka to allow me deliver the same." Dhanush replied.
"So, that's what happened! You kids don't have a place to stay, right? Narendra understood the situation, ' Come to my home and spend the night." he invited them to his home.
" Really, thanks, we were really worried about that." Sambhu said excitedly. Sleeping inside a house is far better than sleeping outside.
"Yes sir, thanks for inviting us. We will return back earlt morning." Dhanush showed his gratitude.
" No, no, pleasure is all mine. You have really saved me by bringing these herbs. I could do this much." Narendra added,' after all you have come to our village of Kanpur. Allow us to show you our hospitality."
Dhanush and Sambhu went back to the group to announce the good news.
" What, a place to stay.." Lata said excitedly.
" I too wanted to try new food," Parvati joined in.
"And tomorrow would be day of explorations...yeah" All the kids joined in.
------ to be continued---
