Sikharpur days (Fun times)

" So, where have you been? I thought you were playing but you all went separate ways. " Lata asked as the boy came for having lunch together.
"We had a great time here. You should have joined us." Parvati added.

The boys had went on a exploration spree as they wanted to know more about the mysterious place. They had encountered some strange vegetation and small animals in wild devoid of any cautiousness. But what was most strange about the place was that, it always ended with an invisible wall and they couldn't go any further. This was something of a mystery to them but they don't want to tell this to Lata or Parvati. Both of them were having a great time together, so they didn't want to worry them.

" Nothing much, we were just searching for some fruits and other things that we could eat in the lunch." Sambhu said as he shared some of the wild berries with all of them. "Now, we must start our lunch as its already so late and food will get stale."

Lochan had brought water from the stream. Lata opened her lunch pack in the center as they sat in a circle. They had Chapati, with it's soft texture and round shape. Dhanush had brought Paneer curry and fried vegetables to go with it. Sabhu had brought Rice, Papad and Achar (Mango pickles). Parvati added dried nuts and fruits for dessert. They chatted for a while as they ate together.

"Ahh, I had my fill.' Sambhu said, 'I can't eat anymore."
"Sambhu clean your plates, there are still some rice left." Lata scolded. ' You too Lochan, complete your chapati."
"Alright, I will do it. Don't act like my mom." Sambhu said while Lochan silently ate his Chapati.

After eating and drinking water, they cleaned their plates and rested for a while. Before they knew it, it was late afternoon.

"Lata, see the sun is setting. We must return home." Dhanush said as he knew Lata wanted to be with Parvati for some more time.

Lata and Parvati looked at each other. Parvati nodded and smiled,
"It's alright Lata, we will keep meeting. I had a great time."
"I will come again, but I had to go or my father will worry." Lata said with a sad smile.

And thus they all said their farewell to Parvati and went home.

.....

They continued coming in their free time, whenever given the opportunity to enter the valley. Their routine was simple, start early morning, complete their collection before noon, meet Parvati and play till lunch time. After the lunch, chat or play little more and return before evening. And so passed few months while they had a happy time together.

" I want to visit your village." Parvati said one day while they were middle of their chat.
"Our village?, ' Lata said, a little taken aback. She knew Parvati was a spirit which was materialized in physical form, but Parvati was unaware of the fact. She looked at Dhanush to help her. Dhanush understood and said,
" Yes, you can come to out village but it's not very welcoming to outsiders."
"I will explain to them that I am your friend. I want to see the outside world." Parvati persisted.
All four of them were little confused as to how to answer that. They loved Parvati and want to take her to their village. But they don't even know that she can come out from that valley.
"Why don't you ask Sikhareswari devi, if she allows then we will take you." Lata said as she hugged Parvati to calm her.
" Alright I will do that." Parvati beamed showing her teeth.

And so, the day passed and they went home. It was in their next meeting, they knew what trouble they had put themselves in.

--- to be continued---