Time To Know More.. Chapter 4

Talking to Chotu made me realise how small my own pain is. This young boy who should be playing with his friends and going to school like other children do, is here with so much sense of responsibility and maturity, working hard so that his family does not have to sleep empty stomach. All of a sudden my life started to look so much better. I felt so blessed that I never had to go through what this young child at such tender age have to.

“Did you ever attend the school?” I asked. “Yes Madam ji. There was a small school in our village. I use to go to school regularly before I started working here.” He said with a proud look on his face. ” I was a brilliant boy. My teacher always praised me. But due to my family’s financial problems I had to leave school and come here.” There was a lump in his throat. ” So is this place dangerous? It looks beautiful. I would love to take a walk around.” I said looking towards the forested hillside. I wanted to divert our conversation. “Not always Madam ji. But it is better not to go too far. There are man eating leopards too in these forests. But they usually do not come out during day time.” he said. ” Okay then you can accompany me to these forests. Will you?” I asked him.

“Sure Madam ji. After lunch we can go” And he happily agreed.

– Sweta