World Mosquito Day is on August 20. Find out all the words related to mosquitoes from the jumble below. The words appear horizontally (forward and backward) and vertically (upwards and downwards).
World Mosquito Day is on August 20. Find out all the words related to mosquitoes from the jumble below. The words appear horizontally (forward and backward) and vertically (upwards and downwards).
National Sports Day is celebrated in India on August 29 on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
Celebrate World Senior Citizen’s Day with us on the 21st of August.
Look at the animals below. 5 of them are missing their teeth and 5 of them are missing their tails. Identify their body parts and match them.
It’s World Elephant Day on August 12.
Vyshana and Sahil made one rakhi each. Look at the picture below and answer the following questions.
Q1. How many circles can you count?
Q2. Identify the common colour in Vyshana and Sahil’s rakhi?
Q3. How many triangular beads can you count?
Q4. Whose rakhi has a blue stone?
Patty peacock was beautiful and he was proud of it. He looked down on everybody and talked to people impolitely because of his good looks.
All animals of the forest were troubled by his behaviour. They wished to teach him a lesson. Lola squirrel, Cheeku rabbit and Jumbo elephant called for a meeting that was attended by all animals of the forest.
“Patty’s behaviour is getting tough to handle. His pride is at its height. We should teach him a lesson,” said Lola.
“Yes, Lola is right. Patty’s ways are not right. His habits make him less friendly. We should try to explain to him without giving him any trouble,” said Jumbo.
“Patty always discourages the young ones of the forest by saying mean things to them. He is very proud of his beauty. This is not right,” said Cheeku.
All animals discussed this at length. After the discussion, they thought of a plan to help Patty.
According to their plan, a rumour was spread in the forest that a hunter entered the forest and would take with him the most beautiful animal or bird. All animals were told to be careful and stay hidden.
This news reached Patty too.
Appy ant saw him strolling and asked, “Do you know what is happening in
the forest?”
“No, I don’t. Actually, I don’t talk to any animal here. Why? What’s happening?” asked Patty.
“Oh! A fierce hunter has come into the forest. He is looking for the most beautiful animal or bird so that he can take it back with him,” informed Appy.
“What! What will happen now? I am the most beautiful animal in this forest. The hunter will surely catch me,” Patty was terrified.
“Yes! You are the most beautiful animal in this forest. That is why I thought I should tell you. See, I have nothing to worry. Hunters don’t catch ants. But you can keep yourself safe. Why don’t you ask Lola for help? She is very wise. She will find a way out,” said Appy.
Patty was scared and took Appy’s advice. He went to Lola.
“Oh Patty, what is the matter? How come you’re here so early in the morning? Is everything alright?” asked Lola when she saw Patty coming towards her.
Patty sorrowfully narrated the whole incident. “Please help me. That hunter will take me away with him,” said Patty, sobbing.
“I cannot help you. You have insulted me many times. You took pride for being beautiful and now it has become your enemy. I’m sorry, I can’t help. But Jumbo may help you,” said Lola, pretending to be angry.
Patty felt bad, but he knew that his behaviour hurt many animals. He went to Jumbo for help.
He explained his plight to Jumbo and said, “Jumbo, now only you can save me from this danger!”
Jumbo reminded him of his old behaviour and said, “Patty, you have insulted me a lot. You made fun of my long trunk and stout body. Now that you are at danger, you have come to me for help. Did you not realise then that your actions hurt so many animals and you should not behave like this?”
Patty felt sorry after hearing what Jumbo had to say. He truly had no friends. He was angry with himself and felt lonely.
He went to other animals of the forest for help, but no one was ready to help him. He went back home and sobbed.
After some time, all the animals of the forest gathered in his courtyard. Patty was startled to see them there.
“Perhaps you have learnt your lesson,” said Appy.
“What lesson? I do not understand,” said Patty.
“The rumour about the hunter is false. That was a plan to teach you a lesson and show you the true meaning of having friends,” said Jumbo.
“Yes, I know. I was too proud. I now understand that pride in one’s beauty is wrong. From now on, I won’t insult anyone and try to be a better friend to all. If possible, please forgive me,” cried Patty.
The animals forgave him and hugged him.
The cold breeze envelops the sleepy valley of Srinagar. The pine trees with mountain peaks in the background look picture perfect. Hassan sits at his window, staring at the stillness.
The calendar flutters on the wall and Hassan looks at the date. It’s August 15. This is going to be the second year that Hassan hasn’t stepped out to celebrate Independence Day at school. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he stepped outside. Everywhere he turns, he hears the words lockdown and coronavirus.
Over the past year, he has also learnt that lockdowns in Kashmir aren’t new. When the lockdown was announced all over India because of the virus, Kashmir had already been under one for months.
Sneaking out to meet Ali and Imran was strictly not allowed by Abba and Ammi. Ammi’s phone had rung only once or twice over the past couple of months and then there was silence again. The internet connection started and stopped without any notice.
He thinks of the last time he had halwa, yummy delicious halwa. Everything was rationed. This Ramzan, he didn’t get any new clothes, but Hassan understands that clothes are not important. Things were changing; he was growing up.
“Hassan, I am headed to Rukhsar aunty’s home.” Ammi’s warm voice reaches him from the kitchen.
“Ammi, I want to go with you.” Hassan pleads. He hasn’t been to the bazaar or anywhere in a long time.
Ammi looks at Hassan and lets out a deep sigh. She, too, only went to the market, following rules and ensuring everyone’s safety, but looking at Hassan’s face she said, “Okay, go put on your mask and wear the full-sleeved shirt.”
Hassan throws his arms around his lovely Ammi who is frail, thinner than before.
Hassan skips along Dal Lake as he looks around. During summers, Dal Lake usually had the world-renowned floating market, with shikaras floating on the lake carrying flowers, vegetables and people. This year, Dal Lake is deserted. He wonders if this was how Srinagar would always be.
Hassan breathes in the cool mountain air and feels his lungs opening. “Ammi, why are we going to Rukhsar aunty’s?” he asked.
“She offered to give us some vegetables from her garden, Hassan,” replied Ammi.
Hassan looks around and spots a makeshift stall full of bright, red and juicy tomatoes. He tugs at Ammi’s sleeves. Ammi shakes her head and leads him on.
Hassan looks at Ammi and questions, “Why have Abba and you been eating less?”
Ammi swallows a lump in her throat and turns to Hassan. “We don’t have work right now, beta. We are just saving some money.”
“Will you always have to eat less, Ammi? Is it this virus? Will you never be able to go back to work? Will the bazaar never open again?” Hassan asks questions that have kept him wondering for days now.
“The times are a little different, Hassan.” Ammi lovingly touches his face.
“Why are times always different for us?” Hassan almost screams.
He looks around and sees the shops with their shutters down. The tour and ticketing shop run by Uncle Akhil is shut. The photo studio run by his friend Imran’s Abba, where he and his friends went to get their school identity card photograph clicked, is empty. The big building, which had people with heads bent on computers looked haunted by ghosts.
He looks at the small number of people rushing to their destinations, silently. Once upon a time, each one on the street had a mobile and would be talking loudly. Was that just a year ago? Everything feels like a distant memory and that scares Hassan.
“Why don’t we still have proper phone connections, Ammi? Will it always be like this? Will we always stay disconnected? When can I go back to school and write my exams, Ammi?” Hassan’s young voice is pained with his questions.
Hassan can see Ammi’s eyes flood up from behind the mask. Taking a deep breath, she braves the cold wind and turns to Hassan.
“Hassan, we live on hope, on umeed. That’s the only thing that keeps us going. We will continue to believe that one day Kashmir will be back to normalcy and so will this world.”
Hassan hugs his mother tight and both make their way to Rukhsar’s house. The only sound that accompanies the shuffle of their footsteps is the distant sound of the army patrol and the whistle of the wind.
Aunty Rukhsar is Ammi’s close friend. They used to work together with carpet weaving artisans.
“Alia, Hassan. I was waiting for you.” Rukhsar looks at them with eyes full of love but maintains distance. Hassan feels that warm hugs were also exchanged a lifetime ago.
“Here you go. I hope they are enough to get you through the season.” Rukhsar hands over a big bag of green vegetables to Ammi. Hassan sees Cabbages, haak, and green peppers in the overstuffed bag. With quick goodbyes and nods, Ammi and Hassan walk back home.
“What will we have for dinner today, Ammi?” Hassan asks as soon as they step inside their house.
Ammi smiles and adds, “Haak, we will have a yummy, filling and nutritious meal today.”
Once home, Hassan changes into his kurta and pyjamas and puts on a thin woollen pullover. He steps into the warm kitchen where Ammi is picking out the green leaves.
“Ammi, what’s special about haak?” Hassan asks, seeing Ammi clean delicate and tender leaves and stalks.
“Haak is a food of respect, most of the leaves used would be thrown out otherwise, but for this dish, we use all of them. It’s called a poor man’s meal. The ones we are using today is Kaatchie Dal Haak.”
Hassan watches as Ammi heats mustard oil in the pan. The sputtering and simmering remind Hassan of firecrackers.
“Are we poor, Ammi?” Hassan asks quietly. He knew the past one year had been the toughest in his ten years.
“Why do you ask, Hassan?”
“We are eating a poor man’s meal, Ammi.”
Ammi smiles at Hassan and adds asafoetida and dried, long red chillies into the pan.
“Hassan, the times are tough and while abbu and I do not have jobs, at the moment, we are still doing better than so many other people around us. So, can we call ourselves poor?”
Hassan thinks of the stories he has been hearing over the months about people dying, both because of the virus and otherwise.
Ammi switches off the flame, adds water, then switches it back on and adds the haak to the boiling mix. The kitchen is filled with a tangy fragrance. Hassan feels his eyes smarting but enjoys the feeling.
Ammi crushes some green chillies and adds them, covering the simmering greens and letting them cook slowly.
“Aatichooo!” Hassan sneezes in response. Both of them burst into laughter.
Ammi switches off the stove and adds some salt. Hassan’s mouth waters. Laughing, Ammi ladles out a huge bowl of rice and puts haak right in the middle.
Handing it over to Hassan, she waits as Hassan tastes the simple Kashmiri haak and rice.
“Ammi, this tastes magical,” Hassan grins as he gulps the entire bowl.
Ammi laughs, “See Hassan, we got something nutritious and simple out of what we would have been throwing into the dustbin.”
“Ammi, I want to go back to school and lead a normal life. I want to go back to playing with my friends. I want to go back to a year ago.”
Ammi stands speechless as Hassan spells out his wishes and looks out of the window at the starkness of the city, holding his bowl of rice close. He can smell despair and sorrow.
Four seasons have passed but in his little heart, he still hopes for better news. That he will go back to learning lessons, playing games and most of all, living normally like other children of his age are. Hassan hopes that he will again get a chance to celebrate August 15 at school in Kashmir.
Shreyansh picked up the plate quickly and said, “Didi! I will tie the rakhi on you.”
Samriddhi objected and snatched the plate from his hand. “No, I will tie the rakhi.”
“No, I will,” said Shreyansh and pulled the plate back.
Samriddhi looked at Ma and said, “Ma! Please explain to Shreyansh that girls tie rakhi,” and she grasped the plate.
Ma was quiet. She did not know what to say. Samriddhi again said loudly, “Tell him, ma that I am right. Sisters tie rakhi to their brothers, and not the other way round.”
“Ma, then didi does not know the meaning of Rakshabadhan,” said Shreyansh smugly.
“Who says I do not know the meaning of this festival?” said Samriddhi. “It is a festival of brothers and sisters and the sisters tie rakhi on their brother’s wrists.”
“No, you are wrong,” said Shreyansh.
Samriddhi continued, pretending that she hadn’t heard Shreyansh. “So that sisters can thank those who protect them. Our teacher says that Rakshabandhan helps girls remind their brothers that it is their duty to protect their sisters.”
“Ma, our teacher says we should tie rakhi on those who protect us. It is a festival of the bond of protection,” said Shreyansh looking at his mother.
Ma was enjoying their conversation. She was listening to them attentively and asked Shreyansh, “So?”
“Ma, please tell didi to let me tie the rakhi on her wrist.”
“No, ma, I will tie him the rakhi,” said Samriddhi. “You tell Shreyansh to allow me to tie the rakhi.”
“Samriddhi, why don’t give Shreyansh a chance to tie the rakhi this year, ” suggested ma.
“No, ma. This is my festival. When I tie the rakhi, I get money and also his love.”
“Oh! That is the real reason why you want to tie him a rakhi,’’ said ma thoroughly amused and enjoying this.
Ma looked at Shreyansh and asked him, “So you too want to tie the rakhi so that you can get money from your sister?”
“No, ma,” said Shreyansh. “ I don’t want money. I will tie the rakhi on didi and I will also give her the money.”
“Oh!” said ma, now puzzled.
But Samriddhi heard Shreyansh and left the plate. “So then why do you want to tie a rakhi, Shreyansh?” she asked not being able to understand him.
Why does Shreyansh want to tie a rakhi and also give her money?
Rakshabandhan was a festival in which, sisters tied rakhi on their brother’s wrist and the brothers gave them money and gifts. But here not only Shreyansh wanted to give her money, he wanted to tie a rakhi on her wrist also.
But ma now understood what Shreyansh wanted. “The rakhi is tied by the sisters on their brothers. Why do you want to tie the rakhi on your sister?” she asked lovingly.
“Didi protects me all the time. And rakhi should be tied to the one who protects us. So I want to tie the rakhi on her wrist, ” he explained.
“What?” said Samriddhi. “When did I protect you, where and from whom?” she asked, now laughing.
“Didi, do you remember, once I had a fight with Yash? He is bigger than me and was hitting me left and right. And you came there at that time?”
“Yes, I remember!” said Samriddhi. “I had caught hold of Yash and stopped him.”
“And you said, ‘Aren’t you ashamed of hitting someone younger than you. If you are really brave, then come and fight me’. And you gave him a good yelling.” Shreyansh reminded her.
“So you protected me. And since rakhi is tied on someone who protects, I should tie rakhi on you.”
Hearing this, ma was happy, “What you say is absolutely right, Shreyansh!”
Just then Papa came there. “I have been listening to both of you. Shreyansh and Samriddhi, the festival of Rakshabandhan is celebrated for this very reason. Rakhi should be tied on the one who protects. So, both can tie rakhi to each other.’’
“And I will also give her money.”
“But then I too want to give him money and sweets gifts,” insisted Samriddhi.
Ma immediately placed the money her hand.
Shreyansh put a tilak on Samriddhi and tied her a rakhi. He gave her a coconut barfi and an envelope with money in it. Samriddhi too tied him a rakhi and gave him the money ma had given to her.
Seeing the rakhis on their wrists, both the brother and the sister were overjoyed.
All the animals of Champakvan were scared of at the speed with which the corona pandemic was spreading.
One morning, when Meeku mouse went to the market to buy some vegetables, he saw that everyone in the market was following social distancing while shopping and that they all wore masks.
Meeku always bought his vegetables from Blacky bear’s shop. He stood in the queue like everybody else. When it was his turn he handed over the list and his bag to Blacky and said, “Blacky, here is my list, please weigh the vegetables for me.”
“Right away,” said Blacky.
Blacky was weighing the vegetables when suddenly Meeku coughed.
Blacky stopped immediately and asked, “Meeku, you are coughing! Are you sure you’re not infected by coronavirus?”
“No, I am absolutely fine. Something just irritated my throat and so I coughed,” said Meeku, embarrassed as everyone was looking at him accusingly.
“How is that possible? I am sure it is coronavirus and you are hiding it. I cannot give you vegetables. You go to the hospital immediately and get yourself checked,” said Blacky, rudely.
Jumpy monkey and Damru donkey who were buying vegetables from the next shop moved away quickly. “Run, Meeku is infected by coronavirus. We will get infected too if we stay here,” Jumpy screamed.
“Yes, you are right. It is not safe to stay here,” shouted Damru, trotting away.
Soon, the entire market knew about Meeku coughing and all the shopkeepers started shutting their shops and ran.
Meeku was not able to understand what was happening around him. He tried to stop everybody. “Don’t run away from me, please stay,” he pleaded. “Could they be right, am I really infected?” he thought to himself. He became very upset and sat there and started to cry.
Dola deer was also visiting the market at the same time to buy vegetables. When she heard the noise and saw Jumpy, Damru and Blacky running away, she stopped them and asked, “Why are you all running? What is the problem?”
“Dola, Meeku is infected with coronavirus and if we stay here we will get infected too,” said Jumpy, out of breath.
“If you want to save yourselves you better run too,” Damru added.
Dola tried to calm them and asked, “First you all stop running and tell me who told you that Meeku has coronavirus?”
“I saw Meeku coughing,” said Blacky.
“Yes, we also saw him coughing,” Jumpy and Damru said in a chorus.
“Coughing does not necessarily mean that one is infected by coronavirus and treating Meeku like this based on your suspicion is not right after all he is also a member of our family,” Dola explained.
“Dola, we don’t know all that but we are very scared that we may get infected too,” said Jumpy fearfully.
Dola consoled him and said, “Don’t be scared, Jumpy. Only a doctor can say if Meeku is infected or not. Let us take him to the hospital.”
They all agreed with Dola and took Meeku to the hospital.
Doctor Jumbo elephant screened them all as they reached the hospital. He asked them to sit on the chairs placed at a distance and asked them, “What is it? Why do you all look so scared?”
“Doctor, Meeku has been infected with coronavirus. Please admit him in your hospital,” said Jumpy.
“But how do you know that he has been infected?” asked Doctor Jumbo.
“Meeku was coughing that’s how we know,” Jumpy replied.
Dola then explained the situation to Doctor Jumbo, “Actually Doctor, everybody doubts that Meeku was coughing because he is infected and that is why we have brought him here to know for sure.”
“You did the right thing by bringing him here. Let me check for his symptoms,” and Doctor Jumbo took Meeku inside for a check-up.
After taking a swab test and a full examination Doctor Jumbo came out and said, “The swab test report will take a few days to come. But I have physically examined Meeku and he is not infected by coronavirus. There is no need to hospitalise him.”
“Then why was he coughing? I have heard that Corona patients cough,” asked Blacky.
“Coughing alone does not mean that one is infected. High fever, breathlessness, headaches, diarrhoea, loss of taste and smell are some of the other symptoms of this disease. Meeku always uses a mask and he regularly sanitizes his hands. Also, he has not been in contact with any corona patients in the last few days. He does not have any symptoms,” said the doctor.
“Why was Meeku coughing then?” Damru wanted to know.
“Meeku drank cold water before leaving for the market as it was really hot and he had ice cream last night and that’s why he was coughing. I have given him medicines for his sore throat,” he explained.
Jumpy, Blacky and Damru were all embarrassed after finding out the truth from the doctor.
They all apologised to Meeku, “We accused you without any reason and took you to be a coronavirus patient. We ran away from you and treated you badly, please forgive us.”
Jumpy turned to Dola and said, “Had it not been for you we would have never got him to the hospital and known the truth.”
“Don’t be scared of coronavirus, just be alert. It can happen to anybody but a little precaution can prevent us from this disease. Wearing a mask while going out, washing our hands regularly, maintaining social distancing, covering our nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing are some of the things that can prevent us from this disease. Also, contact a doctor in a nearby hospital if you notice any symptoms. Most importantly, do not treat a coronavirus patient badly, try to help them instead,” advised Doctor Jumbo.
Meeku thanked doctor Jumbo and said, “I am thankful to you for giving us so much information about coronavirus. For a moment even I was scared but now I am no longer scared.” He also thanked Dola for her help.
World First Aid Day is on September 14. Look at the picture and answer the following questions.
Q1. What item can you see inside the first aid box?
Q2. Which machine takes pictures of bones?
Q3. Name a few items kept outside the first aid box.
Q4. What is the doctor carrying in his pocket?
On the occasion of Onam, pick out the food items which are not considered to be part of the traditional Onam meal.
August 21 is World Senior Citizens Day. Aryan the community helper is guiding the old man, who has lost his way to his home due to his forgetfulness. With the clues that the man gives, help Aryan reach him to his house.
August 19 is celebrated as World Photography Day. Find 10 polaroids hidden in various places of the photo lab.
In Nilgiri forest all the animals lived together. All the kids of the jungle went to the forest school to study. Jumbo elephant was the teacher and the students enjoyed learning from him.
But Cheeku rabbit was very lazy. Neither did he like to study, nor did he like to go to school. He only wanted to roam around and to eat carrots the entire day. He would postpone doing both his homework as well as housewash.
The thought of sitting to study made him giddy and whenever his mother would ask him to study, he would make some excuse and get away from there.
His parents were very worried about Cheeku’s dislike for studying. Although Cheeku had reached Class VII, he could not read or write well. He managed to scrape through the exams by copying or looking into his classmates’ notebooks.
His classmates made fun of him. But it did not bother Cheeku.
After his final exams, Cheeku decided to visit his maternal uncle for the holidays. He urged his parents that no matter what happens he would go to uncle’s house this year.
Festival season was fast approaching and Cheeku’s father had a lot of work at office, so he could not go to drop Cheeku. His mother also could not accompany him as his grandmother was unwell.
Cheeku decided to go alone and asked his parents for permission.
His parents allowed him to go alone and Cheeku’s mom accompanied him to the bus-stand. On reaching the bus-stand, Cheeku noticed that there were many buses stationed. His uncle lived in Kajrivan. Since he could not read well he had to ask the people standing there which bus went to Kajrivan for the journey.
Everyone was busy and could not believe that Cheeku could not read. He was ashamed. “You are quite a grown-up boy and yet you can’t even read what is written on the bus? Hasn’t your school taught you anything?”, mouthed Baddy Fox.
Meeku mouse who was at the bus-stand to see off a relative, felt sorry for Cheeku and said, “There, that bus is going to Kajrivan.”
Cheeku thanked Meeku and quickly got on the bus.
As soon as the bus started and was on the road, Blacky bear, the ticket conductor, came to Cheeku and asked him kindly, “Yes son, where do you want to go?”
Cheeku replied, “Please may I get a ticket for Kajrivan.” He handed Blacky his purse and said, “Please take the money for the ticket from here and give me back the rest.”
Blacky stared at Cheeku and said politely, “Son, this bus is not going to Kajrivan; it is coming from Kajrivan and is going to Haritvan via Champakvan. You have boarded the wrong bus.” Then he added, “Also, you should not hand over all your money to anyone. A thief or a cheat would take it and run away. Don’t you know how to read and to count?”
Cheeku became red with shame. He felt bad that he had not paid attention at school and could not read and write. Had he learnt reading, writing and counting, he would not have to face the situation he was in today. No one would have laughed at him.
He felt like crying. Also he was worried because he had boarded the wrong bus and feared that the conductor would be rude to him.
He told Blacky bear that it was true he did not know how to read and write well. He promised that he will do so now.
Blacky felt sorry for Cheeku and asked the driver to stop the bus. Then he stopped the bus that was going to Kajrivan and asked Cheeku to board it.
Cheeku thanked him and when he reached his uncle’s house he told his uncle about what had happened.
Cheeku’s uncle, Shersingh was a teacher. He explained to Cheeku, “Son, to be able to progress in life, studies is necessary. It makes us independent. In current times, one has to be not just literate but also educated. So work hard and study well.
At the start of the new session, Cheeku started working hard in school. He was no longer lazy. Soon he not only surprised his parents but also his teacher and his classmates with his performance in school. He started scoring well in all his tests and no one teased him anymore by calling him lazy or illiterate.
Little Chichu mouse was too naughty. She was not scared of anyone. She would proudly jump about without a care in the world. Even in front of Binno cat, she would confidently run around scaring the wits out of Pimpoo squirrel who lived under the ashoka tree. Once Binno almost pounced on little Chichu, and Pimpoo realized that it was only a matter of time before the cat would catch hold of the silly mouse. But every time, Chichu would run into her hole and escape, and Pimpoo would sigh in relief.
Pimpoo appreciated how Chichu could run to save her life, but her running around aimlessly was not the best way to spend time.
One day, Pimpoo stopped Chichu as she was running and said, “Chichu, why do you waste your time every day running around here and there? Don’t you have any work to do?”
“But if there’s no work, why should I work? My parents love me and never ask me to do any work,” said Chichu proudly.
“All parents love their children. What’s special about that? But tell me something—I never see you looking for food. How do you get your food?” asked Pimpoo.
Chichu kept a straight face and said, “I just told you! My parents adore me. When I run back home after playing, my mom has food arranged for me. I eat that and go to sleep without any worry.”
“Don’t you think, Chichu, that you’re grown now, and you should look for your own food?” asked Pimpoo.
“Well, I’ve already told you that my mom arranges everything for me. Why are you so bothered?” said Chichu and tried to run from there.
Pimpoo decided not to let her go and caught her before she could get away and said, “Hey, wait! Listen to me! Don’t get offended! I really like you. I would like to be your friend and so I spoke.”
“Oh, you should just have said that! Even I don’t have anyfriends. I mostly play alone and now we shall play together!
“All right! Let’s play now!” said Pimpoo excitedly. But Chichu had other plans.
“Not right now! I have to go home for lunch with my mom. I’ll come back, and then we can play,” said Chichu and ran to her hole.
After lunch, Pimpoo was resting under the ashoka tree, when Chichu came back. Pimpoo was ready to play and they played for quite a long time. When they were tired, they went back to their homes.
Chichu and Pimpoo continued to play every day. While playing, sometimes when Pimpoo would come across food and start eating, Chichu would become irritated. But Pimpoo explained, “My friend, I don’t have a mother to arrange food for me.
I must look and arrange for my own food. And what about when you run away home whenever you’re hungry? I don’t get irritated by that.”
“I’m sorry! I won’t mind. But I really am hungry now. I’ll quickly run home for food and be back in no time.” said Chichu.
“Take your time. Get some rest. I too am exhausted and need some sleep.” said Pimpoo.
No sooner had Chichu left, Pimpoo fell asleep.
She woke up hearing Chichu calling out to her, “Pimpoo, where are you? Please come out fast!”
“What happened, Chichu? Why do you look so worried?” asked Pimpoo, coming out of her nest.
“A sack of vegetables fell on mom, and she’s injured. She can’t move and is resting. Dad has gone to look for food. He has to work harder now. He would usually look for his own food and then help mom out. What do I do now? I’m really hungry!” said Chichu, worried.
“I can share food with you but from today, you will search for your own food and then eat. I will, of course, help you.” replied Pimpoo.
Chichu did not say anything.
With Pimpoo’s help, Chichu looked for food. Chichu enjoyed herself. Once she was full, she said, “Thanks a lot, my friend! I really enjoyed hunting food with your help. Now I’m sleepy; I must go home,” she said.
“Chichu, why don’t you take something for your mom?” suggested Pimpoo, empty handed?” asked Pimpoo.
Chichu was surprised and replied, “I go home like this every day, so it’s usual. What’s so special about today that I must take something for mom?”
“Well, on other days, your mom is not injured on bed.” said Pimpoo exploding.
“Oh! What do you suggest I do?” Chichu asked.
“Your mom always arranges for food. Today, take some food for her?” said Pimpoo.
“Where will I get food for her? I can’t think of anything,” said Chichu, sadly.
“I’ll help you out,” said Pimpoo.
The two friends started collecting food. When they had collected enough, Pimpoo
said, “Here, Chichu, take these to your mom. That should be enough.”
Chichu ran home, went straight to her mom and asked, “How are you feeling now, mom?”
“I am fine. But you must be hungry. Your dad will soon be here with food. You have to wait a little longer.” answered mom.
“Mom, I got food on my own. And I’ve brought food for you too. Here, have some nuts,” she said and kept the food in front of
her mom.
Her mom had tears in her eyes and she said, “My little daughter is all grown up now. But you’ve never done this before. How did you become so independent?”
“Mom, it’s all because of my friend, Pimpoo. She showed me to collect and cook food.”
“I’m glad that you have such a smart and thoughtful friend. Such true friends are gems. You must get your friend home one day. I want to meet her,” said mom.
Chichu ran to Pimpoo and said, “I’ve never seen my mom so happy, and it’s all because of you. You made me self-confident and self-reliant. Now I’ll not simply depend upon mom, but in fact, help her out.”
Seeing the change that came about in Chichu, Pimpoo was pleased. They went together searching for food every day
