Close to the heart

A gate in the hedge, a garden with all kinds of fruit trees... Dhruv and Tara don’t know what to make of it all.

Nani and Nana were arguing, as usual. Dhruv, Tara and Shaina giggled.

“They can’t go on a picnic without a picnic meal!” said Nana.

“Of course, they can!” retorted Nani. “We never bothered about food when we were kids! What are all those trees and bushes for if not to provide something to eat?”

Nana snorted. The children knew that he would pack them a full meal. Soon, the three were running along the path behind the house, carrying a basket of goodies. Sandy, the old spaniel, followed them, flopping down now and then to rest.

The children loved being with their grandparents. Nana, a retired army man, had amazing stories to tell. Nani belonged to the hills and had followed Nana everywhere on the condition that they would return here on retirement. Now she looked after their small farm and took the dogs for long walks and Nana followed his passion in the kitchen!

There was no television. Every evening, the ‘entertainment’ was arguing. The grandchildren loved it! Ma and Pa always locked their door if they had anything to ‘discuss’ but Nana and Nani invited the children’s opinions on whatever they were arguing about – and conducted polls. Everyone had so much fun!

Now, as they set out to explore the hills, they headed towards the sound of water and found a crude plank spanning a fast-moving rivulet. Dhruv ran along the bridge while Tara held five-year-old Shaina’s hand and followed. As Dhruv jumped off, the plank rocked and Tara lost her balance and the picnic basket slipped out of her grasp and fell into the stream.