Karan Story

The sun slowly set behind the distant hills, the ambient lighting began to fade off. The children didn't realize they were playing ballgame ('pitchi banti') since 2hrs. Only when their eye pupils complained about ball not being visible did they realize that its time to hurry or else house warden may have a good lecture prepared to boom into their ears. They still had their baths pending and its not a quick dip into some bath tub kind of thing for Karan. Though the stream, on the banks of which they are so long playing, has a constant flow of fresh water he would not accept a dip in the stream as his bath. He took out his plastic mug and quickly dug out a small pit ('chelan') into which fresh water oozed slowly. Not-so-patient friends of Karan had a quick dip in the stream and called it a bath and set out to the hostel which is a good 2KM from the stream bank. By the time a bucket full of water oozed from the pit all of Karan's friends including Sreek left the place. The creaking crickets sound became prominent. Its just Karan alone on the stream bank.
For a 11 year old lad the situation is certainly not a desired one. Karan hastened up his chores, dressed up and set out hurriedly towards the hostel. Only after going about a quarter mile did he realize that he forgot his locker keys at the bank...
(to be contd...)