| It is a rainy afternoon. Chutki is busy completing her
homework. Her mother enters her room carrying a shopping bag. She is looking for the
umbrella.
Mother: Chutki dear, will you please help me find my
umbrella? It is raining and I have to go to the market to buy some vegetables.
Chutki: (Goes out of the room and returns with the
umbrella) Here Mother. (She gives it to her mother.)
Mother: (Taking the umbrella from her). Thank you, Chhutki.
Now don’t forget to fill a bucket of water from the pump next door. Complete your
homework and don’t doze off as you do.
Chutki: Yes, Mother. Bye!
(The mother leaves. Chutki goes back to her homework. She then
notices her favourite little toy which she has named Baadsah. Picking it up she begins to
talk to it.).
Hello, Baadsha. I really wish I didn't have so much homework to
do! Today in class we studied all about water. Of course, it was vbery interesting. But I
do have so many questions to ask. You are smiling as though you know all the answers
already.
(She stretches and yawns, as she gets very sleepy. )
Ooh… I wish .. I could .. ask you…
(She falls asleep)
( She begins to dream . In her dream, Baadshah, the toy comes
alive. As he stands before her, he is much taller than herself and looks so good in his
long white beard and colourful robe and, of course, with his very knowing smile.)
Baadshah : Chhutki, hello! How are you?
Chhutki : Very well, thank you ! Wow Baadshah, you do look
so much nicer than your little toy figure.
Baadshah : You look nice too, but just a little sleepy.
Chhutki : Yes, Baadshah, it's all this homework that makes
me tired …!
Baadshah : Why ? Now, suppose I gave you a little help,
would that make things better ?
Chhutki : (Excited)
Oh, yes! Most definitely.
Baadshah : You ask your questions and I'lluse my magic to
answer them. You can see things for yoursef, so you can understand them better.
Chhutki: How ?
Baadshah : You'll see.
Chhutki : Well then, as you know , it's raining outside.
Where does all this water come from and how does it fall as rain ?
Baadshah : To know the answer , why don,t we go and ask the
clouds?
Just shut your eyes and count till three
And soon among the clouds we'll be!
( Chhutki shuts her eyes and counts till three.) |
