Mountain Stories

By Yuti Kalro

In the freezing cold hilly area at the foothills of the Himalayas, covered with

a thick layer of snow, lived Naina with her mother Lara in a small wooden

cottage which was just fit for three. Naina’s father, an army officer, was

posted at the nearby checkpoint. Naina loved her father very dearly and

missed him and feared each time he spent at the border fighting for the

country. The family had moved around the whole of India and had settled

down here just a few months ago. Life was hard as they got very little

things to eat but being together was important to them and they kept each

other happy.

Naina and her mother had decided to make hot lamb khichdi, her father’s

favourite for his birthday. They thought they would treat the entire battalion

and celebrate. Hence, they labored all day making the khichdi, the

provisions of which had made them travel to the far away market; but it was

totally worth it as it got Naina’s tick of approval when she said, “I can’t wait

to eat it!”

Finally after packing the entire basket they set foot to the checkpoint where

they had sought permission to visit. As they were walking they heard a

slipping sound and a rustle. They were terrified and feared it to be an

animal which was hunting. They walked close to each other and just as

they were about to take another step a thick portion of snow fell right before

them thus blocking their path. “Oh no mother we are stuck!” cried Naina. “I

will always protect you my little girl, please hold my hand,” said Naina’s

mother. They both struggled but their efforts went in vain. After about an

hour a man dressed in khaki arrived at the scene. He seemed alarmed but

calmed down and saved Naina and her mother. Before they could thank

him he was nowhere to be seen. “God is great!” thanked Naina’s mother

looking at the sky.

Soon they reached Naina’s father and told him about the incident. “I think it

was one of your men,” said Naina’s mother. “Our men?” replied Naina’s

father, confused. We can’t move around in khaki. We would not be able to

bear the cold. Suddenly a stroke of realization crossed his eyes. On the

other side of the Himalayas Ali was happy that he could save at least one

family.

By Yuti Kalro