Next Time

“Teena”

“Present Ma’am” replied Teena.

“Yash”

“Yes Ma’am”, said Yash.

 “Zubin”

There was a silence in the classroom. “Zubin... Aren’t you listening? I am calling your name.”

“Yes...yes ma’am”, said Zubin hurriedly waking up from his world of dreams, the little dreams of a sixth standard lad but of immense importance to him.

“All right kids... So today is the last day of your school before summer vacations. I have already given you homework. So, you all must be visiting various places this summer. So, when you come back after holidays you must bring a travelogue written by you only... I repeat... it should be original. Ok!”

“Yes Ma’am”, all replied in chorus.

Zubin was very happy. Why shouldn’t he be? After all he was going to visit for the first time out of the town this vacation since last three years. Her mother has promised to him. She has saved ten thousand bucks for the trip to Zubin’s maternal grandparents place in Manali, a hill station famous for its scenic beauty.

Zubin was a boy from humble background. His father was a clerk in a private firm, but he chose to give education to him in best school of the town where he used to study with kids of elite class. After every vacation his friends used to narrate their experiences of having fun and adventure in places across the country. Zubin could only visualize images in his mind of what it would like to be to bathe in a waterfall or travel in a ropeway.

Zubin ran to the home after the school hours. “Mom, where is dad? Has he taken reservation in the train? When are we going?”

There was an awkward silence. Then his mom said, “Go and first wash your hands... dinner is ready.”

Zubin smelled something wrong. At the dinner table Zubin’s father told him that his grandpa is admitted in the hospital out of a minor heart attack, and they do not have enough money to visit Manali this year.

Zubin went to his study table and started writing a travelogue; after all he needs to win this year too in the travelogue competition.

Her mom came with tears in her eyes and started caressing him... Zubin said, “No problem momma. I am happy.” His voice stumbled as he spoke and tears rushing through his cheeks he said, “Next time.......”