Window To The Outside World

'Aadu, Aadu, wake up now! Or you might be late for school.Then, I will not allow you to peep out of your "beloved" window.' Saying this, Mrs. Mukherjee chuckled at her tried and tested formula for waking up Aadu. At that threat, Aadu woke up with a start. Advait, nicknamed Aadu, was a lively, fun- loving, ten-year old boy, who loved the scenery and usual hustle-bustle that went on outside his bedroom window. Every morning, Aadu woke up, kept his eyes closed, walked up to the window and only then opened his eyes, to commence his day with the inspiring scenery of the golden rays of the sun, peeping through the thick, luxurious, foliage of green leaves and into the bedroom. He stood there for another five minutes, intently, watching the birds nesting, amidst the rich canopy of trees, waiting to hear their good mornings. He realized that he will definitely get late for school and rushed off to get ready. At school, fortunately his seat was adjacent to window and he peeped through it occasionally, to take in the beautific sight outside. He watched a naughty, little squirrel scampering among the cluster of trees. A beautiful waterfall was flowing down the lush, green mountain. There were many amazing things outside, and the whole day was quite enjoyable for Aadu.

In the evening, at home, Aadu was again distracted by the different hues of the sky, seen through his bedroom window. At that moment, he heard his friends calling out to him to come down and play. He looked down at the central courtyard from the window and was immediately, filled with joy at the sight in the park. There were people of all age groups running and laughing. Grandparents playing ' Hide and Seek ' with their grandchildren, and his friends ready with their bats to play cricket. At once, he took his bat and ran off to play.

Many years pass by. Aadu's fascination with the world outside the window, kept on growing day by day. Aadu's childhood was really imaginative, peaceful and lively. At a certain time, he had splashed a water balloon at a man from his bedroom window during Holi. While, in Diwali, he had helped his mother, by volunteering, to hang the lantern outside the window. But, finally there came a day when, Aadu completed his studies and decided to go to the US to pursue a job and to settle. He had to leave behind, all his valuable memories with the window, his friend. As soon as Aadu landed in America, he Became busy and eventually forgot all about the window. Five years passed by, and Advait is well settled with a bungalow and two cars to call his own. One day, when he was free after a hectic day, he inadvertently looked at the window in his living room, and all the memories of his life, with his very old friend, his bedroom window, came rushing by. Instantly, he broke down into uncontrollable tears flowing from his eyes...

So, Aadu, made it a point, to visit his parents at his old house during Diwali. Once he reached home, he had a feeling of happiness at the thought of once again experiencing the sight of green trees, birds chirping and children playing. But, to his dismay, when he looked out of his window, at his parent's home, he found nothing other than a building very close to his window. Where there was a park, there was nothing left, but a tall, broad building!!!