What do you see?

Dadaji got everything ready at night itself. Bobby could barely contain his excitement. Tomorrow they were going on a special trip. Rucksack with dry fruits, chocolate bars, oranges, and sunblock… tick. Bottles of water…2…tick. Caps… tick. Walking stick… tick.

The alarm went off as soon as Bobby’s head touched the pillow, or so it seemed! He jumped up with alacrity and was ready in a jiffy. So was Dadaji! They divided the things to be carried on to their shoulders and off they went. The silent streets ringing with their sturdy footsteps, tak – tak- tak- tak, punctuated by an odd stray dog, barking a ‘Hello!’ As they slowly made their way towards the outskirts, the early morning runners, walkers, and cyclists came out to claim the streets. The cool breeze revived everyone, and smiles adorned each face as they exchanged good mornings.

They soon reached the hill; they were to climb. Bobby had sweat trickling down his brow, but his feet had an extra bounce. The old man stopped and turned to have a look at their city in the twilight just before dawn. ‘What do you see Bobby?’ ‘The tall buildings, the rooftop restaurant, a little bit of the fort, some of the beautiful old trees which escaped the axe of the builders.’ ‘Ha ha ha!’ laughed the grandfather. ‘Ready to walk further?’ ‘Of course, Dadaji!’

As they climbed up the trail, focusing on the next step, watching out for rocks, roots, and wild creatures, startled by their unearthly presence, they were witness to the most beautiful part of the day. ‘What do you see Bobby?’ ‘ The celestial source of all energy, rousing from slumber, chasing the clouds mischievously, as the sky is turning a riot of pink, lilac, orange and golden. Oh Dadaji! What a glorious sunrise!’ ‘My favourite too Bobby!’ he said as he handed Bobby a bar of chocolate and they  put the wrapper back in their bag (no littering after all!) before sitting on a boulder, chomping the delicious treat, watching the view.

Further they trekked, higher and higher, the cool breeze fanned their sweat riddled bodies, and they tried to escape the heat of the noon sun, under their caps and sunblock generously lathered on arms and face. The duo was panting rhythmically too, adding to the music. ‘Can we take a break Dadaji?’ the boy asked. ‘Sure, let’s stop under that tree. Do you think you can race me till there?’ saying so he broke into a run. ‘Not fair! Not fair!’ cried Bobby as he sprinted to catch his athletic Dadaji.

Laughing happily, they both crashed onto the ground, in the shade of the big Sycamore. Bobby pulled out some chilled lemonade and Dadaji got out their sandwiches. ‘Delicious Dadaji! You are the best chef in the world!’ and a creamy, mayonnaisy kiss was planted on the brown weather-beaten cheeks! Returning the kiss grandfather pointed at something and said, ‘What do you see?’ ‘Wow! Deer, Does and little fawns!’ His eyes turned round as saucers as he watched the gamboling of the little fawns round their mothers, their brown spots on their golden coats gleaming for a moment before they melted in the dappled shade of the trees. ‘and there, look at those beautiful birds… wings spread out, the iridescent colours, gleaming! What beauties!’

‘How much further Dadaji?’ ‘We have reached the midpoint child. Do you think you can climb to the top with me?’ ‘Of course, Dadaji! After all I am your grandson!’ and he held up his biceps for inspection, grinning. ‘That’s my boy!’ they started off again. All afternoon the wise old man pointed out, wildflowers, wild berries and wild life, as they walked merrily along. Sometimes one would narrate a joke, while sometimes the other would pose a riddle. Laughing and talking by the end of the day they reached the top. Only a few shepherds were around the hillside, rounding up their flock.

‘What do you see Bobby?’ ‘Oh Dadaji look at the sun setting…. Going to settle for the night after a day’s hard work. How it inspires, as it sinks down in the horizon painting the entire sky golden, and rust, and orange and crimson! The fire burning so strong, a promise it will be back again tomorrow! And the flocks of birds flying home to roost, chirping noisily like my school children! Ha ha ha! The bells of the sheep, goat and cows are tinkling musically as they walk slowly back home!’

As they sat taking in the mesmerizing view, listening to all the music, their tired feet thanking them for giving them a break the spectacular show unfolded. The sky turning dark was dotted with fairy lights, first a few, then in clusters till the whole galaxy could be seen! Bobby gaped at this wonderous sight of the night sky, not visible in cities due to light pollution! ‘What do you see Dadaji?’

Turning to look at his dearest child, his eyes shining as bright as any of the brilliant stars, his heart singing he said, ‘I see hope, I see a world full of beauty and I see strong determined people who will take care of this earth!’ as he bent down to hug his bundle of joy under the starlit sky, one with the universe.