MESSAGE FROM ACROSS

“What happened to your head Manu?” Ashu widened his eyes “Follow me.” “Why didn’t you come to school today?” “Let’s go to the river.” “I’m not allowed.” Ashu looked at Manu’s clothes, “Why are you in your uniform? And it’s dirty.” “Don’t you want to see the river?” Manu stepped onto the muddy ground from the cemented road. “It’s big.” He walked ahead. “Wait for me.” “Look out for the roots on the ground.” He pointed to his knee. “I got hurt when I fell here.” “There’s blood on your knee. You should wash that.” “I know.” He turned right. “Mummy and daddy warned me not to go into the forest.” “Don’t be afraid.” Manu walked ahead. “It’s hot. There are trees everywhere. And these plants, I can’t see the ground.” He pointed at Manu’s right elbow, widened his eyes. “Manu, there’s blood on your elbow.” “Look at that tree up there.” Manu pointed upwards at the tree. “It’s high isn’t it?” “It’s taller than the other trees.” He looked up. “Are we close to the river?” “I climbed that tree yesterday. I could see the entire river from up there.” “You climbed that tree? How did you get down?” “I couldn’t.” “You’re here with me” He laughed. “You came down but how?” “Come, I’ll show you.” Manu walked in the direction of the tall tree. “I want to go home. I’m hungry.” “You should have come with me yesterday.” “I told you. My parents would punish me if they came to know about this.” “You should have come” He walked and didn’t stop “Take a bath. Your blood has dried up. Is it from your head? Manu, you look different.” Ashu’s heart beat faster “I want to go home.” “That’s the one.” He stopped and raised his hand in the direction of the tree. “Wow.” Ashu walked towards the tree and looked up at it. “What’s that?” He went closer. “Somebody’s asleep near the tree.” He nudged it with his hand. “Hey wake up.” It wouldn’t move. “Tell my parents to come get me.” Manu’s voice echoed. “He has the same bruises that are on you Manu.” He looked around. “Manu....? Manu? Where are you?”