A leaf out of Purry’s book

Aparajita Srivastava
AIS Vasundhara 6, XI A2

Ravi sat slumped on his couch, kicking the rug lazily. He stretched, yawned, and let his eyes stray to the windowsill. There sat the kitten – Purry – being a picture of poised perfection in a sliver of sunlight, busy grooming herself with quiet determination. Her golden silky fur shone as she licked it squeaky clean. Ravi watched her for quite some time, impressed by the feline’s elegance.
Just then, his grandma’s voice floated in from downstairs, reminding him to take a bath and tidy himself up quickly so that they could enjoy a sunny breakfast in the backyard. For the last eight years, in the quiet mountain village nestled in the Garhwal hills, Ravi had woken up to that same caring voice. His parents were usually occupied with their work, meeting him only during the holidays.
He reminisced for a little while. Then a piercing thought jolted him out of his reverie, “It’s grandma’s birthday!” What if breakfast came and went like any other day? He was panicking a little now. Grandma was the kind of person who’d prepare a five-course meal just because you said you had a rough day at school. “I absolutely must make her day memorable,” he decided.
“Meow,” added Purry, glancing at him briefly, as if agreeing to him, before returning to her meticulous grooming.
Something stirred inside Ravi. The contrast hit him hard. Purry – neat, calm, disciplined. Him – messy bed, untidy hair, crinkled clothes. Each day his wardrobe ended up becoming a high-risk avalanche-zone. And Grandma fixed all of that for him daily. The clock on the wall ticked loudly; an idea lit up in his head. Eureka.
He dashed to the bathroom. Water splashed and for once he did not dawdle. He dressed quickly, combed his hair properly, neatly folded all his clothes, and even smoothed out his wrinkled shirt. Then, he rushed outside into the garden. His fingers scavenged the flower beds until he found a cluster of crimson gladioli, tall and proud. He gathered them, careful not to crush even one. Walking up to his grandmother, he held out the flowers with his brightest smile.
“Happiest Birthday, Grandma!” he said, slightly out of breath.
She looked at him in surprise, then at the flowers, and her eyes softened.
“How did you get ready so quickly today, beta?” she asked gently.
“I did not want to be late,” Ravi replied. “I really wanted to make you happy today.”
Her smile widened, and she pulled him into a warm hug. At that moment, Purry padded over, circling them both, purring contentedly as she rubbed against their ankles with great fervour.
“You could say I got inspired,” Ravi added, rolling his eyes mischievously.
His grandmother laughed softly and kissed both the boy and the cat.
“I thought so,” she said. “Someone took a leaf out of Purry’s book.”
Ravi smiled. He was really relieved; happy to see his favourite person happy.

I wish I knew...

Swastika Kainth, AIS Vas 6, XII E

The exams were the easiest trials of life
Nimble feet, wobbly gait - start of a strife
A world beyond home, warm hands, care
My first exam was life, I scored well there

Fragrance of new pages inebriated my mind
Twelve subjects felt like a dare of a rare kind
Watched dreams fade where chances were rare
Second exam was gratitude, I think I did well
Leaving the second home, my heart grows sore
Finding a place to earn will test me to the core
World may question me rough, it will be fine
Third exam to be faced is life; I’ll surely shine

My final exam, and assembly for which I sing
Last time I hear, “Start writing, the bell rings”
Not far ahead, the realisation hurts like a knife
Who knew school was the easiest ordeal of life.