Anika, the Little Bee
The morning was as usual.As per routine, the sun rose with its bright rays on the Earth. Everything was fine but three boys were found to be in a hurry. They roamed here and there searching for something. One called out, "She is not here". Another cried out, "Not here too!". It was not as if this was something unknown to everyone. One of the villagers spoke out, "The little bee has again left the nest!". Finally, an old lady reported that the girl was found near the old lake making dolls out of mud. "There you are naughty girl!" , exclaimed Sambhu as he pulled Anika's left hand. She was like this daughter of mother Earth who seemed to be greatly attached to her mother. "What a nuisance every morning!", added Krish. They took Anika to home. Chandra took the job to clean her hands. Anika started speaking ,"I am hungry bhai". Krish came with a plate having a piece of bread and a cup of milk. Anika was so hungry that she finished all the food in half the actual period of her eating. Krish had the work in a factory and there was only a little time to get ready. He quickly stepped out with a little bag having a piece of bread and a bottle of water. Sambhu was an expert in making statues from whom Anika was inspired. He sold them and earned money for the living. Only Chandra was a workless boy whose main duty was to keep an eye on Anika. Anika was very naughty but she was as pure as diamond and three brothers loved her more than their lives. They lost their parents when Anika was not even born. Krish had the total responsibility to take care of the family. The brothers were the only guardians of Anika. Anika was such a girl who never desired for anything than the love of her brothers. She had received the name of 'Little Bee' for her mischievous deeds. Sometimes she was found playing in the mud and sometimes at Uncle Kishore's house busy in listening to stories. Uncle Kishore used to write short stories which he read and Anika listened peacefully. After her brothers, Uncle Kishore was the only person with whom she loved to spend most of her time. He was more than a father and never rebuked Anika. Every time he heard of her mischief he would say, "Little children appear more cute when they do mischieves". Then he left the place with a smile on his face. Coming back to Anika, she was with Chandra making portraits with colours. Anika was a real painter. She had been learning painting from Chandra. Both Chandra and Sambu were great artists. Krish did hardwork though he lacked any talent. That day, his health was not responding well. He was coughing from the morning. The day ended and Krish returned with a red face. Sambu and Chandra helped him to get to the bed. They prepared soup and Anika fed Krish with her soft hands. At last, Krish kissed on her forehead and closed his eyes, leaping into the world of dreams. The whole village was in sound sle and only the chirping of the crickets could be heard...
