If I had only listened!

Today, I have a very special guest with a lovely post.

Her Mom and I have known each other for a few years now, and our friendship is a cozy one. Although we’re in touch via WhatsApp, Facebook, Texting and of course, the omnipresent phone calls, we do spend a lot of time in each other’s’ houses—sharing snacks or meals—or simply enjoying a pleasant cup of tea or coffee and chatting. Even our families are in sync with each other, and I feel blessed to enjoy their company.

When I return home from traveling, I am assured of a loving welcome. On a busy day, when there’s no time to cook, I can expect a delicious dish from their house. I love my impromptu strolls and shopping around our area with her. We share plenty of laughter, stories and a warm relationship. And of course, I miss her when I don’t hear from her, or see her on a daily basis.

I love her daughters and delight in our conversations and the time we spend together. Both are brilliant writers and I am always amazed at their fantastic grasp of the English language.

To celebrate Children’s Day, I am thrilled to present a short essay by her younger daughter, Anjali Panchanathan.

Anjali is 11 years old, wise beyond her years, and great company. She is abundantly curious about everything, and always thirsty for knowledge. She’s a talented artist, learns music and has a melodious voice. Her writing is engaging and often tinged with subtle humor. I love having her around me. I am secretly proud of her because she is kind, and not only keeps asking me what I am working on, but also follows up to check if I’ve completed it! Anju is skilled at DIY—she can come up with pretty earrings and bracelets in a jiffy. She appreciates her food, loves fruits and vegetables, has a green thumb, and is great with animals. Her cat and her birds adore her. She is a wonderful kid, and I miss her if I don’t see her for a day. I do hope to see her more often here, sharing her writing.

Let’s lay out the red carpet for her!

Take it away, Anju!

If I had only listened!

As we are growing up, there are some rules that we must follow, certain do’s and don’ts that our parents urge us to abide by. Not paying heed to one’s parents’ advice is almost a sure way for us to land in trouble.

I loved to ride bicycles from the time I was a child. While the other children were struggling with tricycles, I was happily riding a bicycle with ease.

As I grew, the size of my bicycle grew with me, and by the time I was 10, I was riding a full-sized bicycle!
I felt thrilled to ride my new bicycle with gears. My parents cautioned me to slow down whenever I accelerated too much. Also, they didn’t allow me to ride on the main road, which was usually very heavy with traffic.

So, every evening, I would ride my cycle in the side lane outside my house with eager friends watching me. They clapped and cheered as I zoomed past them riding at top gear.

After riding like this for a few days, I felt the urge to try something new, and more thrilling. I tried to ride the bicycle with my hands off the handlebars. I obviously fell many times, and also got a good scolding from my mother. This deterred me from doing this stunt for a few days. But I started practising again, and one day, I felt I had mastered the art.

One day, I sneaked away to the main road to show off my riding skills, away from my mother’s watchful eyes. I was enjoying my hands free riding at top speed, when suddenly, a motor bike came towards me from the opposite direction. I tried to swerve out of the way, but fell off and bruised myself badly.

The other consequences of my daredevilry were a sprained foot, and a deep cut on my right hand. I had to miss school for a week, and also the chance to be selected in the football team.

If only I had listened…

♥

Thank you, Anju!

♥

Wasn’t that lovely? I’d love to know what you think in the comments!