Where The Road Takes Us

Dussehra holidays were about to begin. Samar was listening eagerly as his friends named the places they would be visiting with their parents the hills, the beaches, and foreign countries.

- Niloy Kurmi

10-year-old Samar had never gone on a holiday. Until this year, he didn't even have a family. About six months ago, he had been adopted by two affectionate fathers, Coco and Popo.

At his home, there hadn't been a discussion of holiday plans yet. Samar thought to bring it up that day once he returned home. But the class teacher gave them their report cards and ruined all his plans. He scored so low, especially in mathematics, that it was bound to disappoint his dads!

Samar liked to picture his dads as superheroes who always helped him, especially with maths. Just before exams, the Math Stress Monster had sprung out of his textbook, giving Samar goosebumps! His dads had helped him like superheroes do and had saved the day.

Unpleasant thoughts clouded Samar's mind. His dads were very kind and understanding, but what would they make of his poor marks?

For one, they would not want to take him on a holiday now. Instead, what if they sent him to the summer maths camp that his friend had warned him about?

His friend had horrible things to say about the camp, like how kids were made to solve rigorous math problems the whole day and were fed only green salads instead of ice cream! It gave Samar chills!

He thought it best to hide his report card from his parents, at least until they had made their holiday plans. So, he decided to enter his house quietly through the back door.

The back door led to the kitchen, and as he was about to open it, he caught the smell of cookies being baked inside. He loved it when Coco and Popo cooked together.

On any other day, he would have jumped in enthusiastically, as cooking with his dads was his favourite family activity.