He told her all about his days at school and asked her a lot of questions, which she patiently answered.
It was a Sunday and the newspaper had an article about penguins.
Seeing the photo, Gokul asked, "Grandma, have you ever seen a penguin?"
"I haven't seen them in reality, but I have seen their photos in books and films on TV. It is a bird that can't fly."
"Why so, Grandma?"
"Their wings are not like other birds. But they use their wings to swim comfortably in the water."
"Where do they live, Grandma?"
"They are found in the Antarctic region of the southern hemisphere where there is a lot of water and ice."
"Grandma, let's go there!" Gokul said, jumping in excitement.
Grandma laughed, "It's freezing there. A normal human cannot live there in the peak of winters. But I will speak to your Papa. If he agrees then all of us will go there in the winter."
"Why in the winter, Grandma? Why not in the summer?"
"It needs to be summertime there for us to be able to visit. There, the summer lasts from November to March, the winter months in our country."
Gokul was reassured by his grandmother's words.
Finding the right time, Grandma talked to her son Prem about this. He was concerned, "Mummy, the journey to Antarctica is very difficult. How will you be able to go?"
"I have traveled to many cold countries with your father. Visiting Antarctica remained on our list. I am sure he would have fulfilled this wish of mine too. Gokul has a great desire to see the penguins. We should go."
After giving it a thought and doing proper research, Prem agreed to go there. With the help of a travel agency, he planned a trip to Antarctica for December. Gokul was delighted. He could not wait for December to arrive.
This story is from the December First 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December First 2023 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Mighty Mouse
Ricky mouse emerged from his hole and set off for some work. Katie cat spotted him and dashed to catch him.
Halloween Costume Party
Nandu was the first one to reach Soham's house for the Halloween party.
A FAIR EX CHANGE
Mani heard Thatha arguing with his friend as he entered the hall.
Meet the Robotics Marvels
They may look like regular teenagers, but this team of 10 children share a dream of participating in the world's biggest robotics challenge for high schoolers.
THE HOUR OF GHOSTLY VISITS
Bua, our aunt, had come to stay B with us from the village for three days, and I was thrilled because her visits always meant a treasure trove of stories.
THE HOUSE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL
Twilight was setting in the sky.
SPOOKY NIGHT
It was late at night. Dodo deer was returning to the jungle from the city.
The Taste of Coffee
Ginny goat happily entered a field and was -enjoying the green grass when the owner of the field ran after her with a stick. Ginny ran speedily and hid inside a truck parked on the roadside. She had grazed a lot of grass, so she felt lazy and fell asleep.
Ravana Burst with Pomp and Show
The festival of Dussehra was approaching, so the teachers and students were busy preparing for the three-day fair organised every year on this special occasion in the school. This year the responsibility of staging Ramleela in the fair was given to the students of classes 3rd, 4th, and 5th. On the other hand, the children of classes 6th, 7th and 8th were given the responsibility of making Ravana effigies.
Here Comes Gandhi Baba
\"Bapu, where are you going so early in the morning?\" Gandhi Baba's revolutionary companions in Sky Park asked. He smiled.
