The Impatient Boy

Rajat hurried along, his sandals squishing in the wet mud as the rain poured and puddles formed everywhere. The swaying trees and howling wind filled him with fear

- Poonam Desai

His school had left half an hour back. The other children who lived near the school had already left for home but Rajat's home was across the river and up the mountain.

He wanted to reach home soon or his mother would be worried. Gripping his umbrella against the wind, he walked quickly.

He reached the riverbank soon, but the river was swollen, swallowing the only bridge that led across it.

He looked left and right to find a path across.

Under a banyan tree, nearby, sat an old man, a boat next to him, tied to a wooden stump. Rajat walked over to him and asked, 

"Hello, Uncle. Can you help me cross the river?" The old man looked at the boy amused.

"Dear boy, do you see the river? It's raging. It will tear to pieces whatever dares to enter it right now." Rajat looked at the river. It was bouncing and roaring, ready to cross over the banks. But he had to reach home to his mother. He made up his mind.

"I know, but still, I want to cross the river, I want to go to my mother." The old man sighed.

"Don't be silly, no one can cross the river now. Wait for the rains to stop." Rajat stomped his foot.

"Either you take me on that boat, or I will swim. One way or the other, I am going to my mother. Please uncle, please take me across."

The old man gave it a thought. The little boy looked determined. So, he said, "Hmmm, it will be dangerous if I ferry you across the river.