Sona Kaur Katial

Jagat stared excitedly out of the train window. The trees, fields, and houses whizzed past him as the fast train moved along.

He leaned his head back on the seat and felt proud of himself. Not too many eight-year-olds traveled alone. All his friends were so envious of him.

I can’t wait to get to Nanaji’s farm, he thought.

He loved going to his grandparent’s farm. What could be better than lying down on a stack of freshly cut hay and eat his Naniji’s saag and makki di roti? Just the thought of that made his mouth water. This year for sure he was going to waddle around in the tiny stream that ran through the farm and learn to catch fish. Nanaji would be so proud to know that he was trying to overcome his fear of water and had even taken swimming lessons this year.

But what he was looking forward to the most was taking care of Jadoo, the stallion. He was just a colt last year when Jagat had gone with Nanaji to the other village to buy him. Now, Nanaji had said on the phone, that he had grown into a magnificent animal. Jagat couldn’t wait to see him again. Suddenly a child’s screaming and crying interrupted his thoughts.

"That boy has been troublesome since we got on the train, thought Jagat angrily. His poor mother looked so hassled." Sketched by Parmeet Kaur

That boy has been troublesome since we got on the train, thought Jagat angrily. His poor mother looked so hassled.

The train was going up a steep hill, when a sudden jerk jolted all the passengers. With a squeak and groan the train came to a halt.

What’s going on asked everyone to each other. This didn’t look good.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," said the voice on the intercom. "This is your conductor. I’m afraid we’ve developed a fault with the engine. It will take around an hour to fix it. I recommend you step outside for fresh air. I’m unlocking the doors now and will blow the horn when we are ready to leave."

Oh darn, now we have to wait, thought Jagat, as he stepped off the train.

He noticed that the little boy, who could not be more than four, was lying on the floor and flinging his arms and legs wildly in the air. All the passengers on that side were waiting for him to finish his tantrum, so they could get off.

Outside it was beautiful. They were on top of a lush, green hill, and could see the scenery for miles around. At the bottom of the hill was a sparkling blue river.

I don’t think I want to go near the river, said Jagat to himself with a shiver, his fear of water coming back.

Suddenly, the little boy ran past him down the slope at full speed.

The silly boy is going to have a bad fall, thought Jagat.

"Sukhi stop, you’ll fall," screamed the mother. "Somebody stop him."

Just then the boy tripped over a stone and fell; the slope was so steep that he started rolling down. Then with a splash he fell into the river.

"OH MY GOD, HE CAN’T SWIM!" screamed the mother. "He will surely drown."

Jagat was the only one close to the boy. He knew what he had to do. He kicked off his shoes and jumped right into the water. It was not easy for him being in a fast flowing river, but he managed to catch up with the boy and drag him ashore.

"Are you alright Sukhi?" asked the mother as she hugged and kissed him.

Other than being frightened Sukhi seemed to be fine.

"You are a fine young lad, your parents must be so proud of you," said the mother, "Thank you."

"Thank you." said Sukhi sheepishly.

Standing there so calm and collected, nobody could tell how afraid Jagat was of water and how much courage it had taken for him to jump into the river to save the little boy.

All the passengers cheered as he went back into the train.

He is a fine young lad indeed!

Copyright ©2002 Sona Kaur Katial