Time of freedom drew at last. One day the child, being sure of his loyalty, shut him in cage without locking the opening. The pair examined the surrounding and spotted no one around. He pushed the opening with beak. It swung outward allowing him to set free himself. He didn’t hesitate for a moment and joined her who was waiting for him anxiously and aghast at the sight. Without wasting time, they were en route to forest.
Both, singing the songs of freedom, reunion and joy continued their flight. Above them twinkling stars and twinkling moon smiled their light so much that everything on earth became vivid and they could see the wall of city, rovering dogs, and fields of corn, vast pastures and bright water sweeping behind. It was the most spell bounded scene eyes have ever seen. They went on covering the distance and finally the mountain came into view, beyond which a snug nest was waiting for them. He motioned her to land on the tree and dived down. He was out of breath, captivity and pruned wings had snatched his stamina. She looked at him inquiringly. After smoothing his breath he said, beloved that enormous mountain is impossible to fly over for me as great effort has brought us here but my shortened wings can’t take a more burden. Every limb of my body is aching. Hurdle is over now and road is clear onward. You shouldn’t worry about leaving me here while you return to the nest. In the morning we will make it for home together, right from here. After few arguments he succeeded in convincing her.
He made himself comfortable on a bough and closed his eyes. Cold of the night stiffed his body and he fell down on the ground. Fortunately it was a thick layer of hay, spread on the soil, saved him from getting hurt. He crawled under the hay which was rather warm. Soon he fell asleep.
The lot was treading steadily, telling anecdotes, creating jokes and laughing at them heartily. One of the men said for a fun; friends look, as I advance to the mountain, it moves towards me.
No, we can’t, replied others. “Pals, it is said only very few people can see the moving mountain”, second man paused and looked at others who seemed curious and were looking back at him inquiringly. He resumed his conversation… “And those people are called…Absolutely Oaf.” All chuckled loudly except the first one. The third man put his knapsack on ground, untied his gun, loaded it and shot taking the aim of mountain.
Now the mountain is dead and stopped moving, he said and all jeered again.
The fourth man starts walking and as he laid his foot, a painful cry came from under his foot. He stepped back reflexively and all gazed at the place from where voice came. Carefully they removed the hay with guns. A beautiful bird revealed which was injured for he was bleeding.
“You have crushed him; probably he is left with few breaths.”
“Yeah, it’s better to slaughter him.”
“And it would make a great breakfast.”
The man picked up the bird, produced a knife from his pocket and examined the wound with its point. “Friends, we are not here to kill a poor, helpless and injured creature. I will keep him until he gets healed completely and then it would be free to go.”
After returning to the place next morning, when she couldn’t find him, her frantic cries reached him. Chasing his replies, she saw few men little far away. She hovered above their head asking him how he let himself caught up again. He told her what happened.
“Don’t grieve, man is a strange creature and these people are different from the former. They provide me food, water and had put something on my wound which makes me feel better.”
She felt comfortable in their company. They also offered her boiled beans and chick peas. The lot continued climbing up the mountain and hunting wild animals. Day by day they grew fond of the birds. For a week or so, they looked after him, caressed his silky feathers and kept him safe from dangers. During the day he would sit on their shoulder and sang melodious songs to them. In the night, they would erect a tent, spread the beds and put him in the warm corner. Meanwhile she never put off her errands.
One day when it was broad day light and everything; the flowing water, green trees, fresh tuft of grass, blooming flowers, flying birds and fluttering butterflies, were representing a marvelous day, he stretched his wings, soared higher up the sky and completing a circle landed in front of the lot.
Yes little friend, we know it’s time to go. They kissed him good bye and patted gently.
He touched the ground with beak and paid his gratitude. He flew away along with her to the place where they belong.
The End......................
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