It was raining heavily, and I was feeling cold, so cold that my toes went numb, despite the warm socks that protected my feet. I was enjoying watching my pet fish dancing among the plants in the aquarium, going round and round in a figure of 8 pattern. I was so mesmerized and entranced that I didn't realize how fast time had passed. I was waiting excitedly, for my Birthday cake that Father would bring home tonight. It must have been a long time indeed since I was thoroughly jolted when my grandfather called out for me, "Rohan, come here, fast!" I ran to the bedroom. "Your Grandma's blood pressure medicine is getting over; she doesn't have anything for tonight. She must have it soon, or she will be unwell. When will your mother come? I had asked her to get the medicines today itself !" Grandpa said in exasperation. I started wondering and called my mother, asking how long it would take for her to come home. She hadn't even left her office in this terrible rainy weather. Father will take longer to come. So, my mother was our only hope. My sister was at the hostel, but on her way home tonight. I called her. She, too was stuck in the rain and would take some time to reach. Meanwhile, it was getting darker by the minute.
It was my chance to be a braveheart and display my fearlessness; I challenged myself. But my sane mind vehemently rejected the idea. I just don't know what made me say "Yes" when Grandpa asked if I could go and buy the medicine from the medical shop two streets away. He would take care of Grandma and my toddler sister until then. Maybe I had lost my senses. Maybe I was feeling overconfident about it. But all my body could feel was as if I were run over by a train. I could feel the adrenaline rush swirling in my head. My hands were turning cold, and I could feel the pounding of my heart. I was only 9 after all, but that's a lame excuse for not being able to do such a small job. I started rationalizing. I had seen the medical shop only from the car window; I hadn't even crossed beyond our home's boundary wall by myself. I always had someone beside me. How can anyone expect me to do it today, all alone, in this horrible weather, with darkness fast approaching? But today, that moment had come, I was unsure if I could rise to the occasion. I was more afraid of the darkness than the rain itself. So, if I had to go, it had to be right now! My mind was clouded, but my body was acting robotically, mechanically, dutifully obeying commands.
The next thing you know, I had my shield on- my raincoat! I hid myself under its cover, preparing to face all the challenges ahead. The only thing I lacked was Captain America's shield. Gathering myself, I was about to step out when Grandpa thrust the prescription and some notes into my hand and warned, " Take care and be quick!" I was now on my own, walking by myself along the side lane in the direction of the medical shop. The landscape didn't bother me as much as eyes peering at me, through the windows of cozy homes, through the shops, through the passing autorickshaws and cars, and the occasional passersby. It was twilight, but I could barely see three feet ahead of me, and it seemed as if the night was overtaking the evening fast. What if someone kidnapped me? Maybe, I could punch them this way and that, or do whatever I remembered from my Karate class. Fear made me run, as if I were outrunning all the people who were behind me. I even turned back to see if someone was following me. Luckily, no one was there for now. I, however, did turn back a few more times until I was sure nobody was following me.
I had almost reached the medical shop. My next hurdle was to cross the road. The lights from the cars were blinding my vision and I could barely see what lay ahead. I carefully recollected what Mary Madam had taught about crossing the road. Looking this way and that, I waited patiently for the traffic to clear before I made my way to the shop and bought the medicines. I had triumphed against all odds. Great! Now I had to go all the way back. This time, my heart felt a wee bit lighter, and on the way back, I even treated myself to a few jumps in the muddy puddles. The way back seemed shorter than the onward route.
Nearing home, I could see my sister alighting the bus and walking towards home. I ran to her and took shelter under her umbrella. She gasped, " Oh, my goodness, where have you been?". It was my turn now to show off. I ranted about the exciting adventure as if I had been on 'Mission Impossible'. As I victoriously stepped into my home, I saw Grandpa waiting at the door. All smiles, he said, "I am proud of you, my little boy, you did come back quick!". That's when Father and Mother came in, with the cake box in hand. I recounted my victorious adventure to them. Mother said I had grown up, and Father looked at me with pride in his eyes. And then, with my whole family around, to the loud noises of singing and clapping, I had the sweetest, yummiest cake ever. My 10th birthday cake!
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