“What if people could freely breathe underwater without any help? Wouldn’t it be nice, it’s so beautiful down there,” said Mehar a nine years old girl to her brother Laksh
Having been just too much affected by a film focussing on shark attacks on people at her cousin’s house at a younger age, Mehar had developed a fear of getting into water. Every time she saw a swimming pool, she couldn’t help but imagine sharks rushing out to attack those swimming in the pool.
Mehar’s parents tried their best to persuade Mehar to learn swimming and focus on the fun part of it, but it was no use and Mehar’s cousin had to listen to many angry words after Mehar one day mentioned where she had seen the sharks for the first time.
But, it changed one day, with all credit to the new swimming instructor who had some experience in teaching children how to swim. Now, Mehar loved to swim in water, although the misunderstanding about sharks might never completely disappear from her mind.
“People breathe freely under water? It might not be a good idea,” said Laksh who was a very patient and responsive brother to her sister
“Why not?” asked Mehar, a little disappointed that her imagination was not appreciated
“Places with water bodies may become too crowded and might not remain as beautiful as it is now,” replied Laksh while Mehar quietly pondered over what was said, still thinking Laksh may not have understood her imagination
“You like being in water that much?” asked Laksh who was in a senior class and would leave school in the next two years. He understood the fun of trying things for the first time especially when one had to overcome a certain fear of hesitation. It is a form of achievement. It was something similar with Laksh and his bicycle when it was time to remove the training wheels.
“Yes, one day I would like to go deep within, maybe I will find something amazing,” said Mehar
“You surely will,” smiled Laksh thinking of maybe this would be what Mehar would grow up into, something with the water in it.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 