Nandini Shroff, Class X F
It was my summer vacation. I was staying with my grandparents in the village. One day, I woke up very early in the morning, before the sky had lit up and the stars were still there. I don’t really wake up this early but today was special because today I was asked to do so by someone. I walked out of the house towards the forest to the East. The trees looked magical under the soft light of the now brightening sky. It looked serene, as if time had stopped for them. I walked to the lake which sparkled as the water splashed and I sat down under a tree nearby.
I waited for him and looked at my watch to check the time. He wasn’t late by a single second. I watched him as he majestically moved towards me. His eyes as blue as the lake in front of me and sparkling like the fading stars above. He had the brightest white coat with the softest fur I had ever caressed. His horn twisted elegantly over his forehead, adding to his beauty.
He came down and sat next to me without whispering a word. I had met him a few days ago right at this spot and had been shocked into stillness when I saw him and heard him speak not through his mouth but through his mind. I mean, who knew unicorns existed or could actually break through people’s mental shields?
After the initial shock, and a whole lot of strength not to scream and run for the hills, he managed to calm me down. He told me about his life and his origin which I cannot repeat since I swore not to. Why he chose me, you ask? Well, I don’t know and he still refuses to tell me. Today, he listened to my stories and seems to enjoy them. Before I could leave, he told me not to speak of him ever again. It was my last day there after all. Even after so many years, I still remember his last words – ‘You have a life of greatness ahead, don’t let it go in vain.’
