Advika Singh Chauhan, 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 because of the cock’s alarming sound. I decided to go for a morning walk and then practise football.
I washed my face and got ready. The sun hadn’t risen yet. So, it was still dark. I plugged in my earphones and started walking through the cornfields. Suddenly, I saw someone waving at me and then moving towards me. It was a small boy, I think he must be seven or eight years old. He asked me what I had in my ears. I answered, ‘I’m listening to some music. Do you want to try?’
He nodded with a curious expression. I gave him my earphones and helped him put them on. When I pressed the play button, the boy’s body shook and he immediately took the earphones off.
I asked him about his spontaneous reaction. He replied, ‘This is so loud!’
I laughed and said, ‘I enjoy loud music. There is nothing better than feeling that I get while listening to it.’
He told me that he wanted to show me something. I agreed and we started walking. He took me near a lake. The scenery was very soothing and beautiful. He said, ‘Listen to the birds chirping, the sound of the cowbell as the calves feed themselves, the sound of the ripples when the wind blows the surface!’
I truly was amazed when I heard those sounds. I felt peace in my heart. He asked me whether it was better than my music. I smiled softly and agreed. We sat together and watched the sunrise.
I learnt an important lesson that day. Nature has the best offerings for everyone, but not everyone can receive it. I miss those days as I can’t listen to all those magical sounds here in Mumbai.
