Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan

Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan

Author:Jasbinder Bilan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.


It’s been four nights. Divali is only a little more than four weeks away and we must leave for the temple today if we’re going to have a chance of reaching Papa on time. Jeevan’s fever has gone, but is he really strong enough to carry on?

It’s morning, and while he’s still sleeping, I untie my bundle of things, pulling out my journey clothes: the jeans and green hoodie. I yank them on before trying to wake him.

“We have to go,” I say, shaking Jeevan gently. I try to be as patient as I can but hardly sound it.

He doesn’t stir, so I shake him some more. “Jeevan … Jeevan.”

He wakes up. Traces of the dark fever circles are still visible below his eyes, and I feel bad for not letting him sleep longer.

“Jeevan,” I say with a pretend lightness. “What if you stayed here … and let me go on by myself?”

“What?” He sits up suddenly. “You can’t do that—”

“Look,” I say gently, kneeling on the rug. “I’m worried about you … You’re not that strong and it’s still a long way to Zandapur.” I stand up, turning away from him, because I can’t bear to look him in the eye. “Maybe you could stay with the family for a bit longer.” I pause. “A-and then get the train back to Sonahaar.”

“No way, Asha—I’m coming with you,” he says fiercely. “All for one and one for all—remember? I heard how you built that shelter in the forest … and the way you fought off the tiger.” He sounds annoyed. “And I know you’re getting so good at doing things by yourself now … but we have to stay together till the end.” He gives me a hard stare, then tosses his head away. “Unless … you don’t need me anymore.”

“No! You know that’s not true. I can’t manage without you. I’m just really worried that you could get ill again.”

Jeevan turns away from me. “Only if you’re sure … I don’t want to be a burden,” he mumbles stubbornly.

I force him to face me. “Yes, of course I’m sure … Please, Jeevan, I need you … Let’s collect our things and get ready.” I feel so guilty for even suggesting he stay behind. I put my hand on his shoulder. “You must tell me if you need to rest … I promise I’ll listen.”

“And we have to stay friends this time, be kind to each other,” says Jeevan, spreading the scarf out on the floor. “However hard things get.”

“Yes … You’re right,” I say, giving him a hug. “Here, you load up while I pass you the things.” I pick up the mango stone, still safe in its banana leaf pot. “It hasn’t grown any shoots yet.” I hold it up to the light just in case I’ve missed something. “Tuck it in safely.”

“All you can do is keep watering it—you never know; it might grow.”

The horse is already whinnying outside, which means everyone is awake, preparing for the day ahead.



Download



Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.