The spy being undetected, multiplied himself manifold and surrounded the soldiers. This time the intruders beat the soldiers mercilessly, with bare hands and soldiers, already weak and injured, succumbed. Their faces and bodies were profusely bleeding and they were left for dead….

The aim of the attack was to plunder or ‘purge’ all the inhabitants and make this new territory their home. With soldiers successfully our of their way, the demon-like, cruel intruders ran amok in the city celebrating their victory. Children ran hither-thither in fear. Women and old people who could not run away fearfully looked on at the blazing streets. Some were dragged out from their homes and thrashed. Some went into hiding in the unused attics and stayed out of trouble for the time being.

But soon the intruders, who were lying in wait this long, heard the news of victory and started pouring into the city. With their entry, the exit of the inhabitants was but expected.

Rohan reached school and raced to his classroom. Some of his friends had already arrived and the boys got together discussing this and that. One of his friends remarked that Rohan looked a little pale, but Rohan, being but a child did not make much of it.

Bell rang, students and teachers assembled for morning prayers. After getting back to classroom, the first period began. Suddenly Rohan felt a stabbing pain in his stomach and just as he was about to excuse himself from class, his morning meal came out in a unceremonial ‘jet’. He felt very weak and almost fainted from the exhaustion and pain.

A new regiment of soldiers were deputed. They were engaged in regular drills and were warming up before the actual battle. Any time now the enemies may start pouring in. They were taught that to be alert and active is the most important requirement of a soldier. Without their knowledge, a spy had infiltrated their group. The spy was camouflaged among the shrubbery surrounding the camps. The spy was actually like a ‘trojan horse’; from within him could hundreds of soldiers beseige the home army. On the other hand if he were exposed at the correct time, a major danger could be averted.

Rohan finished his health drink and wiped off the ‘milk mushtache’. Even though he had got up with a slight fever, he was feeling better after his morning refreshment. He whined to his mom for a little while, explaining how his whole body was paining and that he was still tired, and that he did not want to go to school today, but mother was not about to pay any heed to all these daily protests. Seeing that his wish would not be given in to, he trudged along to pack his school bag and get his uniform gear ready. Mummy meanwhile was busy preparing breakfast for the family. She shouted out some instructions to Rohan, now and then - ’Don’t forget your colours’, ‘Take this money for chart paper, get it from the school stationery shop’, ‘Play during break AFTER having your lunch’ etc., Rohan gobbled up his cornflakes and toast and took his lunch bag. Meanwhile the school bus was already at Rohan’s door and the impatiently honking the horns. Mother applied the holy ash on Rohan’s forehead wishing him luck for the Art competition. After seeing him off on the school bus, she went inside the house to resume her morning chores.

“Att–eenn–shun!!” came the voice of the General.All warriors snapped up in attention. They were in formation, ready for attack.The first batch of enemies made a fearful entry - wielding swords and shields, the horses thudding past raising clouds of dust. Our soldiers put up a brave fight and the enemies retreated, utterly defeated….The next batch of intruders entered on foot, but were more fearsome, spewing fire from their mouth. Each warrior had four hands wielding four different weapons. They looked quite out of this world! They were quick and efficient, finishing off any one on their way.Inspite of severe wounds, our soldiers quickly returned with full force with more reinforcements, but were overpowered in no time. This time the intruders set fire to the entire city.

" Rohan, Rohan, wake up! wake up! Its time for school already!!” It was Rohan’s mother, getting him ready for another school day. ” Do I have to get up, mamma? Its still early isn’t it? Why can’t I skip school today? ” pleaded Rohan.“No way! But today you have the Art competition…school will be fun. Come on now!” cajoled mummy and went back to her morning chores.Rohan slowly got up from his bed, brushed his teeth with his eyes closed and slowly settled down to drink his morning ‘health drink’.

घोरं काननवनम

There is a thick undergrowth, which pulls my leg whenever I try to move forward…there are huge trees, with huge trunks and thick foliage that hardly let the sunlight in…the trees are brimming with activity, the birds and bees busy with their lives…the sly snake is doing a slow ascent to the unwary bird’s nest…there are many poisonous insects and reptiles in the undergrowth waiting for food in any form…the rustling is interruped by the sweet bird-song.So much of sweetness and beauty, yet so much of danger.I too am an inhabitant of this jungle…will I become a maniac with so much danger surrounding me?
Will I lose my identity with so many varieties of beings surrounding me?
Will I ever learn to throw away my cares and worries with a melodious tune?
Will I ever develop an individuality of my own?
And i have to pass through this jungle everyday, Iam a child of this jungle…but what will happen of me??