Mission Rescue

“Who’s going to let you do that?”, Aditi, my best friend squinted at me. “Who’s going to stop me?”, I shot back. “Fair enough, but it could be dangerous!” “I know. But, it’s just that it’s important. And I’m sure I’ll be okay.” “You have never done anything like that before. Come on, just wait for some time, we could get help. Don’t do it”, Aditi raised her voice by a few hundred decibels.

The people in the park were staring at us by now. A few nosy aunties were standing nearby, interestedly eavesdropping on our conversation. Aditi took me by my hand and dragged me to the nearest bench.

“Siya, you know I only want the best for you. And right now, the best for you is that you are alive and have no broken bones.” “I can’t die doing that”, I protested. “But you can break your bones!”, Aditi deadpanned. “I won’t. I promise, I’ll come back alive and kicking, and in one piece.”

Aditi just raised and eyebrow in response.

“I’m doing it, irrespective of what you say. The question is, will you help me? Or will you hang me out to dry?”, I said. She just sighed in response and facepalmed. I picked up a half-dried flower and began removing its leaves one by one.

“Will she? Or will she not? Will she? Will she not?” I said in a sing-song manner.

“Fine. But remember two things: I’m helping you only because if you are doing this, as your friend, I can’t leave you alone to do it. And two, don’t forget that I warned you in advance that you have the athletic ability of a potato.” “Oh, you’re the best!”, I gushed, getting up with a start. “Yeah, yeah”, Aditi brushed it off, but couldn’t hide the fond smile playing on her lips. “Let’s do this! Mission Rescue is a go!”, I shouted happily.

Aditi helped me secure my footing on the Banyan tree and stood there, ready to catch the orange kitten when I rescued it from the tree.

And that is how, the orange kitten (whom I named Meow), and I ended up stuck on top of a branch of the Banyan tree, crying (and meowing) for help.

“I can’t believe you climbed this tall tree, you’re so bad at sports. But what’s even more unbelievable is that you are too scared to come down now, so we have to wait for someone to come and rescue you and Meow. Seriously, is there any difference between the two of you?”, I heard Aditi scream.

“Shut up!” I shouted back.

“Yeah, well, at least you can keep Meow company till someone comes to help.”

I rolled my eyes, even though I knew she couldn’t see me. I held on to the branch for dear life, scared out of my wits. After what seemed like forever, a kind lady brought a ladder and I climbed down with Meow in one hand. I felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over me. All the three of us- Aditi, Meow and I- thanked the lady profusely.

I was still holding Meow. She did not have a collar on- she must have been a stray. I wanted to keep her, but I couldn’t bear the thought of keeping her captive. I petted her and said, “Hey, little kitty. Yeah, it’s okay now. That was scary, wasn’t it? Keep visiting me, Meow. I’ll keep some milk out in a small dish for you. We’ll have dinner together”

Aditi smiled at me and said, “This is why I’m friends with you, you carefree, silly, adorable girl.”

“Hey, I’d say Mission Rescue was a success”, I said with a bright smile.

Both Aditi and Meow raised their eyebrows at me.

“Fine, a partial success”, I gave in.

All three of us burst into laughter.

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Goohika ✨