5 Years Later.

5 Years Later....,

A boy of around 5 years can be seen carrying water containers in both of his hands. Even though the containers were almost as heavy as the boy himself, his steps never faltered once. He was sure footed and had a firm and unshakable grip on the containers.

Few moments later he reached his home and kept the water containers inside the house and came to the kitchen.

"My dear, how many times do I have to tell you not to carry both vessels together. It's heavy and you will get injured one of these day's while carrying it." An old lady of around 70 years with a kind face told the boy with concern.

She was the only other person in the hut who was living with the small boy. And it was almost a mile from their hut to the river. Which was the only source of drinking water to them. As time passed, the old lady started to feel the ache in her bones and joints due to the age and due to old injuries which she had sustained long ago and made it difficult for her to carry out any physically challenging work.

The young boy was the one who took the initiative to fetch the water everyday since an year now. Which had reduced a lot of stress and gave the old lady much needed rest. Surprisingly her aches and pains also started to reduce because of it.

Seeing this small boy carry water everyday made her heart ache. He was such a lovely child. He never cried once he turned 6 months. Always observant, ready to help his grandmother in whatever way he can.

Sometimes she even felt whether she was the one taking care of him or he was the one who is taking care of her?

The boy smiled and replied, 'grandma, don't worry it is not heavy at all. I am already used to its weight'.

She was about to tell him to be careful again, when the boy subtly changed the subject and asked, I am feeling hungry grandma. Can we eat now?

She smiled at the innocent and lovely child and told him to go wash his hands before sitting down to eat.

A routine was set for this boy. Everyday he used to get up at dawn, wash his face, gather the dried twigs and wood from the surrounding area which was needed to coock food and to warm their hands during the nights.

Then go to the river, take a bath, fetch the water and bring it to the hut. Every day, he would fetch the water twice. Sometimes even thrice depending on the requirement.

Apart from a couple of kitchen knife and an old blunt axe which was kept inside the hut safely by the old lady thinking that his grandson might hurt himself trying to use it, there were no weapons in their possession.