Short Story – Kashish’s Journey Through Ramayana
It was 8pm and three-year-old Kashish nestled into her mom Parineeti’s lap, her wide eyes sparkling with curiosity as they kicked off their journey through Ramayana, a timeless piece of Indian mythology. Parineeti had just finished sharing another captivating story from this ancient epic.
Today’s story was about the abduction of Sita by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Kashish listened intently, her tiny hands clutching her mother’s cardigan, her imagination vividly bringing the tale to life.
“Tell me again, Mama,” Kashish pleaded softly, her small fingers tracing the edge of her favourite comforter.
Parineeti smiled, touched by her daughter’s fascination with the mythology. She gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind Kashish’s ear. “Alright, but only if you promise to go to bed afterward,” she said, playfully tapping the tip of Kashish’s nose.
Kashish giggled and nodded eagerly, her little head bobbing up and down. “I promise!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and the boundless creativity of childhood.
Parineeti began again, her voice soothing and melodic. “Once upon a time, in the beautiful forest of Panchavati, lived Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana. One day, the demon king Ravana, disguised as a sage, tricked Sita and took her away in his flying chariot, the Pushpak Viman, to his kingdom of Lanka.”
Kashish’s eyes grew even wider, if that was possible. “Pushpak Viman?” she repeated in awe, her small mouth forming a perfect “O.”
“Yes, my baby,” Parineeti continued, giving her daughter a gentle squeeze. “A magical flying chariot that could travel anywhere in the world, just like in a fantasy.”
As the story unfolded, Kashish’s mind buzzed with ideas. When Parineeti finished, Kashish bounced off her lap and hurriedly gathered her toys, her pigtails bouncing with excitement. “Mama, let’s play pretend!” she exclaimed, holding out a stuffed elephant as if it were an essential part of the plan. “You be Ravana, and I’ll be Sita.”
Parineeti chuckled, her heart swelling with affection for her imaginative daughter. “Alright,” she said, feigning a deep, dramatic voice. “And what should I do as Ravana?”
Kashish put a tiny finger to her lips, her brow furrowing as she thought. Then, her eyes lit up. “Instead of taking me to Lanka, take me around the world in your Pushpak Viman!” she asked, clapping her hands together in delight.
Parineeti couldn’t help but laugh at her daughter’s creativity. “Very well, Princess Sita,” she said in a mock serious tone, adopting her role as Ravana. “Come, let us embark on a grand adventure!”
They began their journey in the living room, which Kashish had transformed into the magical Pushpak Viman with her scattered toys. Parineeti made playful airplane noises as she “flew” Kashish around the room, her daughter’s giggles filling the air. They “soared” over the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, “glided” through the bustling streets of Paris, and “hovered” above the pyramids of Egypt.
Kashish’s laughter was pure music to Parineeti’s ears as she pointed out the sights with the dramatic flair only a child could muster. “Look, Mama! There’s the Great Wall of China! And there, the jungles of the Amazon!” she exclaimed, her tiny hands waving energetically.
As they continued their imaginary journey, Parineeti marvelled at her daughter’s vivid imagination and unique interpretation of the Ramayana. She realized that Kashish was not just hearing the tales but living them, blending elements of mythology with the boundless creativity of childhood fantasy.
Finally, they landed back in their cosy living room. Kashish, now tired from her grand adventure, yawned and crawled back into her mother’s lap, curling up like a kitten. “That was the best story ever, Mama,” she whispered sleepily, her eyes drooping.
Parineeti kissed the top of her head, her heart full. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, my little Sita. Now, it’s time for you to rest.” As Kashish drifted off to sleep, Parineeti sat quietly, stroking her daughter’s hair and reflecting on the magical evening. She knew that these moments of storytelling, journey of innocence and creativity through the richness of Ramayana, would shape her daughter in ways she couldn’t yet comprehend, and she was grateful for every single one of them.
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