Season 01 (Childhood Arc) : Episode 04

While Dhruva's father discussed matters with his brother outside, Dhruva decided to enjoy the new slides at the KK Garden. He was having a great time playing with other kids when he stopped to take a drink of water. As he was drinking, he noticed someone hiding behind a bush. Curious, he approached and found a young girl, tears streaming down her face.

"Hey, why are you crying? Did you lose something? Where are your parents?" Dhruva asked gently.

The girl looked up at him but said nothing. Dhruva thought she might want some space, so he started to walk away. Just then, she spoke up. "I’m lost, and I don’t know where my mommy and daddy are."

Dhruva’s heart sank. “You’re lost? And your parents are missing too? Where did you last see them? Tell me everything, and I’ll try to help.”

The girl wiped her tears and began to explain. “This morning, I was at this garden with my mommy and daddy. We had breakfast at a nearby restaurant and then went to the big fair. The fair was crowded with people and shops. While they were looking for souvenirs, I saw a cute brown teddy bear making everyone laugh, so I followed him. But then the teddy disappeared in the crowd. I tried to find my mommy and daddy, but they were gone.”

Dhruva asked, “And what happened after that?”

The girl burst into tears again. “I searched for them everywhere but couldn’t find them. I’m all alone and don’t know where they are. Mommy! Daddy! Where are you?”

Dhruva tried to comfort her. “I know you’re scared and missing them. My father always says that crying doesn’t help, but trying does. So be strong and calm, and we’ll try to solve this together. I’m sure they’re looking for you too.”

He handed her his handkerchief. “Here, wipe your tears. You’re a brave girl, and I’m sure your parents will come back. My father will help you too.”

The girl took the handkerchief and said, “Thank you. Are you really going to help me?”

Dhruva reassured her, “Of course I will. But how did you end up here in the KK Garden? Didn’t you get lost at the fair?”

She explained, “I remembered the path we took. I found the KK Garden and used some coins to buy a ticket. They asked where my parents were, and I said they’d be here soon. But when a guard came and asked again, I lied, saying they were buying candy. I hid in the bushes, hoping they would come back, but they didn’t.”

Dhruva admired her courage. “You’re not only strong but smart too. So, after all that, you met me?”

The girl nodded. “Yes. And I have a question for you.”

“Sure, ask away,” Dhruva replied.

She asked, “You said your father can help me, but where is he?”

Dhruva explained, “He’s outside talking with my uncle, but he’ll be back in about 20 minutes.”

The girl’s eyes widened. “Your uncle is here too?”

“Yes,” Dhruva said, “but he’ll leave after the discussion. My father will return soon.”

“Got it,” she said.

Dhruva offered, “While we wait, let’s play something to take your mind off things. What do you think?”

She hesitated, “I’m still worried.”

Dhruva encouraged her, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Let’s enjoy these 20 minutes and refresh your mind.”

The girl agreed, “Okay.”

Dhruva extended his hand. “We didn’t introduce ourselves. I’m Dhruva, five years old, in class 1. What about you?”

The girl smiled. “I’m Venisha, also five years old and in class 1.”

Dhruva was delighted. “Wow, we’re the same age and in the same class! Nice to meet you, Venisha.”

“Nice to meet you too, Dhruva,” she replied with a small smile.

“So, what should we play first?” Dhruva asked.

Venisha pointed to the big slide. “The big slide!”

“Great choice!” Dhruva said with a grin. He extended his hand. “Let’s go then.”

Venisha took his hand, and together they climbed the slide and had a blast. They also rode a wooden horse and played on the seesaw. As they were enjoying themselves, Dhruva saw his father entering the park. He ran toward him, with Venisha following close behind.

“Father!” Dhruva shouted as he approached his dad.

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