Ramu and the Pigeon - A Short Story

The rhythmic fall of raindrops in the evening on the tiles of the house was the only companion of nine years old Ramu while he stared outside from the window.
The school had declared holiday due to heavy rain. As he had nothing much to do and could not play with his friends he watched the drops fall one by one.
Suddenly a pigeon drenched in water made to his window. Pigeons beautiful eyes looked at him with sadness which Ramu felt in his heart,
He went near it but it did not try to fly away. Pigeon just flapped its wings a little and stood still.
Then Ramu noticed drops of blood in one of its wings.
Ramu understood its plight. The wounded bird has given up hope. It had found the last shelter under the window of Ramu as it could not fly anymore.
It was not able to soar in sky and Ramu could not play. Thus the providence by rain had brought them together.
Ramu decided to protect the bird and brought some grains from the kitchen and placed it near the window.
The hungry bird feasted on it disregarding its safety.
Ramu slowly put a hand near its wings but the pigeon did not move. So Ramu slowly petted it and tried to gain its trust.
Having its stomach filled the shivering bird found warmth in Ramu’s hands. Ramu brought some medicine and applied it on its wounds.
The innocent eyes thanked Ramu and flew off as the rain stopped.
Ramu slept that night feeling very happy and reflected on the birds life.
How free are the birds. They fly wherever they wish and eat whatever nature provides.
While Ramu had to go to school the next morning and return to his house mechanically. But if he is sick there is his family to look after him while the bird had none.
Both of their lives had pitfalls and advantages.
The next day in the school Ramu had a tough time. He was punished for not doing his homework.
Feeling depressed he spent the entire day alone.
After school while he walked back home he felt something sitting on his shoulder.
Slowly when he turned his head he could see a pigeon.
Ramu recognized it as the same bird he had helped the other day as one of its wings was healing.
With rapid movement of its head and by its own song it tried to cheer Ramu.
Gazing at it all his sorrows dissolved.
Thus the physically wounded bird in return healed the morally wounded Ramu.