Childhood experience
I remembered that day very well.It was a Friday during the month of December.In the evening I returned from the elementary school.I removed my uniform and wore the casual dress. l was called to my mother to give tea for my father who was very busy in paddy harvesting in the fields.But my grandmother didn't allow me to go to the field.She said that I was a little boy and might be feared.I refused to hear her words, took the tea can and rushed towards the fields.The paddy fields were just two kilometres away from the home.I passed the huge lake tank and worshiped the forest god. His big eyes and mustak threatened me a lot.I saw some castor plants near the temple.The castor seeds were scattered here and there.I picked the castor seeds and filled in my pockets.The castor seeds were used for playing Mancala,a rural board game.I spent more time in collecting the castor seeds.Then I walked towards the fields.The farm labourers were busy in harvesting the paddy and my father was supervising them.On seeing me he shouted at me.And he asked me why did you come alone in the evening?.He advised me to go home immediately before the sun set.There I saw some colourful dragon flies.I tried to catch atleast one dragon fly.But I couldn't catch it.I wasted more time there.I realised my mistake and walked towards my home.Soon the sun disappeared and the darkness covered the entire area.Snow falling also began.The way was not visible for me.Everything on the way threatened me.On the way I saw a tall single palm tree.While I was walking near the palm tree,a palm fruit fell down behind me.I was shocked but I was not turn back .I was told that there was a ghost was living on the palm tree.And it made so many tricks to make us to turn back.At any cost we shouldn't turn back and see what had happened behind.I started to run.I jumped the mud banks, ridges and channels.While I was jumping I heard the sounds of anklets continuously.I also noticed some one had through stones into the water and made plops sounds at regular intervals.I stopped my running when I reached my home.I took nearly fifteen minutes to reach my home.My sister was grinding rice flour in the grinding stone.She saw me and frightened.She took a towel and removed the sweating.My dress was completely wet.Then she gave me a cup of water and asked me what had happened?.I told her about the entire incident.She consoled me and said nothing had happened.She also explained that the shadow of mine had followed like a ghost.And the castor seeds which were in the pockets made the sounds of anklets continuously.The sounds of plops were made when the castor seeds fell into the water from the pockets.She asked me to check the pockets.I found nothing in my pockets.Then she asked me to come to the Pooja room.I followed her like a little lamb.She put the holy ashes on my forehead.She also served me supper and advised me to go to bed.My elder sister not only removed my fear but also eradicated my superstition at bud.
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