The Little Rabbit

Five-year-old Bhavit went on a picnic with his mom, dad, and sister, Dipti.

- Vandana Gupta

They brought food and juice with them and drove in their car to the edge of a lake just outside the city.

Bhavit loved spending Sundays surrounded by trees. Today, he saw many new things that he had never seen in the city, like so many butterflies and squirrels together and the peaceful lake.

Bhavit's mother and sister spread a mat under a tree and placed everything they brought on it.

Suddenly, Bhavit's eyes widened when he saw a rabbit, and he shouted with joy, "Look, Mom, a rabbit!" When Bhavit ran after the rabbit, he got scared and ran into a hole a little distance away.

Bhavit tried to peep inside.

Just then, his sister came over and asked, "What are you doing here, Bhavit?"

"Didi, that rabbit went into this hole," said Bhavit.

"This must be his burrow, and he must be living in it," his sister said.

Until now, Bhavit had only heard about burrows in stories, but seeing one in reality, he jumped with joy and peeped into it.

"Sshhh Bhavit! We did not come here to disturb the animals. I have read that rabbits have a weak heart and can easily get scared," his sister shushed him.

"But I want a rabbit! I want to take him home," Bhavit insisted.

His mother then explained, "Beta, rabbits are delicate creatures, and it is not right to keep them at home. Look, I have brought so many things you like to eatsandwiches, samosas, pastries—let's enjoy our picnic!" 

Bhavit got busy eating and playing and forgot about the rabbit.

They played hide and seek, antakshari and frisbee, and ate to their hearts' content.

Dipti chased Bhavit around the trees, and their giggles made Mom and Dad smile.

The also enjoyed watching the sunset at the lake.

"We should leave before it gets too dark," Dad said.

They quickly put everything back in the car and drove back home.