Lost in the Forest

Piyush heaved a sigh of relief as soon as the half-yearly exams were over.

- Dr K Rani

He said, "Dad, you promised that we will go out after my exams are over." 

"I remember, son. Next week, I have two days off. We'll go somewhere for sure."

"Dad, I don't want to roam around but have a picnic by the river. We will spend a few hours and then come back." 

"Do you want to call your friends, too?" asked Dad.

"Yes, will you please talk to Mayank's and Rishi's fathers? I am sure they'll join us."

"I will! Ask your sister, Payal to also call her friends," said Dad.

"Yes. I'm already excited. We are going to have a good time." Dad immediately spoke to Mayank's and Rishi's fathers, who agreed to join them for the picnic. Altogether, 12 people agreed to come along. They chose a secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city and also planned to cook there.

Piyush, Rishi, and Mayank also made all the preparations for the picnic to have fun for the whole day.

They carried plenty of games to play with. On the day of the picnic, they set out with a variety of foods. They were filled with joy when they reached the riverbank. There was a river on one side and a forest on the other, with sand in the middle. They spread a carpet and set up a tent for their belongings.

Since they were a big group, they knew that no animal would approach them. To ensure their safety, they brought a couple of sticks with them. Everyone did their own thing and had fun.

Devesh, Piyush's dad, said, "Let's prepare something to eat!"

He gathered some stones at a distance and lit the stove after collecting wood from nearby. The adults started preparing food. Amar, Rishi's dad, started making sandcastles. Everyone enjoyed the cool air by the river, which was full of aquatic creatures.