Short Stories for kids - The flying kite
A part of the city in which the old structures, though battered with time still stood tall, the streets filled with lively people, the aroma of generations old dishes wafted through the air. It was the place everyone called the old city as opposed to its counterpart with modern buildings, restaurant, and cafe filled roads, the new city.
Every festival was celebrated with much fervor; Sankranti was no different. The streets were filled with vendors selling kites, sweets, and what not. Kids were running all over the place trying to catch kites.
In the midst of it, a family was celebrating the festival with equal enthusiasm. Dad was welcoming all the relatives, mom made sure everyone had something to eat and drink, the little kiddos were busy creating chaos. Everyone was having a good time.
The oldest son of the family, Mihir, was doing a bit of everything. He was helping his mom in the kitchen, welcomed guests when his dad was busy in other conversations, kept the kiddos out of trouble all the while soaking in the Sankranti vibes.
Mihir stood on the terrace with his younger siblings setting the rules for the day.
“Do you understand?” asked Mihir. His younger siblings nodded with enthusiasm and ran towards the kites. Mihir shook his head at them and went towards the kites too.
Soon, they were all flying kites and the sky turned into a colorful mesh of kites and balloons everywhere.
After some time, Mihir noticed Aakash, his younger brother, was nowhere to be seen. He looked around a bit but still couldn’t find him. So, he asked Tanvi, the youngest sibling, if she had seen Aakash.
Tanvi fidgeted nervously and mumbled something incomprehensible.
“I don’t talk gibberish. Please talk properly” Said Mihir.
“He went out chasing after a kite.” Whispered Tanvi, “I tried to stop him but he didn’t listen.”
Mihir let out an aggravated sigh and went out to look for Aakash. After turning a few streets, he found him quarreling with some kids younger than him for the kite.
He approached them and asked, “What’s happening?”
“Bhaiya, I caught this kite but they are saying it belongs to them. They are not letting me go.” Said Aakash.
“No, bhaiya. He is lying. This kite fell on our roof and I took it down from there. He then came running and said that it’s his kite.” Said the street boys.
Aakash started fighting with them again. Mihir stopped them, looked at Aakash and asked him to tell the truth or he will tell their dad about this.
Aakash gulped and admitted that the street boys were telling the truth.
‘Mihir slapped the back of his head lightly and told him to apologize to them. He apologized. Mihir then got a few more kites from the local vendor and gave them to the street boys telling them to enjoy the festival.
Mihir brought Aakash back from the street. He didn’t say anything, just went back to flying kites and mingling with others.
After some time Aakash joined Mihir in flying kites. They both stood side by side and with no one else in the hearing distance, Aakash apologized, “I am sorry bhaiya. I shouldn’t have behaved like that.”
Mihir sighed but still didn’t say anything so Aakash, at the verge of tears, continued, “Please forgive me bhaiya. I accept my mistake.”
Mihir took a deep breath and without looking at Aakash said, “Do you see that kite flying freely in the sky?”
Confused, Aakash says, “Yes.”
“The kite is free to go anywhere in the sky. It can reach new heights. Am I right?” asked Mihir. Aakash nodded his head in affirmation.
“What is it connected to?” asked Mihir. Seeing the confused expression on Aakash’s face, he continued, “What holds the kite in the sky?”
“Saadi, maanja” replied Aakash.
“What will happen if I leave the saadi loose?” asked Mihir.
“Kite will fly at a constant pace or sometimes, it might fall too. But why are you asking me all these questions?” asked Aakash.
“Humor me. What will you do when the kite starts falling?” asked Mihir.
“I will pull on the saadi to stable the kite and make it fly higher.” Said Aakash.
“You might get a cut on your finger if you pull too hard on Manja.” Said Mihir.
“It happens sometimes. I will put a Band-Aid on it, bhaiya.” Said Aakash.
Mihir laughed, ruffling Aakash’s hair and said, “You are like a kite, Aakash, and the saadi, manja are your values, beliefs. Fly to wherever you wish to but if you are not connected to your values or beliefs, you will fall.”
They both hugged when suddenly Aakash asked, “Why didn’t you tell ma and papa about it?”
“Oh don’t worry, I will tell them. I am just waiting for everyone to leave so they can give you a proper scolding. If I tell them now, they won’t say much to you in front of everyone and might forget by evening.”
Shocked, Aakash said, “What? You are so mean!”
“That’s what big brothers are for, my little brother.” Teased Mihir walking away.
Moral of the Story:
Be free, be independent, soar new heights but always stay grounded, humble. Just like a kite, it touches the sky but stays connected to the thread. Once the thread is broken, the kite loses its momentum and falls to the ground.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THIS SHORT STORY:
Manisha Sanghi - A lively mom to a witty toddler who loves baking not only stories but also cookies and cakes
WHY SHORT STORIES FOR KIDS?
When kids listen to short stories or read short stories, they buiod a lotf empathy. They develop a value system in tandem with what the characters profess as value systems. If stories are read aloud by adults, they are great conversation builders. Conversation are one of the best ways for kids to learn new things. Our posters, maps and flashcards are some screen free way for kids to build knowledge and have conversations and interact
