the Thinker

I read a story when I was in fifth standard, about a crow-couple who were planning to build a nest and were searching for a favourable spot for setting it up. They wanted the place to be warm and cozy as Mrs. Crow (don’t mistake her for a human being, I am actually talking about birds) was expecting eggs.

After searching for some time, the crows found a place, which matched up their expectations. But on the same day, they saw a cuckoo-couple eyeing the same spot. The cuckoos had also spotted the crows. The crows grew worried as they thought that the cuckoos were also inclined upon building their nest in the same spot. In a hurry, they began building their nest and finished it quickly.

Soon, Mrs. Crow laid her eggs; there were 4 of them. The crows were very happy and started thinking of nice names for the tiny babies, which would soon hatch out of the eggs.

However, all their joys were interrupted with a sudden sense of fear and insecurity; when they saw the cuckoos sneaking near their home again; as the day of hatching of the eggs drew near. The crows wondered what were the cuckoos upto. Assuming that the cuckoos were upto some mischief, they started keeping a closer watch on their eggs.

Finally, the eggs hatched and the newcomers filled the nest with their delightful twitter. The cuckoos were not seen for some time. As time rolled by, the baby birds got feathers. But one thing puzzled the crow-couple; one of the babies had started to look very different from the rest. Unlike the ‘rich and stately black texture of crows’ (as the crow-couple felt); this one was developing strange spots on its body. The couple had started feeling worried, as they wondered whether some dreadful disease had caught hold of their child. Their anxieties grew as time passed. This child also kept mum for most of the time.

The baby birds had gradually learnt to spread their wings for their first flight. Even now the parent crows could not figure out what was wrong with this kid; until one a spring morning, they received the greatest shock of their lives. Their seemingly ‘sick’ child was singing to the tunes of spring, which are known only to cuckoos.

Things became clearer when the baby cuckoo flew to another branch, where its parents waited for it. The crows were dumbfounded to see the same old cuckoo couple, whom they had seen before.

Moral of the story-apples do not grow on bamboo trees. Confused? You guys must be wondering what am I posting on? Well, that thing about grapes and apple trees is something that my mother always tells me; whenever I express a desire to adopt a child later in life.

She means to say that an adopted child is not likely to be attached to the parents to the extent a real biological child is. I am often surprised to hear her say so. But whenever I attempt to argue her idea, I fail to defend my own ideas about the topic completely. Somewhere, it results in a failure of my faith in my own values. I feel that if provided with love, a good upbringing and education, then an adopted child loves us; or is as dear to us as a biological child.

But there are some people who contest this idea. According to them, the genes that a child inherits from its biological parents is the single most important factor, which determines a child’s attitude, nature and behaviour. Such people also believe that the amount of love, education and upbringing that such a child receives influences its tastes and values to an extent. But it cannot eclipse the natural traits and qualities that a child receives from its original parents.

Therefore, their argument concludes this way-if you adopt a child, whose biological parents (either one or both) were ill tempered, wicked, of loose morals, or worse-criminals; then there is quite a possibility that the child would follow their footsteps.

I cannot agree with such a thought completely, but I find it difficult to deny it as well. And unfortunately, the incidents that I have heard or know of with regard to this issue, tends to confirm the view opposed to the one I hold.

But then, there are certain points that I would like to make. The kind of morals and attitude a child exhibits is also determined by the kind of treatment that it receives from its foster parents. There are some cases where a childless couple goes ahead and adopts a child. Soon after that, they have their own child (miraculously). The scene changes after the arrival of the newcomer. The parents start neglecting, ignoring or worse, ill-treating the adopted child.

In my family there is a belief that when one provides a home to an orphan, it is a blessed act. It is considered to be an act of great virtue and could be followed by the arrival of a biological offspring in the house.

It is not that parents always tend to ignore or ill-treat an adopted child, after they have their own child (most of us have to be insane to a certain degree to do so). But, the general idea is that even though one does not ill-treat or ignore adopted children, after the birth of their own child; consciously or unconsciously, the balance of love and affection tilts in favour of one’s biological child.

I guess that could be one reason, which leads to enforcement of stringent adoption laws in certain countries. In some places, a single parent; especially a single man is not allowed to adopt children because of fear of abuse or other such instances.

There are several other debates in relation to this issue, pertaining to property distribution among children, adopted as well as biological. At some orphanages, parents who adopt children of a tender age (6-7 months or a year old baby) are told in advance that they should reveal to the child, his/her actual identity, when they are slightly older (say 7-10 years).

Nonetheless, it is optional. There are some people who think it wiser to disclose the truth to the child because they feel that once the child passes into his/her teens or climbs up more steps of the age-ladder; it becomes more difficult for the parents to divulge the truth.

It is also believed that at that stage, if the adopted offspring comes to know of his/her actual parentage, then it could lead to devastating consequences for the him/her, in terms of emotional and mental well being.

People, who are not quite comfortable with such a view (myself included), think that it is best if the child is never told about his/her past or the fact that he/she is an adopted child. But the trouble comes when the child learns the truth from somewhere else. Such a situation is best avoided.

Then, would it be right if a child is adopted when he/she is fully conscious emotionally? Would it be right to adopt a child, when he/she knows that people who are not his biological parents; are willing to make him/her a part of their lives? Is this likely to impact the child’s behaviour or nature in future? I do not think that anyone has a definite answer to this question as of now.

Here is the prince charming, ladies were looking for. Rich, handsome, educated and with a five-star salary. But he has some demands. Read them and see, if he's your cup of tea.

'An image of my future wife,' by the prospective groom (mentioned above):

She should have everlasting beauty
and a flawless figure;
a complexion, so fair,
as if a milky river.

Brains, she should have some;
but not more than me.
She should love me through all seasons
And praise me without reasons.

She should have a fat, paternal property;
and a heavy dowry to her credit.
If you are this girl, then get in touch;
or else, forget it.

*******************

She is the woman every man dreams about-beautiful, fair skinned; a Cinderella in every respect. But there are some requirements that she seeks in her man. So, hear her words and decide. If you fit the bill, then fill the form.

According to her list...

For him, being handsome is must.
If he fails on that ground;
Then for that, a fat bank balance should adjust.

He should always listen, and never speak over me.
If he succeeds in this department,
then a perfect husband, he would be.

He should consider me his goddess,
and shower me with gifts;
with more dedication everyday, and not less.

If you have all these qualities in you,
then don't delay, come soon;
for I have other suitors, waiting in a queue.

The elderly lady looked at Rain in a strict, grandmotherly manner and said,"Where had been so long, young lady?" I looked at Rain; she swallowed a gulp as aunt Nebula's piercing glance waited for an answer.

"Err..I, I had gone to see my friend, aunt..aunt Nebula," trembled Rain.

"Which friend of yours is this one?" Aunt Nebula's glance narrowed down on Rain.

"Err..my friend, aunt, here she is," Rain pointed at me. "She lives at the galaxy near Jupiter, aunt. She was longing to see the our fairy carnival, so I thought I would bring her along..," Rain continued.
For the first time, she noticed me. All this while, she was busy interrogating Rain. Her gaze transformed from an angry to a curious one, as she observed me. I wonder whether I had imagined it, but I felt that there was a certain amount of softness in her glance, which she cast at me.

"What is your name, child?" she asked me.

"I, err..I..," I had forgotten the name we had decided on.

"Her name's Bloom, aunt," said Rain.

"Bloom, yes, I remember now," I blurted out and then, realised my mistake.

Aunt Nebula looked at me suspiciously and said,"Tis strange that you fail to remember your name, child."

"But, it's a nice name," she added with a smile on her face. She then reverted back to her previous form and asked Rain in a commanding fashion,"But where is the rest of the gang? Where are Ben, Marble, Sunshine and Crimson?"

Rain had a dumbfounded look on her face. Though she might have expected aunt Nebula to ask this question at some point, she had not anticipated this bouncer so soon. She scratched her head nervously.

"Well, er...they said they would see go straight to the carnival and we will meet up there," replied Rain nervously.

"Well, then they better be there. Now get dressed for the carnival, we are late," said aunt. She then turned at me,"I wish you had been here some other time, child. I could have prepared honey and almond cookies for you. But I still have some bit of that blue berry syrup left; the one I had made during Christmas. Would you like a sip?" she asked in the gentlest tone I had ever heard.

"I would love to have it, aunt Nebula," I replied.

It was the best drink I had ever tasted in my life. It was not completely sweet, but slightly sour and tangy. A sudden sense of happiness overcame me as the liquid went down my throat.

After the drink, we all were ready to go to the carnival. I was really looking forward to this moment. I started believing in magic and transformed into a sprite, just to see this fairy carnival of Neverland. We walked through the forest again. I presumed that the carnival was being held somewhere in the center of the forest. Anyways, after nearly a 10-minute stroll, we arrived at the spot.

I had never witnessed a place that was more colourful and beautiful. Perhaps, it will not be sufficient if I try to describe the place in words. But still, even I attempt to do so; there are only three words that came to my mind at that point-fascinating, enchanting and magical!

There was this huge enclosed area where bright, colourful tents had been set up. If any of you are trying to imagine circus tents, then I will say that these tents did look like them to an extent. From outside they appeared so small that I almost felt that only one person might be able to enter in it at a time.

However, my imagination was befuddled, when I entered those tents. They were far larger than what they appeared from outside. These were the stalls where 'fairy-things' were put up for display.
While aunt Nebula stopped to chat with some of her friends, Rain caught my hand and dragged me along, showing me all the things that were up for display.

"Its better to keep away from aunt right now; or she might start asking about Ben and the others again," said Rain as we hurried our way through the crowd.

And here, I cannot help mentioning the crowd that was present at the carnival. It was the most lively, cheerful and unusual crowd that I had ever seen. There were all fairytale creatures. Elves, fairies, sprites, wizards, witches, giants (not of my kind), princes and princesses, satyrs, fauns, dryads and all other kinds. I cannot help admitting that some of the guys (whom Rain called Princes Charming) were really striking to look at. Now that I think of that event, I often wish that there were men on earth who looked half as good as them.

Anyways, men were not the only beings, who drew my attention in the carnival. There were lots of interesting things put up for display. One of the stalls had a bright coloured board on top of it with the following caption-'Classic saviours to damsels in distress.'

I was really interested in knowing what was up for display in there. As I went inside, I saw different sections of certain objects, which were not even remotely connected to each other. At first, I wondered whether this was a departmental store. I moved towards one section where a lot of shoes were showcased.

However, there was something very funny about these shoes. These were ladies' shoes and were transparent (as if made from glass). But, the most unusual thing that I noticed about these shoes was the fact that all of these were for the left foot, i.e, they did not have an accompanying shoe for the right foot. They were not in a pair.

"Yes, ma'm. Would you like one for your left foot?" I turned around saw an elderly dwarf (I suppose), standing behind me with a smile on his face.

"I..I was just wondering...are not all these shoes only for one's left foot?" I asked, curious.

"Yes ma'm, that's what they are meant to be," the dwarf replied. Meanwhile, Rain, who was surfing through the other sections till now, came back and stood on my side.

"What miss, are you buying Cinderella shoes?" Asked Rain.

"Cinderella shoes?" I asked, astonished.

The dwarf, who saw the look on my face, looked at Rain, and then back at me suspiciously.

"It seems, ma'm is not really accustomed to the fairy carnival, though she looks like one of the fairies?" said the dwarf.

"Err..she is not from Neverland. She has come from another galaxy, the one near Jupiter, to see this carnival," said Rain as she pulled me to a vacant corner.

"Miss, you should not be asking such questions openly," said Rain.

"What questions?" I asked, perplexed.

"See, people here think of you as a fairy and they think you would be knowing all about the great fairy carnival of Neverland. So you should not give them the impression that you do not know about these things; or they might get suspicious," Rain explained.

"Oh, alright. But Rain, why have they put up shoes for only one's left foot?" I asked.

"Miss, we are celebrating the greatest of fairy tales today. That's why these things are put up in stalls. Those are Cinderella shoes. Have you read Cinderella's tale?" asked Rain.

"Why, yes, that was years ago," I answered.

"Well then, don't you remember the glass shoes in Cinderella's story? She left the shoe on her left foot behind, in the castle, when the clock struck twelve. Later, when the Prince’s soldiers bring the shoe to her house; it fits no one in the house, but only Cinderella. And then she gets married to the prince," said Rain.

"Yes, I know," I said.

"That's why all those shoes are there and they are only for one's left foot. If any damsel wishes to reach out to her Prince charming, she can get one of them and keep them," said Rain.

I was really amazed. Never heard of such a strange custom before. But things got stranger as we checked the other sections. One section was full of green apple pieces. Rain told me that they were the one's that fell out of SnowWhite's mouth, when the seven dwarves were about to bury her, thinking that she is dead. Rain told me that those pieces are supposed to possess healing qualities.

There were other sections that showcased long braids of smooth and beautiful golden hair, large green kidney beans and spindles. Someone with a slight bit of fairy tale knowledge would know that these are reminiscent of Rapunzel, Jack and the Bean Stalk and The Sleeping Beauty.

There was an Arabian section, which showcased things like Alladin's lamp, miniature ships and oil barrels. The ships and oil barrels were reminders of Sinbad, The Sailor and Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. There were loads of other things in that section, related to stories that I did not know of.

There was one stall, which was in memory of the most notorious villains of fairy stories. In there, there were sections that showcased talking mirrors (that belonged to SnowWhite's evil step mother), mini ice castles (reminders of The Snow Queen); and at one small corner, there were sharp and pointed hooks that were molded in the shape of a question mark.

I picked up a hook, when a gruff and coarse voice startled me. It said,"Yes dear, care to take one?"

I looked at the person who asked me the question. He was wearing a strange hat, had a tiny black cloth over his left eye; his moustache was narrow and pointed and looked like two swords stuck in an opposite direction to one another. One of his arms did not have a palm or fingers. In their place, there was a cold, steely and rigid hook, and it was similar to the ones kept for display. In a strange way, he appeared familiar.

"Excuse me sir, but may I know your name please?" I asked, hesitantly.

The man muttered something with contempt under his breath. He gave me a murderous look and was about to say something, when Rain pulled me to a side.

"Phew! That was close. What were you doing, miss? Don't you know him?" asked Rain, looking slightly agitated.

"No, that's why I asked him his name," I replied.

"That's Captain Hook, one of the greatest villains of yesteryears. Ever since Peter Pan took his case and defeated him, he went into a hiding. It is believed that he was hiding deep into the forests for years," said Rain.

"When they called him for the carnival this year, he was not at all willing. I guess that when they told him that they will be showcasing some of the most feared and famous villains of fairy tales, he agreed to come with his hooks," added Rain.

"But why was he so angry when I asked him his name?" I asked, still puzzled.

"He did not like it that he is not known to someone. You know miss, villains, who are of great repute, need no introduction. But since you asked him his name, it showed that you had not heard of him; or in other words, you did not fear him. That is why he looked so cross, do you understand?" said Rain.

"Hmmm, got it," I replied.

We then strolled to other stalls. I was amazed to see that there were separate and impressive stalls, set up for Harry Potter, Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.

"Whether earth or Neverland, these people are popular every where," I thought.

However, I would be wrong if I say that only the kinds of Harry Potter were drawing all the attention. I am saying this because there were stalls that showcased the fairy legends produced during the medieval and Elizabethan era.

One stall was named-Shakespearian Enchantment. There, beautiful paintings, which exhibited the sprightly acts of Puck and Ariel, in the Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest, were put up for display. In the same stall, there was another section, where darker forms of wizardry and magic were showcased. They had put up boiling cauldrons and strange creatures like toads, dead lizards etc, to create a supernatural atmosphere. These were obvious references to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Hamlet.

Stalls representing a certain country's mythology and 'fairy-worthiness' (as Rain called it) were also set up. We visited the Greek mythology stall, where an entire array of beautiful wax figures, was set up for display. These appeared to be figures of Greek Gods. There were figures of other magical and supernatural creatures from Greek legends and lore. I was really impressed with all of it and wondered whether there was a stall in the carnival, which showcased Indian fairy-tales and legends. Unfortunately, I could not see one.

There was one stall, which was dedicated exclusively to fairy creatures and animals. There was a section full of long gumboots in there. It reminded me of Puss In Boots. Then, there were little white mice (from Cinderella's tale), dragon scales and horses with wings. I looked at the statue of a beautiful white horse with wings, with awe.

"That's Pegasus, miss," Rain whispered in my ears.

Then, there was the beast from Beauty and the Beast. At one corner, the three little pigs were engrossed in their conversation. And behind them, the evil black wolf was casting shrewd glances at them.

There were separate stalls for fairies and fairy godmothers. They were of all types; including the one who had helped Cinderella and the one, who had cursed the sleeping beauty.

I was really enjoying my visit. Suddenly, there was a loud noise out side, as if someone had blown a horn. Rain and I rushed out to see what was happening. A huge crowd had gathered around a circular podium. Over the podium, hung magical lanterns, illuminating it with different colours. I call them magical because they were hanging in the air, without a string or any support, all on their own.
Everyone was curious about the set up, and were chattering among themselves, trying to find out what was about to happen. After a few seconds, the curtains of the podium were drawn and a little young sprite came out, with three other sprites.

"That's Ben and my cousins," cried Rain, delighted. Before Rain could say more, a voice started to speak,"My dear and merry folks of Neverland, it is great to see all of us gathered here, on this stupendous fairy carnival night. Every year, we get to see a lot of new entries in this carnival, from other fairylands. Methinks, it was time for thanking all of them for coming and sharing their fairy-skills with us, the mirthful folks of Neverland." It was Ben, who was speaking. He was effective enough, as the entire crowd applauded his speech with loud cheers and claps.

He continued,"So, here we are, me and my brothers and sisters, ready with some nice little pieces for all of you. Hope you all shall sing and dance with us as well."

This time, the crowed screamed more loudly than before. Everyone was waiting for the show to begin.

Ben and his cousins began singing as the magical orchestra tuned in, on its own. But to my surprise, when I heard the song that Ben was singing, I broke into fits of laughter.

Rain, who was enjoying the show till now, paused for a moment and looked at me, bewildered.

"What's the matter, miss? What's so comic?" She asked.

I tried to control my laughter somehow and answered, "I..I am sorry Rain. I did not mean to laugh, but couldn't help it. That..that song Ben is singing; I have heard it many times before. It is from a Spice Girls' album, is it not?" I asked, still giggling.

Rain appeared slightly embarrassed now. She said, "Well yes, our trips to your world were not all in vain, you see," she admitted bashfully.

"Its alright Rain. I am laughing because I expected something original," I said.

Ben and his troupe went on singing English hits, one after another; and everyone was having a jolly good time.

Suddenly, there was loud noise that shook my senses. It sounded like some bell or something to that effect. I fell on the ground and Rain rushed to hold me.

"What's the matter, miss? Wake up," she said. "Wake up," I heard her say again.

I opened my eyes slowly to see my mother bending over me and shoving me."Its half past eight, wake up," she said. I woke up lazily. The alarm was still ringing. The wretched thing had transferred me back to my same old, boring world.

"Go, brush your teeth and have a bath. I will be serving breakfast in half an hour," my mom said, as she walked out of the room with the dirty laundry. I sat up on my bed and looked at the alarm clock. It was almost 8:35 AM.

I was still dazed at the events I had experienced last night. "Was it a dream or...," I thought.

I looked out of my window, up at the sky. The scorching sun shone with all its brilliance in the cloudless sky. There was no sign of a single cloud or rain. For a minute, I felt despondent, as if I have lost something precious. But suddenly, a silly thought came over me.

Standing in front of the window, I spread my arms, closed my eyes and uttered the magical words in a spirited manner,"Off to Neverland."