Another boring summer day was on with its full glory. People working outside were drenched in sweat. But even this scorching heat couldn't stop Rajat and his friends from going outdoors.
There were many other boys in the village who were of Rajat's age. Unfortunately they considered each other as rivals. Rivalry at this age meant ignoring each other or fighting at silly matters. The girls in the village were few in comparison to the boys. The trio didn't consider themselves less than a gang. So did the other ones.
Lakshmi, the postmaster's daughter was the charm of the village.
Everyone admired her. She lived in the eastern part of the village, a little away from the bazaar.
Rajat, John and Bala occasionaly talked to her. But they were not the only ones who liked Lakshmi. In fact every other boy in the village was attracted to her.
"Look, our rivals." Bala said pointing his fingers towards the road ahead.
Four boys were coming from the opposite side of the road. Meanwhile they had also noticed this trio coming towards them.
"Where are y'all going?" Rajat enquired arrogantly.
"To meet Lakshmi. Do you have a problem?" One of them replied in an i-don't-care expression.
The things were heating up between both the groups.
"No. You cannot see her." John roared.
"Why, is she your sister?" They other group smirked.
"We all like her." The boys said innocently.
"So do we. You cannot stop us."
"Yes we can. You will have to fight me if you want to go. One-on-one." Rajat barked.
Arjun, a boy from the other group came up. Soon both the boys had each other's collars in their hands. The slap session had started follwed by kicks and punches. Meanwhile, the other five boys stood in a circle.
Both Rajat and Arjun were now on the ground. Dust all over their clothes, bodies and even the face. The fight hadn't stopped.
"Hey, isn't that Lakshmi coming this way?" Bala said surprised.
"I think that's her." A boy from the other group nodded.
Everyone paused in their spots. Even Rajat and Arjun stopped but they were still on the ground holding each other. All eyes were on her as she came closer.
"Why are you boys fighting?" Lakshmi asked, innocent of the fact that it was for her.
No one said a word.
"Okay, don't tell me if you want."
Lakshmi said, " I came here to inform you all that my father has been transferred to the city. I am leaving the village today. Goodbye boys." She waved her hand at them.
"Goodbye." All seven of them said in an echo and waved heir hands together.
"I have to go now. Hope we meet again." Lakshmi said this, smiled, turned and walked away.
A pleasant but dusty wind started blowing. The boys stood transfixed on their spots like statues. Rajat and Arjun were still on the ground holding each other, transfixed. After what seemed like eternity, they got up, cleaned the dust that had accumulated due to the fight.
Anyone seeing them in the bazaar could not tell that they were having a fight few moments ago. All seven of them were in a row, both the hands on each others' shoulders, walking merrily in a chain.
The sun had went down and the night had started showing its effect.
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