Bhunte: The baby elephant

Like every year,  this year, too, Bhunte could smell some aromatic fragrances and fruits across the forest. Villagers were busy bringing in the Lord of prosperity, wealth, wisdom, and happiness- Ganesha- an elephant-headed God to their homes. They have that huge faith in Him! Like always, Bhunte was left astonished. He barely could dare to step out of his abode. He heard from his distant relatives that many of Bhunte’s relatives lost their lives while crossing the concrete floors- some of them were poisoned, shot dead, electrocuted and hit by the speeding vehicles-trains. Bhunte gently pushed a branch away through his trunk and peeped out, hiding himself in between the bush. Curious Mina, a warbler, hovered over him. He saw the idol. Mute and charismatic. He then remembered one of his sisters who lost her life under the wheels of a heavy truck. He could not relate both. A faith and that fate! However, he wished each of them were worshipped- their lives and spaces- respected. He felt sad. And moved away. Mina was left perplexed. She flew and followed him.