Petals

Short Story by Prasanth Pazhayidom

Pradeesh’s father had a small eatery in Ernakulam. Pradeesh, his sister, his mother, and his father lived together in a small shed behind the eatery.

Their neighbour Thresya aunty’s son, Ebin, was Pradeesh’s close friend. Both of them studied at the same Anganavadi (pre-school). After returning home from the Anganavadi, they spent time together playing and laughing, growing up as good friends.

One day, the annual festival was held at the nearby church. Pradeesh’s father’s shop became crowded. His father and mother were busy preparing food for the visitors.

As usual, Pradeesh went to Ebin’s house to play. But Ebin and his family were busy getting ready to go to the church.

“Will you also come to see the festival?”

Ebin’s mother asked Pradeesh affectionately.

“Then go and tell your father and mother, and come wearing good clothes.”

Without any delay, Pradeesh ran to his father’s shop and asked his mother for permission.

At that moment, a man who was eating food in the shop asked:
“Aren’t Christians the ones who go to church? Aren’t you a Hindu? Why are you going?”

Not understanding anything, Pradeesh looked at his mother’s face.

His mother said lovingly:
“Don’t listen to all that, my son. Go happily with your friend to the festival and come back.”

Wearing new clothes, Pradeesh went to the church with Ebin.

Colourful lights, chenda drum performances, fireworks—the church festival was filled with beautiful sights. Holding balloons and toys in their hands, they returned happily.

But in Pradeesh’s mind, the words of that man from the shop kept echoing.

At night, when it was time to sleep, he asked his mother:
“Mother, why did that man say that?
What is Hindu? What is Christian?”

His mother explained about religions in a simple way.

Even then, Pradeesh’s tender mind became more troubled.
He could not bear the thought of a wall coming up between him and his friend.
As days passed, and as he heard more about religion, it felt as though divisions and distances were increasing.

His playfulness and laughter slowly decreased.

Not seeing Pradeesh for a few days, Thresya aunty asked Pradeesh’s mother about it.
Pradeesh’s mother said that for the past few days, his playfulness and laughter had reduced.

Ebin’s mother and Pradeesh’s mother came near Pradeesh.

Thresya aunty asked affectionately:
“Pradeesh dear, why aren’t you coming to play these days?
Ebin keeps asking about you all the time.”

Pradeesh stood silently. Then he slowly said:
“That day, the man who was eating food said…
I am a Hindu and Ebin is a Christian.
So I cannot go to the church festival.
But I am not a Hindu… I am Pradeesh.
Ebin is not a Christian… he is my friend.“

Hearing this, Pradeesh’s mother and Thresya aunty looked at each other and smiled.
They took Pradeesh to the garden outside.

Showing him the beautiful flowers there, they said:

“Look, Pradeesh…
These flowers have different colours, fragrances, and shapes.
But only when they all stand together in the garden does their true beauty appear.
We are the same. The friendship between you and your friend is the greatest thing.
It has no boundaries of religion or caste.
All religions teach us to live happily.

“You and Ebin are our dear children.
You should always live happily as good friends.”

With a small smile, Pradeesh ran towards his friend.