Tikkipala Read Online Free PDF Page B

stomachs rumbling because Daisy had got the picnic, not knowing where they were, in a world entirely devoid of other people. She began to hum a song that Daisy had taught her, ‘Tea for two and two for tea. Me for you and you for me. Nobody near us to see us or hear us…’ Paul joined in, and they continued as a duet ‘No friends or relations on weekend vacations…’ and came to an end, both laughing.
    â€˜What do you think we should do?’ said Paul at last.
    â€˜I think we had better go back,’ Sangita said. ‘We’ll never find Daisy now. We must have gone in completely the wrong direction.’
    â€˜It’s a shame but I think you are right,’ said Paul and began reversing to turn on the narrow road till he was facing in the direction from which they had come. Sangita wished they were not going back and felt sad that they would not be picnicking with Daisy and George after all, but she was determined to get every bit of enjoyment out of this return journey that she possibly could. After half an hour they came to a cross roads.
    â€˜Can you remember which way we came?’ asked Paul.
    Sangita shook her head. ‘But there’s a sign post there.’
    Paul got out, went over and pulling back the bushes that had nearly obscured it, began hunting for the word, ‘Bidwar’ on the battered tin. ‘It’s too rusty,’ he called at last. ‘I can’t read it.’
    Sangita followed him and together they tried to make out the letters. It was impossible. They tried to rub the rust away, but when the flakes came off, letters came off too.
    â€˜It’s no good,’ said Sangita.
    â€˜I think we came along that road,’ said Paul.
    â€˜I’m sure it was that one,’ said Sangita. She started to feel worried.
    The two of them searched in the dust trying to identify the marks of their car, but the wind had been blowing, the dust was deep and fine and there was nothing that they could be sure of.
    â€˜This is it.’ ‘No, I’m sure it’s this.’
    â€˜Have you got the time?’ Sangita asked after a while.
    â€˜Two,’ said Paul. ‘Don’t worry, Sangita. We’ve got hours before you need be back.’
    â€˜Promise you won’t ever tell anyone that we have been alone together like this.’
    He stared at her, laughing. ‘Darling girl, will people really mind?’
    The word ‘darling’ brushed her heart as though it had been stroked by a feather and sent a little shiver of pleasure through her.
    Paul was gazing from one horizon to another, shading his eyes from the blaze of sunlight. ‘I think I saw something. There. Over there. Could that be Daisy?’ The two peered into the shimmering dazzle.
    â€˜It looks like it.’
    â€˜This way then. Come on, Sangita.’
    They got back into the car and set off again.
    An hour later they had still not found Daisy. The car needed more petrol. Paul opened the boot, took out the last can and looked anxious. ‘Do you think there’s a petrol garage anywhere around.’
    Far away they could see a little field being ploughed with a pair of oxen.
    A sharp chill of terror struck Sangita heart.
    The memory made her wince then quickly smile so that the little boy would not be worried.
    â€˜And are there any nice animals up there in the high jungle?’ she asked him. ‘Or is there only that white faced one that eats children?’
    â€˜There’s the monkeys with hats on,’ he told her joyfully, then added, ‘Papa is going to buy me a pony of my very own. To ride up here. It’s coming tomorrow.’
    â€˜Is he? He never told me. Do you know how to ride?’ She felt sad because she had missed so much.
    â€˜Mama,’ he cried, shocked. ‘I started riding ages ago. I can’t even remember learning it.’
    â€˜Come, sit on my knee and tell me about it.’
    â€˜I’m too