CARVED IN STONE

This is just one of the numerous memories, of every flavour, associated with that tree.
It was, rather is, a huge bablool tree with its branches spreading in all possible directions. And its old, you can tell that by seeing it.

In those days, there were stone slabs arranged around its base in the shape of a big rectangular seating area. I was playing around this place with my classmates(this was in my school), oh what other care did I have then.

I must have been around 7 years old....certainly not 8.

We were into one of those kiddish games, one laughs at after they have grown up. In the frenzied activity, of a whole bunch us, I somewhere lost my balance and struck my forehead against one of the stone slabs.

And for a split second the hyperactivity stopped.

I felt heat coming to the center of my forehead, but oh hell- who had the time to stop and think about it. The game I was into was a lot more important at that point of time.

So I just stood up straight in a moment, and brushed off my forehead with the back of my hand.
"Alright, lets get back to the game.", and I was ready to play again.

But one of my playmates screamed, and then they all pointed out that blood was streaming down my forehead. Next thing, a teacher was called for, I was taken to the hospital and the rest of the painful procedure of putting a couple of stitches followed.

But even today when I look back, I am nothing but proud of my conduct that day.
And I havent grown up much either. Till date, every time I fall,the only instinct that comes naturally to me - is to get up, brush off the dust and walk on.
Bruises and wounds take care of themselves along the way.

I still carry the scar of that wound. Though I dont ever call it a scar. It's a mark, to remind me, every time I hit the stone, to waive it off and move on.

P.S. the lesson was carved in stone, and it left it's imprint on my mind and soul."