An Unforgetful Trip
"Help! I am going to fall," cried Moni.
Everyone rushed. She had already fallen almost 10 feet below on to a narrow ledge and was clutching on to a flimsy clump of wild grass. There was no way that they could pull her up. They had to think of something fast. All of them looked at the steep drop to the valley below and shuddered.
Down below it was all misty and dark. They could faintly see a silver line; that must be the river.
"Idea! Let's tie our dupattas and scarves together and pull her up," said Ritu.
They had never worked this fast before. Soon a tightly knotted rope was dangling before Moni's nose. "Hold the rope tight and we will pull you up in no time. Everything is going to be alright," said Geetika in a soothing tone.
Moni was whimpering with fear.
"Now let go of the grass and grab the rope," shouted Geetika who was the strongest among all of them.
"Are you sure you will be able to pull me?" asked Moni.
"What a question! You think the nine of us can't pull one person out of this mess? Come on, grab the rope."
After what seemed like ages of coaxing and with a thousand prayers to the almighty, Moni let go of the clump of grass with one hand and caught the rope. Emboldened instantly, she brought the other hand as well to clutch the rope tighter than she had ever held anything. Her teeth were bared in concentration - and fear.
"Pull!!!!" shouted Geetika.
The others had fallen in line behind her and had been ready for the sudden pull they would experience toward the cliff. Geetika was right in front with Ritu, Pooja, Priyanka and Ayesha pulling away. The others stayed on the side to extend a helping hand to Moni.
Slowly Moni inched up and finally landed in the arms of her friends, exhausted. Moni hugged Geetika tightly and sobbed. Everyone patted on her back for her courageous effort.
"I swear I love our school uniform. I think there is no better uniform than the salwar-kameez. Had it not been for the dupattas God knows what would have happened," remarked Pooja.
Everyone laughed.
"Oooouuuuuchhhh! Now who is that?" shouted Geetika.
"It's me." said Priyanka.
"What's the matter?"
"I just touched a bichu-buti. You know that wild plant that causes itching all over the body if you touch it!"
"Oh no, not again!" The hills came alive with the groans of The Thunderbirds.
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