Yes it's A Myth...

I could see the smoke from my school as it was at the topmost part of the city. Teachers were whispering, trotting here and there wearily. Something has happened. But what?? We innocent children were completely unaware.

They were calling at our homes, so that our parents could come and take us homes.

"Shubhi, tell me your phone number..." Teacher asked me.

"Ma'am, I don't have phone at my home.." I spoke awkwardly.

"Then ???How can we inform your parents???"

I became sad. Suddenly, I saw my friend's father. So, I said to my teacher, "Ma'am, Farah's father has come. They live close to our place. Can I go with them???"

My teacher's face got pale...She looked at the other teacher mysteriously.

In the meanwhile, I exchanged glances with Farah and her father. They also approached us. As he comes closer, he asked, "What happened? You look worried... Your parents have not come yet.."

I nodded and said unhappily, "No.. and we don't have phone... So.. ....."

"Oh...Don't worry come I will drop you...."

My teacher intervene, "it's ok Mr. Siddiqui...We will arrange someone to send her home. You can leave this matter to us."

"You don't trust me ma'am??? Because of my surname...."

"Oh no.... Mister...But people will not trust your intentions. As city is burning in the flame of communal riots...." She spoke hesitantly.

"Don't worry ma'am.... I will drop her safely." He hold Farah and me and left. He dropped me at my home safely and chatted with my father for few minutes.

After, he left, I asked my father, " papa, what's the meaning of communal riots???"

"Nothing, it's just a myth..."

As I grew up... My belief on my father becomes stronger....

"Yes it's a Myth."

Shubhngani Sharma