Today, is a wonderful morning. The sun is rising and the birds are chirping. But I heard something strange. “Kohoo. kohukoo…” crowed the cuckoo. It is that time of the year. The Sinhala and Hindu New Year festival is coming closer. I am so excited because I am going to get so many treats and gifts from my family. I heard amma telling akka to remind her to buy a new blanket for me when they do New Year shopping.
The cuckoo
“Kohoo. kuhoo.” The cuckoo sang his song again.
“Hello bird. I am Sweetie. What can I call you?” I was happy to see a new friend. “I am Luna – the happy cuckoo.”
“So, where were you all this time?” I was wondering about his song missing for some months.
“I took a vacation. The sun reminded me that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is in April and that it is my duty to announce it ” Luna said. Suddenly, his face turned sad.. “But Sweetie, it is an announcement to all the dogs too. You should start looking for a hiding place. Firecrackers are out in the market” Luna recalled the last year.
The cuckoo sang the New Year song once more and flew away.
Erabudu flowers
I saw the red erabudu flower buds. Yes. It’s Avurudu time.
“Hello Erythrina” I greeted the erabudu tree. She beamed. “Hello Sweetie. Look at the mango tree. It has new little flowers too” Erythrina said. I was so happy. I love to eat mango.
Day by day Avurudu was getting closer. Amma started cleaning the house. She asked me to be a good boy and not to mess up the clean house. I promised her. She asked akka to be a good girl and help her to make sweetmeats. Akka said “yes”.
Firecrackers
“Dhaan. dhaan. dhoom.” Akka came running to me. She hugged me and closed my ears and pressed my earlobes tightly. I was slightly relieved. “Come Sweetie. It’s the New Year holidays. I can play with you now.” Akka has got a new dress and she is happy about Avurudu.
* know! My face looks sad. “No, akka. I can’t come outside. I am afraid of firecrackers”
* started singing my sad song.
*love the fragrance of new paint on the walls,
*am waiting to eat sweet mangoes.
My akka is at home we can play
But I’m scared of crackers. They hurt my ears.
As I sang the first verse, there was another blast of firecrackers. I was frightened and ran away. I couldn’t find a hide-out. I went under the bed and closed my eyes with both my hands. I put my legs and hands up. I couldn’t bear the pain.
Mama-mouse
“Don’t worry Sweetie.” I heard a voice. Oh! It’s the mama-mouse. “You are not going to chase after me today, right?” mama-mouse said. “My little babies are there,” said the mama-mouse. “Promise me that you won’t hurt my babies. I will let you stay here till the firecrackers are over” I liked mama-mouse’s suggestion. “Otherwise!” mama-mouse frowned at me. “I will bite your earlobes,” she said.
* agreed to do as mama-mouse asked.
Akka pleaded with me to join their Avurudu rituals. I refused. But I licked akka’s hand and convinced her that I love her. But I decided not to go out. I was so sad. I couldn’t play with akka for a few days. She knew that I was afraid of crackers. So, she didn’t disturb me.
A week later, everyone seemed to have forgotten about Avurudu. They started going to office. And they ran short of money to buy crackers. I was so happy. I decided to come out from my hiding place.. I said “Goodbye” to mama-mouse.
Now! It’s time for me to say “Wish you a Happy New Year” to all my friends.
Remember!! We, dogs get hurt a lot because of your happiness.
Story and Illustrations by:
Pahanma Liyanage
Grade 5 D
Lyceum International School, Nugegoda.