A little note before we begin:
This happens to be the 200th post on The Soulful Nib. When I started writing 10 years ago, I never imagined I would get to this number. What began as “just another passing hobby” turned out to become one of my strongest identities.
My thoughts, perspectives, ideas and writing style have evolved over the years. I’ve also had this mental block that I could never write fiction. And yet, here I am, having completed one fictional series and writing yet another.
Here’s to a lot more stories ahead.
Every evening, at 5:30 pm, a red blur whizzed past the expanse of Misty Meadows.
The red blur was seven-year-old Tara, on her prized possession, a red bicycle her parents had gifted her on her birthday the previous year.
The residents of Misty Meadows often joked that Tara and her bicycle were inseparable.
She had established her own route, and the people anticipated her racing past every evening.
The grocery store owner ensured he moved the milk crates away from her path. The gatekeeper eagerly awaited her arrival and waved enthusiastically at her as she cycled away.
The children at the playground shouted her name.
“Tara! When will you let us ride your bicycle?”
“Someday soon”, she said, even though she knew she would never let anybody else sit on it.
At times, Mrs Desai complained about the noise she made.
But Tara paid no heed. She deliberately rode over the cobblestoned path and loved the “tak tak tak” sound that the wheels made as they rolled over the uneven surface.
Through all this, Tara’s mother sat on the green wooden bench, watching her daughter affectionately.
Tara had a burning passion.
She wanted to become an astronaut when she grew up.
Initially, her parents had brushed it aside, having heard her change her ambitions almost every other day.
But the more they observed, the more they realised how much Tara loved space.
She knew the names of the planets by heart. She often slept on the terrace, gazing at the stars. She knew more about constellations than most adults did.
Tara’s mother knew she was capable of being one.
Misty Meadows had always been a safe little world for Tara. The residents encouraged her dreams, however big they sounded. For her birthday, they had even gifted her a little space toy set.
Her mother often wondered if the world outside would be as kind.
Would she have the confidence to keep working towards her goal?
Would she find people who would encourage and support her?
Would she be able to handle failure?
Would she be safe?
Oblivious to her mother’s worries, Tara remained unfazed.
Her wide eyes reflect her larger-than-life goals and the passion she had for them.
Misty Meadows has unknowingly given her the means to dream.
She has the space to run, to observe, to explore.
The little community never made her feel like she had to stay within its imaginary boundaries.
She often told her mother, “Amma, when I become an astronaut, I will take you to space and show you all the planets.”
Her mother would laugh, “Yes, I will come with you, Taru.”
“Are you afraid?” Tara once asked.
“How can I be afraid when my daughter is going to take me to see the entire universe?”
Tara giggled and wrapped her tiny arms around her Amma.
Her mother placed a kiss on her forehead and thought, “You are my entire universe, and I wish you would achieve all your dreams and a lot more.”
Every evening, Tara saw the stars above her as she sped past on her bicycle.
Her mother saw all the things that stood between her and them.
But for now, neither said anything.
Because sometimes, for a dream to inch closer towards reality, all it takes is a red bicycle, a big sky, and a little community willing to give it wings.
More stories from the little community:
People of Misty Meadows #1: The Woman with the Book
People of Misty Meadows #2: The Young Couple with the Laptop
Before you go…
If you’re looking for your next read, don’t forget to visit Books I Love, where I’ve gathered some of my favourite books and why they mean so much to me.
You can also find me on Instagram at @thesoulfulnib, where I share books, blog updates, and little moments from everyday life.
Until next time,
The Soulful Nib
The Soulful Nib 