The night was calm and pleasant. A cool breeze drifted through the village roads as Dada and Shanaya walked side by side. The silence of nature was soothing, broken only by the sound of crickets and the gentle flow of the nearby river.
Dada was sharing stories from his childhood, and Shanaya listened quietly, enjoying both his memories and the peaceful surroundings.
"Over there," Dada said, pointing toward the riverbank, "there used to be a small tea stall. That was our katta."
Shanaya looked at him in surprise.
"You also had a katta? I thought that was only a college word."
Dada laughed.
"Of course we had a katta! We also enjoyed our college days."
Then, with a mischievous smile, he added,
"The only difference is that we enjoyed them along with our studies."
Shanaya narrowed her eyes at him.
"What do you mean, Dadu? We also study in college."
Both of them burst into laughter.
"Arey, there are some exceptions," Dada teased. "But let it be."
Then he looked at the sky.
"Come on, let's head back home. It's getting late."
They turned around and started walking back.
A little ahead, Dada noticed Karthi standing near his bike, talking on the phone while pacing slowly.
"Karthi!" Dada called out.
Karthi looked up, immediately recognized them, and put his call on hold.
"Dada!" he said with a smile as he walked over.
"It's a good day," Dada said. "We met twice today."
Karthi smiled.
"Looks like it. But what are you both doing outside at this hour?"
"Nothing to worry about," Dada replied. "Just an after-dinner walk. I was showing my bachha around my hometown."
Karthi nodded but his expression turned serious.
"That's fine, but please avoid roaming around after sunset. If you want to walk, go after sunrise."
His eyes briefly shifted toward Shanaya.
She immediately misunderstood the concern.
"What situation?" she asked. "Is there some problem if a girl is outside? It's the twenty-first century, you know—"
She stopped when Dada gently held her hand.
Karthi shook his head.
"It's not like that."
He looked at both of them.
"This has nothing to do with being a girl. The jungle begins not very far from here. A tigress has been roaming around recently, and we can't predict her movements."
Shanaya frowned.
"But animals don't attack people without reason. She's not mad."
"You're right," Karthi replied calmly. "Most wild animals avoid humans. But recently, some illegal hunting activity and gunfire have been reported in the forest. The tigress may be frightened or stressed."
He paused before continuing.
"If an animal attacks either you or Dada, it won't matter whether it's the twenty-first century or any other century. The danger remains the same."
His voice softened.
"And sometimes, one avoidable incident is enough for people to demand that the animal be killed. That's unfair for everyone involved."
Shanaya thought about his words for a moment.
Then she nodded.
"That makes sense."
Turning to Dada, she said,
"Let's go home. He's right."
Dada smiled.
Then he looked at Karthi.
"You should head home too. It's quite late."
"True," Karthi replied. "I was actually on my way. Just got stuck on an important call."
He folded his hands respectfully.
"Good night, Dada."
"Good night, beta."
Karthi smiled at Shanaya, resumed his call, and walked back toward his bike.
When Dada and Shanaya reached home, Dada stopped near the gate.
"Shanaya."
"Hmm?"
"Don't doubt Karthi's intentions so quickly."
She pouted.
"I only asked a question."
"And that's perfectly fine," Dada said gently. "Questions are important."
He placed a hand on her head.
"But there is a difference between asking a question and assuming someone's intentions before knowing the facts."
Shanaya lowered her eyes.
Dada continued,
"Always be respectful in the way you express your thoughts. Not just with Karthi—with everyone. Listen first, understand the situation, and then form an opinion."
For a few seconds, she remained silent.
Then she held both her ears and made the cutest guilty face she could.
"Sorry, Dadu."
Dada couldn't help laughing.
"It's alright, beta. It was only a small mistake."
"But remember this lesson throughout your life."
Shanaya immediately grabbed his hand and swung it playfully.
"Okay, Dadu. Thank you for the golden lines."
"Naughty girl."
"I learned from the best."
Both of them laughed as they walked inside, carrying with them the warmth of the evening and a lesson worth remembering.