Broken Antler Fen kabhi khushi, kabhi gham

he mouthed it slowly, then said aloud: ba. . .badi. . . baditya. oh, aditya replied, and smiled. even if that wasn't what she meant, it was still clever. his smile grew into a grin. if you like, beti.

aditya clambered onto a log and gestured for her to do the same. this tree trunk was not as rotting as others, though coated in frost, and he found his footing easily enough.

one day i'll have to go and tell your mother you're okay, he remarked, with an apologetic glance. she'll be happy to hear it.

and reunite with another child. 

hadn't it been easier when he'd left them all behind?

easier, but. . .