The moment of panic!

This incident dates back 25 years and involves my mamaji (maternal uncle) when he was just seven years old. During his summer holidays, he accompanied his parents and three mischievous sisters to his uncle’s house. As a typical seven-year-old, boredom struck him even before reaching the destination, leading to temper tantrums.

Upon arrival, the family was greeted with a grand lunch, but mamaji remained uncheered. His uncles noticed his dissatisfaction and suggested a visit to the Barabati Stadium. Though hesitant, nani (maternal grandmother) was eventually convinced to let mamaji go with his uncles. Early the next morning, 11 men and their favourite nephew embarked on a walk to the Barabati Stadium.

Reaching the stadium by 6:20 a.m., they started playing cricket. Howeverm, mamaji was getting bored decided to explore the stadium. When the match concluded, all the uncles left the stadium, unintentionally leaving mamaji behind. Surprisingly, mamaji didn’t panic; he calmly began walking back to the house.

Upon realising their oversight, the uncles panicked. They searched the entire stadium, called the police, checked back at the house, and sought help from locals. Unhelpful responses, including ominous speculations like “kidnappers must have taken him,” only added to the tension.

Meanwhile, mamaji reached home and narrated the exaggerated ordeal to his mother. Enough was enough; nani called her irresponsible brothers and gave them an earful for their careless oversight.