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Young World
Waddle’s winter music festival
SUNILA GUPTE
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Waddle was all keyed up. He wanted to create some mischief. Then he saw Patti crying…
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SUBBU.BELMANN
Waddle the wizard walked around Chandu’s farm, feeling bored. He had been sent away from Wizardland because he played too many irritating tricks. Lying low, trying to be good, he was ripe for mischief.“Should I tie the cow’s tails together?” he wondered, when he heard soft crying.
Looking up he saw Chandu’s Patti. She seemed to be talking to herself.
“What is December without music festival! No church choirs, no Christmas carols, no kutcheris, music sabhas...all because I can’t leave the house! And cassettes are not the same. I want live music.”
Waddle grinned. Patti wanted music, did she? He would make sure she got it.
He went to the farm animals, and whispered in their ears. They looked doubtful...
“Okay, Waddle, we’ll do as you say...but no tricks, mind you!” warned Chirpy the squirrel.
So Waddle thinking himself to be Zubin the conductor picked up a stick to conduct his orchestra.
Up, up , moo, mooeee, eeyow. Hein-hein. woof…bow-wow, bark, mee-oooww, squawk, honk, screeching notes, then down down till there were only grunts and snorts and throat clearing sounds.
Waddle shook with laughter. What a wonderful joke!
“Patti, Patti,” he called.
Close to tears
“What is it? Ho, my eyes may be old, but my nose can smell a wizard! I’m not fooled by your blue shirt and sticking out ears, and that piece of watermelon in your hand. What mischief are you up to? Chandu’s friend...yes, but I also knew your uncle and now I know why the mangoes turned blue and the pineapples were purple!”
Waddle blushed. He had made all the mangoes blue!
“Patti, a live concert for you. Just listen.”
The animals sang. It was cacophony. The innocent animals were doing what Waddle said would please Patti.
Waddle saw Patti wiping her tears. “Do I deserve this dreadful noise?” she wailed.
Waddle felt bad. He tried to tell the animals but they were angry with him.
He begged and pleaded and promised and finally they agreed to do as he said. They decided to practise. The animals sang only two notes each; turn by turn, the squirrels chirruped, the cats meowed...the sparrows chirped, the horse neighed , and thus was born a real orchestra! Chandu beat time on upturned clay pots and Waddle played the flute, while conducting. “Patti, Patti,” called Waddle. “No more tricks...promise.”
Patti heard music in the air ! Yes, real music!
Up went Waddle’s hand and music flowed. It was a brilliant live concert. Patti was thrilled. Waddle earned his gold stars which helped him go back home.
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