From Bilu’s village, about four or five villages away, Bhabanipur School Ground hosts a grand Gajan fair during Chaitra Sankranti. People gather from distant villages as well. Everyday essentials like baskets, winnowing fans, sickles, earthen pots, decorative vases, dhotis, sarees, towels, clothes, beaded garlands, imitation jewelry, toys, palm-leaf flutes, and hand fans—everything is available.
There are Ferris wheels, puppet shows, and magic shows. Though the Gajan rituals conclude in a day, the fair continues for a week, playing a vital role in the rural economy. Every year, Bilu and his sister Rimli attend the fair with their father, buying all sorts of things. Their mother seldom joins—if everyone goes, who will manage the kitchen?
Last year, Bilu and Rimli had also gone to the fair with their father. After wandering around and making several purchases, they noticed baby myna birds in cages for sale. Bilu insisted, “Baba, please get me one! We’ll keep it as a pet.”
Rimli chimed in, “Yes, Baba, please! Let’s get one!”
Giving in to their persistence, their father bought one, despite the price. After all, a parent’s happiness lies in their children’s joy. The two siblings returned home, elated, with their pet bird.
Bilu lovingly named the bird Monua. He took care of it, fed it, and cherished it. Whenever he opened the cage and held out his hand, Monua would hesitantly step onto it. Bilu would gently stroke its feathers, pressing it close to his chest. Monua seemed to enjoy it. But when taken near the cage again, a simple "Go" from Bilu was enough for Monua to return inside. Rimli adored Monua too, though she wasn’t as involved as her brother. Whenever Bilu held Monua, she would come and pet it.
Within a few months, Monua became completely accustomed to its new home. The moment Bilu approached the cage, Monua would flutter impatiently, eager for affection. Bilu, too, felt deeply attached to Monua. Even at school, he often thought about his little friend. Over time, Monua grew bigger and even learned to call out whenever it saw Bilu or Rimli.
One day, Bilu’s classmate Suman, who had missed school for a few days, came over to study. At that time, Bilu was holding Monua outside the cage, petting it. Suman stroked Monua’s head and back affectionately. The next day, Suman excitedly shared Monua’s story with his friends at school. Soon, everyone wanted to hear about it. Bilu’s status in class seemed to rise instantly. After school, a group of friends even accompanied him home to see Monua. As Bilu took it out of the cage, some of them petted it, marveling at how tame it was.
That day in class, their teacher, Abani Sir, spoke about the Wildlife Protection Act. He explained, “Many wild animals in our country have gone extinct. To protect the ones that remain, the Wildlife Protection Act has been introduced. According to this law, hunting, capturing, or keeping wild animals or birds in captivity is a punishable offense.”
Suddenly, Amal from the back bench stood up and exclaimed, “Sir, then Bilu is a criminal! He should be punished!”
Abani Sir asked, “Why? What has Bilu done?”
In unison, the students responded, “Sir, Bilu has a pet myna at home!”
The teacher turned to Bilu. “Is this true? Do you have a pet myna at home?”
Bilu lowered his head and confessed, “Yes, Sir. Last year at the Gajan fair, I saw baby mynas being sold in cages. I didn’t know it was wrong to keep one at home.”
Abani Sir nodded. “Many mistakes happen out of ignorance. But now you know. Wild animals and birds belong in the wild, where they can roam freely. Why should they be imprisoned? Imagine if someone chained you inside a house, offering you delicious food but never letting you out. Would you be happy? You must set your myna free today, Bilu. Just watch how happily it flies in the open sky.”
Bilu felt his heart sink. His chest tightened. How could he release Monua, after raising it with so much love and care? Where would it live? What would it eat? Monua never ate unless Bilu fed it! Would other birds harm it? On top of that, his friends had labeled him a criminal. And his teacher had given a direct instruction.
He returned home with a heavy heart. As soon as he approached the cage, Monua chirped eagerly. Tears welled up in Bilu’s eyes. What would he tell Rimli? She was still asleep.
He dropped his schoolbag inside and walked to Monua’s cage. He opened the door and held out his hand. As always, Monua stepped onto it. Holding Monua close to his chest, Bilu walked outside. Teardrops fell onto Monua’s feathers as he gently stroked its head.
“Go, Monua. I’m setting you free. Stay well, wherever you go. Live happily with other birds.”
His voice trembled. With teary eyes, Bilu tossed Monua into the air.
Monua had never flown before. It circled above Bilu’s head a few times, then landed on the mango tree nearby. After another loop around, it came back and perched on Bilu’s hand.
Love is not so easily broken.
Monua couldn’t just leave behind the warmth and affection it had known.
Bilu held it close, sobbing and stroking its feathers. Once again, he tossed Monua into the air. It soared high, flapping its wings, but soon, it returned to his hands.
Bilu realized that Monua didn’t want to leave. Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks.
From that day on, Monua’s cage door remained open. It roamed freely around the house, hopping from one room to another, wandering through the yard, perching on the balcony, and resting on the mango tree. Whenever Bilu called, Monua would come flying. Even Rimli’s call made it return home.
When hungry, Monua entered its cage to eat and rest. But before dusk, it always returned inside, and Bilu would gently close the door. The next morning, Monua would chirp to be let out again.
And so, Monua remained a beloved part of the family, cherished and free.