"Shooting Stars"

Growing up in the middle of a polluted, developing city, it needs some luck to get a glimpse of a clear starry night sky. The moon and a couple of bright stars are the only celestial beauties I get to see from my home. It is only when I am somewhere in a country-side or near a huge lake, do I realize what the night skies actually hold. It is magnificent. It is truly beautiful. Dotted with a million dazzling stars, the sky on a clear cloudless night looks like a piece of heaven looking down on earth.

So, whenever I get the opportunity, I love to gaze at the night sky and admire its beauty and mystery, with awe. It is not just peaceful, but also inspiring. Last December, on a class trip to a beautiful place nestled among pine trees, on the banks of a huge lake, I did not let the chance to enjoy the clear open night sky go in vain. Three of my friends were as interested as me and so, despite the cold weather, we decided to spend at least half the night on the wide open terrace before our room so that we can just look at the big starry sky spreading all across the lake. The trees were spraying a cool wintry breeze on us. But that didn’t stop us. We got our blankets out, switched off the terrace lights, lay down together, and just gazed up at the beauty of the night. And then, it started. Shooting stars!! And not just one or two or three! We saw some more than fifteen of those, not all together though. The others found it hard to believe. But they were not to blame, because without a clear sky and some patient focus, shooting stars may be hard to find. But it is worth it. So, when you get some time, take the chance to look at the stars up there. They will surprise you, heal you, inspire you and remind you how small we are compared to the vast universe. And not just that, you might even be able to make a wish upon a shooting star!