The Unforgettable Road Trip

One sunny morning Shriya’s mom, her dad, Shriya and her sister Navya were getting ready for their much-awaited road trip. Shriya’s mom was busy checking that everything was packed, while her dad double-checked the hotel bookings and the car.

Shriya was checking that all the snacks- chips, cookies, cake slices and juice were all packed to ensure that nobody would be hungry during the drive. While Navya excitedly played with the dolls, chattering away to them about the trip.

Shriya was a very smart, pretty, and observant girl who dreamed of becoming a doctor one day. Though she was a bit scared of the dark, she had a sharp memory and was always alert. On road trips, she loved noticing landmarks and quietly keeping them in mind.

Dad loaded the luggage into the trunk and the family left for the journey. As the car rolled Navya kept asking, “Are we there yet, mom!” and Mom replied with a smile, “Not yet, sweetheart.”

The question reminded Shriya of a funny rhyme she had once learned in preschool, and she chuckled to herself.To keep Navya entertained, Shriya suggested, “Let’s play ‘I spy with my little eye’!” The sisters laughed and guessed each other’s clues, making the journey lively.

After hours of driving on a long, quiet road lined with tall trees, Dad frowned. Something didn’t feel right. “I think we might be lost,” he admitted, glancing around.

The road stretched endlessly, and not a single car passed by. Mom quickly suggested checking the GPS, but there was no signal.

“What do we do now? We’re lost and the GPS isn’t working!” Navya said nervously, clutching her doll.

“Don’t worry, I have an idea,” Shriya said confidently. “Which direction were we going when we left home?”

“West,” Dad answered.

Shriya pointed toward the sun. “But look, Dad! At this hour, the sun should be on the other side. We must have gone the wrong way.”

Dad’s eyes widened. “You’re right! We need to turn around.”

They took a U-turn, and Shriya’s eyes scanned the road carefully. She remembered the big banyan tree they had passed earlier and pointed it out.

“There it is! Keep driving straight.” She also recalled the restaurant where a man had waved at them and soon spotted it again.

“We’re almost there,” she assured everyone. “The last thing we need to look for is the tiny temple with the orange flag on top. After that, one more signal and we’ll reach the junction.”

Everyone leaned forward eagerly, and then- there it was! The little temple stood by the roadside, just as Shriya had described.

“Voila! I knew it!” Shriya said proudly. Dad followed her directions, and soon they were back on the familiar road. Relief filled the car.

Navya, now feeling safe, suddenly announced, “I’m super hungry! Can we stop for food, Dad?”

Dad laughed. “After all that adventure, I think we deserve a break.” They stopped at a restaurant, where the aroma of freshly cooked food greeted them.

They ordered sushi and a warm bowl of soup. With happy tummies, the family continued their journey.

Mom and dad were proud of Shriya and hugged her. They said, “Your sharp mind and observation skills helped us today! You are the official navigator of our family.”

Shriya beamed with pride, while Navya clapped her hands and said, “Hooray for my big sister!”

It had truly been a trip to remember.