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Roasted

 At Chico’s home

‘Mama, you promised to take me out for lunch on Sunday if I got good grades in the exams…’ seven-year-old Chico complained to his mother, Laila, as she lay confined to the comforts of her couch on a lazy Sunday morning.

‘Ugh…’ Laila groaned as she continued to scroll through reels. 'And we will go on a Sunday!’

‘Today is Sunday, Mama!’ Chico started pulling at his mama bear’s arms.

‘Well, another one is due in seven days…’ Laila muttered, unwilling to move, but the thought of not having to cook lunch did tempt her. ‘Okay, if I promised you, you shall have it. Tell me what you want. I'll order…’

‘No, Mama, I want to go out and dine, and I want you to take a selfie at the restaurant and post it, and I want my friends to ask me about it in class.’

Laila pulled her eyes from the screen and looked at her son. He was growing smart indeed. ‘Okay, fine, you got it. What do you want to have, though?’

‘Roasted Chicken!’

At Durien’s Chicken Farm

‘But why can’t we go out and see the outside world, like the crows or the cats?’ Kunji the chick asked Poovan, the elderly rooster, as they ran into each other at the watering hole.

‘Hush, Kunji!’ Poovan hissed, giving her a light peck. ‘What kind of thoughts are you harbouring? The question you should be asking is why the other animals don't enjoy the luxuries we do. The crows need to fly far for food and shelter, collecting hundreds of twigs to build their tiny nests. The cats need to wander for food while saving themselves from dogs or foxes. You might see this cage as restricting, but it is, in fact, a safety net. The outside world is full of dangers, but thankfully, we need not be alarmed. We need not run, fly, or swim for food. Food comes to us through those machines. Ask the right questions, and be grateful.’

‘I see…’ Kunji replied, her voice lacking conviction. ‘But then why do we get special treatment when other animals don’t?’

‘Aah, now you are asking the right questions,’ Poovan replied, his voice content. ‘Our kind has been serving them for centuries, without asking any questions. And you know how benevolent they are—they decided to take care of us as well. They built us these shelters, ensured we got fed on time, and helped us grow in numbers. We have even outnumbered them, but we shall remain loyal.’

‘If they are so benevolent, why do they take our friends away? I was just chilling with Chinju at the haystack yesterday when she was taken away.’

‘Well, you need to understand one thing, my little Kunji. That day comes for all of us, and there is nothing we can do to stop it. We should believe in them and live our lives loyally, without questioning their intentions.’

‘What if I have questions?’

‘A terrible fate awaits those who do not believe, Kunji. On the day we meet them, we will be condemned to burn in eternal flames.’

At Durien’s FarmChick Restaurant

Chico dashed out of his mother’s yellow hatchback as soon as it stopped moving.

‘Careful, Chico! Other cars might be coming…’ Laila shouted, scanning the surroundings for a spot to park.

‘How you doin’, kiddo! What would you like to have?’ a waiter in white overalls greeted the young boy, who had occupied a table for six with a view of the farm.

‘We’ll have the roasted chicken!’ Laila called out as she rushed in after parking her car under a tree. ‘And there’s just two of us—should we move to a smaller table?’

‘Let the kid enjoy the view, ma’am,’ Durien, who was behind the counter, chimed in. ‘The rush hour is still a while away; you both will be done by then.’

Laila thanked Durien as she sat beside her son.

‘I must let you know that we prepare our chicken after receiving the order so that we can serve you the freshest food,’ Durien explained to his guests. ‘But that does mean there will be a bit of a wait. Perhaps we could get you a starter? How about a plate of fries?’

‘Yes, Mama! Fries, please!’

At the restaurant kitchen

‘Chef, there is an order for a roasted chicken. Shall I get the rooster?’

‘Nah, we are running low on roosters, and we need them for breeding. Who are the customers?’

‘A mother and her son!’

‘Get a young chicken, then. And preheat the rotisserie.’

‘Alright, Chef!’

At Durien’s Chicken Farm

‘Poor Kunji. She left us so soon,’ Poovan rued as he lay with Thalla. ‘But this is what she got for not believing and for asking all those questions. I hope the flames don’t burn her too much.’

‘Bak bak bak,’ Thalla replied.

Back at Chico’s home

‘Did you enjoy the food, Chico?’ Laila asked her son as they lay on their bed for an afternoon siesta.

‘Yes, Mama! The chicken was tender and well-roasted.’

‘This is what you get for listening to me and studying well. Keep doing it, and more rewards will come your way, alright?’

‘Okay, Mama, you are the best!’
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