THE sun was unusually hot that day. The heat was astounding. He didn’t know what was worse — the scorching sunrays or the fact that although very small, he also had a contribution in intensifying it. So, he cursed his fate that had put him under the orb of fire.

He was standing at the bus stop. His dad was too busy to pick him up and he was to take the bus back home again! He hated the bus and everything about it — the long waiting, the abnormally gruesome task of boarding it and never finding a seat.

Today, however, he was in luck as he found a window seat instantly. The bus was almost empty which made him think, “Karachi’s crime rate can be a blessing in disguise for some.”

But he jerked the thought away, as that should not be the way a 16-year old should think. As soon as he settled in his seat, he began to wonder when he will finally get his bike. “That will make things quite easier for me,” he thought.

Just as he was fantasising about his bike and the jealous looks it will conjure up on his friends’ faces, he spotted it. On the other side of the window, emitting out of the exhaust pipe of a bus were the wisps of black smoke, mingling with the comparatively clean air, polluting it. His teacher’s sarcastic yet true words rang in his head, “Sometimes, we can even see that vehicular discharge contains a lot of pollutants! It’s not even pleasant to the eyes; you can imagine how appealing it will be to our lungs!”

His teacher’s words made him think. Sitting on his ugly seat, on a bus whose driver was pretty sure that his duty is to give a rollercoaster ride to his passengers, little Ahmer Khan made his decision.

Mr Khan was enjoying his cup of black tea and the news thoroughly. Reading newspaper was his favourite pass time. He had a habit of switching off the fan while he read; not even the precious air should trouble him. Apart from the news, it was the crossword section which claimed his attention the most. He had been doing it ever since the newspaper included that section.

Ahmer was not even sure if he wanted to do it or not. But he summoned all his courage and went up to his dad and said, “Dad, I want to talk to you”

Mr Khan was reflecting on a particularly difficult word and was certain he has almost solved it, when his son disturbed him. All the clues vanished from his mind. He could not help but feel angry. He told his son that it better be something important.

Ahmer started, “Today our teacher lectured us about air pollution and its causes. He specially mentioned vehicular release and its role in causing global problems, such as, photochemical smog, acid rain and even global warming. Since carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are greenhouse gases and fossil fuel combustion is one of their most important sources.”

Mr Khan was puzzled that why on earth is his son teaching him about the environment. So, he asked him, “Look son! Whatever it is you are trying to convey, please hurry up!”

Ahmer had no choice but to come to the point. So he began in low but resolute voice, “Dad you remember you promised to buy me a bike on my birthday...”

But before he could complete his sentence, his dad smiled and interrupted him, “Okay, you clever little fellow! Now I know what you want. You were trying to impress me by showing how careful you are with your studies, so that I buy you that bike even before your birthday. Although I appreciate your ingenuity but sorry son, presents are meant to be given on birthdays and yours is not until next month. So, off you go now!”

Ahmer was too surprised to talk for a while. But he regained his composure and told his dad about his real reason for talking about the bike.

“No dad! Actually what I want you to do, is to buy me a bicycle instead of a bike. I will get up 15 minutes earlier for school. I do not want to be the reason of polluting the air which we breathe! After all, two wheels is what I need,” and he turned to leave the room.

Now it was Mr Khan’s turn to be surprised. He was completely taken aback. Then he realised the beauty of what his son has just said! He smiled and putting aside his half-finished crossword, he called his son back.

Ahmer turned at his father’s voice to hear his father say, “Son! I am so proud of you!”

Mr Khan turned around and switched the television set off, which he really was not watching in the first place!