Darkness was setting in fast. The hustle and bustle in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh was slowly fading. Igashu, the four-year-old son of the local village head, had not yet returned home. His worried mother frequently looked out of the window, eagerly waiting and praying for her son’s safe return. Igashu had never been away from home for so long. She had last seen her son that morning when he went wandering as usual with Zino.

Igashu was somewhat different from other children of his age. He would spend many hours gazing at the heavenly bodies. Over time, he became familiar with their positions in the sky. This gave him the confidence to wander far from home.

The sudden sound of the kitchen door opening startled Igashu’s mother. Grinning, Igashu ran into the house and gave his mother a tight hug.

“Igashu, where have you been? I was so afraid you were lost”.

“Momma, you know I will never get lost. The sun, stars, and the moon are always there to guide me”.

“I know that, but you are too young to wander off alone in the fields and return home so late. There are many dangers in the surrounding forests”.

“I had Zino to protect me, Momma. You know Zino is quick and strong and will never let any harm come to me”.

Zino was a Himalayan Mountain Goat. Igashu’s father had brought this baby goat from Kulu Valley when Igashu was also a baby. Zino and Igashu grew up together and became best friends. Zino’s curved horns, thick white fur, and white beard made him special. Strong legs helped Zino run fast and climb steep mountain slopes easily. Zino always kept a watchful eye on Igashu.

Zino’s biggest enemy was the snow leopard. Once when he was having a nap, a snow leopard quietly crept up behind him. Zino’s keen sense of smell alerted him to the danger. He quickly jumped up and, with his strong horns, tossed the snow leopard high up in the air. Before the snow leopard could fall to the ground, Zino had swiftly run away.

Igashu soon became popular in the village. The children and elders admired this young, friendly boy and his goat. His love for exploring new places knew no bounds. By the time Igashu grew into a strong twelve-year-old lad, he had many admirers. Mayuka, Kiana, Cyan, Nevaeh, and Ahren soon became his closest friends.

The six were frequently seen under the large mango tree, planning small adventures. Zino was always with them, and soon the village referred to them as The Gang of Six Plus One.