Thanks Sumit for your query. The behaviors of your child are not uncommon and fall under a normal spectrum for that age. It appears as if he is seeking reassurance (like when you hold his hand, etc) prior to going to unfamiliar places. I don't suspect that he maybe seeing something (like shadows or any other distressing signal) that you guys aren't, otherwise reassurance would not have helped. As children tend to be very perceptive towards their surroundings and caregivers, often times they tend to mirror their parents/caregivers behaviors or what they see on TV (some children shows have been showing all sorts of weird things during this pandemic), which when repeated/reinforced enough times, conditions the child to repeat the behavior. The good news is that your child appears to be in his usual healthy self (playful, watches tv, walks, eating fine, etc). I hope that answered some part of your query. Take care!