Storieo

Author: Shelja Alawadhi

  • Mini: Part-5

    Mini: Part-5

    Night passed. All the students were so tired that they slept soundlessly. Next morning they woke up and got ready to see Shimla. Mini was very small but still, time and circumstances had made her mature before her age. Unlike other fellow-mates, she loved silence and the unspoken words of nature. She would often gaze at the beauty of nature and seemed to have lost herself in it.

    The days passed without any change in Mini. She used to love her silence and was completely lost in its illusion. Miss Chowdhary tried her best to make Mini speak or cry, but all her work were in vain.

    The tour ended. Mini returned home on October 24, Her trip was wonderful but unsuccessful as far as Miss Chowdhary and the Saxenas were concerned.

    Days passed. Ravi had to go outstation on a business trip.

    “Nisha, hurry up, I am getting late,” he said picking up his suitcase.

    “Ok! I am coming. Ah … here are your car keys,” she said hurry up.

    “Bye Mini,” Ravi said giving her a smile. She did not reply.

    “Ok! Bye Nisha and take care.”

    “I will. Do not worry,” Nisha answered.

    Ravi went to the airport in his car. It was already 9:30 at night. Mini and Nisha came in and after their dinner, they were going to sleep when the telephone rang.

    Trin-in-Trin- in.

    “Hello,” Nisha said picking up the receiver.

    “Hello, Mrs. Saxena? It’s urgent. I am speaking of Sadar Hospital. Mr. Saxena has met with a serious accident. He is in the ICU Please come quickly,” someone answered from the other side of the telephone. These words startled Nisha so much that she left the receiver and dashed into her room. She got her purse and along with Mini she came to the Sadar Hospital.

    “Nurse, may I know where Mr. Ravi Saxena is?” Nisha asked.

    “Just a minute Mr … Mr. Ravi Saxena. Red Maruti 800 car, serious accident. He is in the ICU. Third, from the left of the corridor,” she answered pointing in the direction of the ward. Nisha and Mini went running there.

    “Doctor, I am Mrs. Saxena. How is Ravi?” Nisha asked in a shaky voice.

    “Mrs. Saxena. I have to talk to you. Mr. Saxena’s condition is critical. He has been seriously injured. His collarbone is fractured. The right side is paralyzed right femur bone of his leg is broken. And most important, his skull has sustained minor injuries. At this time, an operation is really very important to save his life,” the doctor explained to Nisha.

    “Do not worry about the money, doctor. Start the operation. I’ll get the money,” Nisha said.

    “Then it’s fine. Nurse take the patient to the operation theater,” the doctor said to the nurse. “Mrs. Saxena please come with me. I’ll give you the form to be filled, “He replied directing Nisha to the respective office.

    “Nurse, what happened?” Nisha inquired as the nurse stepped out of the operation theater.

    “The doctor is still operating,” she replied and went away.

    All this commotion had caused great disturb within Mini. Nisha’s pale, drained face had terrified her. Tears rolled down Nisha cheeks. She was really shaken and disheartened by Ravi’s accident. Mini, who was watching all this carefully, melted at the sight. She placed herself close to Nisha.

    Mini could not bear to see Nisha’s sad face, the face which once glowed with happiness and joy was totally disturbed. Mini now realized that Vista was really a good mother. The face which was never oppressed was now filled with tears with the hard cruelty of circumstances. She could feel that motherly love just now.

    “Mummy,’ Mini cried. Mini’s words startled Nisha so much that she could hardly believe her ears. She was crying, bringing tears to Mini’s with grief. Nisha was an overwhelmed with joy- with grief. She hugged Mini close to her heart and cried aloud. Mini too could not stop her tears from flowing. Both of them were deeply engrossed in the flow of emotions.

    It was 2 o’clock at night. Mini was sleeping on the bench.

    “Doctor,” Nisha called out when she saw the doctor coming out of the operation theater “How is Ravi?” She inquired.

    “We have tried our best. The operation successful. But we can not say anything till morning. You can go home and come back in the morning,” the doctor advised Nisha. Nisha went home with Mini and returned to the hospital in the morning.

    “Doctor, how is Ravi?” Nisha asked as soon as she saw him.

    “He is ok. He has regained consciousness but he can not talk. It will take some time for him to come back to normal. But something is there which is concerning us. His ECG report is not satisfactory. His heartbeat is too fast. If this does not slow down then … then, “he hesitated.

    “Then what doctor? ‘Nisha inquired becoming serious.

    “Then … his life is in danger,” the doctor answered. A deadly silence fell.

    “A…may I see Ravi?” Nisha asked breaking the silence.

    “Oh! Sure,” the doctor said and went to see his other patients.

    “Ravi,” Nisha said, gently putting her hand on his forehead. “See who has come,” Nisha said bringing Mini close to Ravi.

    “Papa,” Mini said. Though Ravi was not well, his face lit up at these words. He glanced at Mini with love and affection. A slight smile flickered on his face.

    From that day there was remarkable progress in Ravi’s condition.

    “Congratulations, Mrs. Saxena, Ravi’s heartbeat is normal again. Thanks to Him, who saved Ravi, “the doctor reported to Nisha after his routine check-up. яндекс

    “He’ll soon be ok,” the doctor said.

    “Thank you, doctor,” Nisha said.

    Ravi knew what had brought back to life. It was Mini.

    In a few months, Ravi had recovered from his weakness. Mini too had recovered from her deadly silence. They returned home happily. Ravi and Nisha had found their lost child and Mini her lost parents. Though Mini missed Simmi, yet she could feel her presence close to her heart Now they were happy. Happier than they were before.

  • Mini: Part-4

    Mini: Part-4

    “I think so. But what to do?” Ravi asked.

    “In such cases, the parents should give full attention, love, and care to their children. Make her believe that you really love her. I think that will help her come out of her trauma.”

    “Thank you, doctor! You have helped us the lot,” Ravi shook hands with the doctor and came out. Mini was in the car with Nisha. Nisha was trying to talk to Mini but her blank looks only disheartened Nisha.

    They returned home. That night, after Mini had gone to sleep, Ravi told Nisha what the doctor had said.

    “Can Mini be cured of her illness?” Nisha asked with seriousness in her tone.

    “She will. But it may take a long time. Maybe one month, two months, six months…or…”

    “Or … what?” Nisha interrupted.

    “Or … maybe some years, “Ravi answered.

    Tears rolled down Nisha’s eyes. How could a mother ever bear her daughter’s sickness with gladness? The mother’s heart within her could not hide her feelings for Mini.

    Next day Ravi decided to take Mini to school. When Mini went to her class, Ravi had a talk with Mini’s class teacher. He explained Mini’s sickness. “Miss Chowdhary, will you help us?” Ravi asked after explaining to Mini’s teacher.

    “Mr. Saxena-you does not worry, I will try my best,” she said.

    “Thank you. I hope you understand my problem,” Ravi said and went to his office.

    “Good morning Ma’am,” the students said when the teacher came into the classroom.”

    “Good morning, children. Mini… how are you?”, The teacher asked with politeness. But Mini did not answer. She stood up quietly with the old, dull, worn out doll close to her chest, and then, without speaking, she sat down. Silence fell in the class.

    But the teacher knew very well how to break the silence. “Ok children! take out your books and let’s start with today’s lesson.”

    The day went by without any change No one could succeed in breaking Mini’s silence.

    Often, she was seen sitting in the garden with that doll in her hand. She would sit there for hours. Her tears had dried and her emotions were dead. She hated talking to anyone. She stopped going for parties or outings. Except for going to school. She did not step out of the home.

    Days passed. Time seemed to have brought nothing new with it. Three months had passed. Mini’s teacher tried her best. She told stories Jokes and all she could do to make Mini happy. But she could not change Mini’s mind. Exams came. Mini could not do very well in her exams. She just managed to pass. Finally, the Parent ents came with their parents to take their report cards.

    Mini came with her foster parents. Few parents were there. Miss Chowdhary was giving the report card to a boy who had failed in almost the subjects.

    “Mr. Deshpandey, Rahul needs to work very hard. He has failed in five subjects.”

    Mr.Deshpandey’s face was raging with anger.

    “Rahul! what is this I am seeing?” he shouted”.

    “Dad! I was ill during the exams,” Rahul answered trembling.

    “You fool!” Mr. Deshpandey said and slapped Rahul. Everyone was stunned by this action. Mini was so frightened that she shifted close to Nisha. It was the first time when Mini was so close to her mother. Nisha hugged Mini and came to the teacher’s desk.

    “Mr. Deshpandey, this is not your home where you can carry out your indecent act. Please leave at once,” Miss Chowdhary said sternly.

    “Good morning, Mr. Saxena said to Miss Chowdhary stepping forward to take the report card.

    “Mini has not done well, but I think she will surely improve,” Miss Chowdhary said handing over the report card to Mr. Saxena. Ravi glanced at the report card and said, “It’s fine.I don’t blame my daughter or you for that. I know she is capable of doing much better work. Well, thank you.” These words from Ravi startled Mini. She had expected a similar behavior from Ravi. She returned home with a different feeling.

    That night she could not sleep. The scene of the classroom came incessantly in front of her eyes.

    Next day she woke up in a different mood. While leaving for school she glances at Nisha and smiled. This was the first time Mini had flashed her such a pleasant smile. She came running to Mini and hugged her, kissing her repeatedly. Tears rolled down her eyes. But these tears reflected happiness. Ravi took Mini with him to school.

    “Mr. Saxena, our school tour is going Shimla. If you wish you can send Mini with us,” Miss Chowdhary said, “I think it will help her. She will experience a new atmosphere and she may improve.”

    I think you are right. When are you going? Ravi asked.

    “Next week,” she replied, “and the charges are one thousand rupees.”

    “Ok! I’ll pay the money today itself.”

    That afternoon when Ravi came to pick Mini up he gave the money to the tour.

    In the night Ravi told Nisha about the trip.

    “I think this trip will help Mini to recover,” Nisha said. One week passed without any incident. Finally, the day came when Mini had to go to Shimla. Mini left Bombay that evening for Delhi. Miss Chowdhary took special care of her. She wanted Mini to come out of her shell.

    They reached Delhi the next day from where they took a private bus to Shimla. It was almost dark when they reached Shimla. Miss Chowdhary along with few other teachers took the students to their rooms in the hotel. Mini was to share a room with two of her classmates- Rashmi and Sheetal.

    At night Rashmi and Sheetal told each other stories. They too tried their best to make Mini talk. But they could not break Mini’s silence.

    “Oh! my mother forgot to give me my pillow, “Rashmi exclaimed.”

    “And my mother forgot to give me my bed sheet, Sheetal said. Mini looked at her bedding. Nisha had carefully placed all the things compulsory for Mini. There was a strange feeling within Mini. This feeling rose for the first time in Mini’s heart and caused a great stir throughout her soul.

  • Mini: Part-3

    Mini: Part-3

    “We would like to …” Ravi was not able to complete his sentence when Mini cried, “Simmi didi.”

    “Mini! Simmi cried back in astonishment. They hugged each other. Tears rolled down their eyes.

    “Who’s there?” someone called from inside. Simmi wiped her tears fast and said, “Someone is here to meet you, Madam.”

    A healthy woman in pink flowered saree came out.

    “Yes, whom do you want to meet?” she asked.

    “We are Mini’s parents. Mini would like to meet Simmi. They are old friends, “Ravi explained the situation to the lady.

    ” Ok! Please come in. Simmi you can talk to her, “she said. Simmi and Mini went out to the garden while Mini’s parents went inside with the lady.

    “Who was she?” Mini asked.

    “She was so called mother,” Simmi said. Simmi did not have to say but Mini understood.

    “You tell me how are your parents? They look very nice They have given you such a beautiful frock and this doll,” Simmi said taking the doll from Mini’s hand.

    “And this doll,” she said taking the other doll.

    “You can throw this away. Their doll is more beautiful than my doll.”

    “No. I like this doll.” Mini sad taking Simmi doll and hugging it close to her heart.

    “See, this is Mini,” Simmi said pointing to Mini s new doll.

    “And this is me,” she said taking the old worn out the doll in her hand.

    “Mini is good. She has good parents. But Simmi is lonely. She has no one. She is alone, she is ….” Simmi said and burst out crying. Mini was too taken aback by Simmi’s words.

    “Ok, Mini. Now we should go,” Nisha said coming out of the house. Simmi quickly wiped her tears and was normal again. Mini went away, but that day created a stir in her life. She was now sure that she would also be treated in the same way by her parents sooner or later.

    Days passed There threat in Mini’s heart. This unseen threat seems to hold Mini in its firm grip. She could not feel it at present but she was sure that she would face it in the future June was the terrifying day for Mini. She got up and came to the drawing room where her parents were sitting Mini, er … there, … there is some sad news for you, “Nisha tried to speak.” Your friend … Your friend.Simmi, ‘Ravi said. -many did! What’s happened to her? “Mini said suspecting something was wrong. A heart was beating faster and faster” We know it is hard to bear … but … but, whoever comes in this world has to go, sooner or later “Ravi said.” Your friend. Simmi is no more. She was suffering from tuberculosis. “What! It can’t, Simmi! Simmi is DEAD? “Mini said, hardly believing her ears” Simmi cant be dead. No. No. “Mini said and ran away to her room crying. Nisha went after her trying to console her.” Mini, not cry. We will take you to her house if you want, “Nisha said.

    “Simmi cannot be dead. Simmi cannot be dead.” Mini was saying it again and again. Her tears did not stop.

    Nisha and Ravi took Mini to Simmi’s home. Simmi’s the dead body was kept there.

    “Simmi didi, wake up. Do not sleep for so long.You know today is Sunday. We have to go to the church wake up and get ready. It’s already 7:30 now “Mini said innocently. She kept her doll near Simmi. She could not adjust herself to Simmi would die and leave her. Nisha and Ravi the present situation. She had never thought that thought it was unwise to keeping there for long. Therefore, they took her away.

    Mini did not say a single word. She hugged Simmi’s doll close to her heart. From that day onwards there was a drastic change in Mini’s behavior. She stopped speaking. She grew thin and weak and was often seen sitting in the garden with the doll.

    It was a matter of great concern for Mini’s parents. The sudden deterioration of Mini’s health had worried them. They tried to make Mini speak. But all their efforts were in vain. Finally, they decided to take Mini to a doctor.

    Mr. Saxena!… I think this matter is very serious,” the doctor said after examining Mini.

    “What happened doctor?” Nisha asked the doctor, very worried.

    The matter is… “the doctor was about to speak when Mini stepped in with the nurse.”

    “Mrs. Saxena, please take Mini outside,” the doctor advised Nisha, Nisha took Mini out so that the doctor could talk to Mr. Saxena.

    “Mr. Saxena, as I said, the matter is really serious. For a little girl of seven years, such a terrible shock can lead to great mental problems.

    “I suggest you try to make her happy. Or … if that is not possible…then …then make her cry. Does she go to school? the doctor asked.”

    “She used to, but after Simmy’s death, she has stopped going to school,” Ravi answered with anxiety in his voice.

    “Oh! … Then it would be better if you send her to school. There will be a be a different atmosphere and she will be able to recover, “the doctor advised. “For time being I’ll give you some medicines, but she needs something more than that.

    “Thank you, doctor,” Ravi said and was about go when the doctor stopped him and asked, “Mr. Saxena! … Is Mini your own child?”

    “No, doctor. We have adopted her,” Ravi replied.

    “Oh! I think there can be other problems also. Sometimes children think that their parents do not care for them, especially for orphans. I am the pediatrician. I have come across children and parents who face this kind of problems. Does she have a similar problem with you?”

    These words of the doctor caught Ravi’s attention.

    “A .. I … I do not know. But we have often seen that Mini has something in her heart which she does not tell us. In the beginning, she hated us. And after Simmi’s death, she is silent” Ravi answered, sitting on the chair.

    “Then I think that Mini has some ill feeling for you. Maybe she has not understood you ” the doctor said.

  • Mini: Part-2

    Mini: Part-2

    “Simmi, Sister is calling you. Time for departure!” Sunita said. Sunita had been looking after the orphanage for many years and was attached to the children. Simmi did not say anything but gave Mini the doll she was holding and went away. Mini outstanding in the garden watching Simmi going away from here. She could feel tears rolling down her eyes.

    Time passed and the new year arrived. Simmi came to the orphanage in the new year. She met her friends, Sister, and Mini.

    Simmi and Mini were sitting in the garden where they usually used to share their feelings. It was a bright sunny day with a gentle breeze blowing in the garden. They sat there in silence. The only sound which could be heard was the chirping of the birds. Finally, Mini broke the silence and said, “How are you Simmi di?”

    “I am fine,” Simmi said with a sigh. “Mini told you that I can never be happy with my new parents. First, they treated me with love and affection. Gave me new clothes to wear. But soon that love disappeared. Uh!… now I am the only servant for them. I do all the household work and…” Simmi could not speak but tears rolled down her cheek.

    Mini was too taken by these words to reply. “I won’t be able to meet you in future,” Simmi said and ran out crying. Mini could not do anything. For the small child, such a shock was terrifying. She decided that she would never leave the orphanage.

    New year seemed to bring happiness for all but for Mini. Sister Martha was happy because a couple wanted to adopt Mini. Sister personally met Mini and said, “Mini, I am very happy. You are being adopted. Like Simmi you are going to get your new parents. We are surely going to miss you. But we all are very happy that you are being made “Mini could not resist. Her tears had dried up.

    “I will not go from the orphanage,” she said steely and ran away.

    Although Mini was firmly against going, the couple insisted on employing only her. Mini was helpless. She could not do anything. Finally, she was adopted.

    On February 2 Mini stepped out from the orphanage and came into her new house. Mr. and Mrs. Saxena brought Mini to their sweet little home. They did not have any child, and so Mini was a valuable gift for them.

    “Mini dear, come in,” Mrs. Saxena said. Circumstances had made Mini harsh and rude. “I want to go back to the orphanage,” Mini said sternly.

    “First come in and see what all we have got for you,” Mr. Saxena tried to convince her.

    “No, no, no, I said I want to go back,” Mini replied becoming harsh and rude.

    “Ravi, she is a little girl. We should be more

    “As you wish, Nisha,” he replied.

    Nisha lifted Mini in her arms and took her inside. Mini did not like this. He jumped out of Nisha’s arms.

    “I am not a little girl that you lift me in your arms!” Mini said.

    “Ok! Sorry. But see what we have for you,” Ravi said, pointing to the bundle of gifts wrapped in colorful papers on the table. The whole room was decorated with streamers, ribbons, and balloons. Mini came and sat on the sofa without looking at the presents. But she could not resist it for long. After sometime she glanced at Nisha and Ravi and then finally went to open her gifts. As she opened them, she saw a doll wrapped in red paper. The doll was exactly like the doll she was holding in her hands-the last remembrance from Simmi. When she saw the doll, the tears which were dry, rolled down her eyes and she hugged the doll close to her chest. Nisha understood the situation and took Mini to her room.

    “Would you like to eat something?” Nisha asked.

    “No,” Mini said still with rudeness in her voice. “Please leave me alone.”

    Nisha thought it was not wise for her to speak. Therefore, she went away. She returned to the drawing-room where Ravi was picking up the gifts.

    “What happened?” he asked.

    “Nothing, I do not know why she behaves like this? Nisha asked.

    “She’ll be all right in a few days. Do not worry. It’s a new place for her,” Ravi tried to explain to Nisha.

    “Ah … I think you are right, “Nisha said, smiling.

    Time passed. But time could not change Mini’s mind. She was positive that Mr. and Mrs. Saxena did not love her and one day they would certainly treat her like a servant.

    March 8 was Mini’s birthday. The day which Nisha and Ravi awaited eagerly. Nisha wished Mini a happy birthday.

    “I want to go to the orphanage,” Mini said.

    “Ok! you get ready and we will take you,” Ravi answered.

    “Come, I will help you to get ready, “Nisha said.

    “No. I can take my bath myself. Give me my clothes,” Mini said sternly.

    “Ok dear! Here are your clothes,” Nisha said giving her a new frock. Mini got ready and went to the orphanage with her new parents.

    “Sister…” Mini shouted from a long way and came running to her in the orphanage.

    “Hello, Mini! How are you, Happy Birthday.” Sister said with a smile.

    “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Saxena.”

     

    “Good morning Sister.”

    “Sister, I would like to meet Simmi.” Where is she?” Mini asked.

    “She is her home, “Sister replied.

    “Sister, Mini is very eager to meet Simmi. Please give us her address. We will take her there,” Ravi replied.

    “As you wish Mr. Saxena. I’ll give you the address.” After searching for some time, Sister handed over the address to Mr. Saxena.

    “Thank you,” they said and took Mini with them.

    An hour later they arrived at the address. To find an address in Mumbai was not a problem for Ravi. He had been living there for many years.

    The huge wooden door of the green painted house was opened by a girl. She was wearing torn clothes. Her hair was a mess and it looked as though she had not eaten anything for many days.

    “Whom do you want to meet?” she asked.

  • Mini: Part 1

    Mini: Part 1

    It was a cold, winter morning, the sun had not even shared its light with the world, but little Mini was up in her bed. Trin-Trin-n-n. The alarm clock struck six in the morning. But Mini was already up before time. It was Sunday. She was the first one to wake up every Sunday morning in the orphanage. Sunday was a special day. Mini waited eagerly for this day. There was no school. She went to the Church with Sister Martha and her best friend, Simmi. The whole day was spent playing, singing, picnicking and in fun and frolic. But for Mini, the most important was visiting her mother and father. Sister Martha took her to the graveyard, where Mini could spend time with her dead parents.

    Mini was a beautiful little girl of six years. She lost her parents when she was only two and was left in the orphanage by her relatives who found difficult to look after her. Mini was too small when her parents died. She did not remember how her parents died but she was told that they died in an accident. Mini was saved somehow and was left to suffer the miseries of the world.

    But for Mini everything was pleasant. When man ignorant of the fact, he is happy with his surroundings. For Mini, her best friend Sami was her main support. Though Simmi was five years older, age was not a barrier between them. Love knows no boundaries. Mini and Simmi were made for each other.

    It was already 6:10. “Simmi didi, get up. It is 7:30,” said Mini said.

    “7:30! Oh, It can’t be,” Simmi exclaimed, picking up the clock.

    “Oh, it is only 6:10. Now, Mini if you can not see the time why do not you say so,” Simmi said with a sigh.

    “But …,” Mini was about to speak but Simmi stopped her, “Ok! Now get ready for the Church.”

    Without wasting much time they got ready and were present before Sister Martha at exactly 7 o’clock.

    “Good Morning! Sister,” they greeted Sister with a smile.

    “Good morning! Children.It’s good you are on time.

    They went together to the Church.

    While returning, Sister took Mini and Simmi the graveyard. Mini’s parents had died, but for Mini, they were staying with God. “Papa, have brought fresh flowers for you,” Mini’s innocence spoke up when she came near the grave. “And Mummy, for you l have brought red roses. I know you are staying with God. You need not worry about me.Sister is with me to look after me. Her innocence brought tears to Sister Martha’s eyes. Simmi too was affected but they could not show their grief.

    They returned to the orphanage. St. Peter’s orphanage was a renowned orphanage. It had a good reputation and was well-known for the care gave to the children. Mini, Simmi and their other friends did not feel that they had been abandoned in this world.

    Mini and Simmi decided what they would do that day. Christmas was near, so all the children were busy with their practices for the function.

    “Rahul, take care of the choir. And you, Sumit look after the drama and the script. Oh! God Too much work,” Simmi exclaimed, being the head of the drama activities.

    “Simmi a, what should I do?” Mini asked.

    “I told you, you are in the drama. Go and meet Summit he will tell you what to do.”

    The whole day was spent in practicing for the Christmas day function. Though there were still three weeks for Christmas, the enthusiastic children found it too little time for practice.

    Days went by without much hindrance by Time. But did not seem that the days would be normal for Mini. Sister called Simmi. “Simmi, I know you have given so much to this orphanage. Your presence has added life to this orphanage. But there is much more in this world for you. A couple is here to adopt you. They will take good care of you. I think…” she was not able to complete when Simmi ran away. She was crying. She went to the garden and sat under a tree.

    “Simmi didi, we are waiting to begin practice. They are calling you and you are sitting here! Come on!” Mini came close to her. “Why are you sitting here? Didi, are you crying? ”

    Simmi tried to fight back her tears but could not do so. Her love and affection for the orphanage and especially for Mini made her cry inconsolably.

    “Why are you crying, “Mini looked at Simmi with innocence

    “I… I am being adopted,” Simmi said and burst out crying.

    “Adopted? What do you mean by adopted?” she asked that ignorant of the term.

    “It means that I will get a new mother and father,” Simmi replied trying to wipe her tears.

    “Oh! that’s good! You’ll get your parents, “Mini said.” Oh! you do not understand I will leave this orphanage and go away from you, from Sister and from all my friends. I have read in books and I know, that new parents do not take care of the orphans. They treat us like servants. There is always a difference between us and their own children. And that same thing is going to happen to me, “Simmi said, sobbing. Simmi, words had an immense effect on Mini. She realized that Simmi was the right. There was a feeling in her which she could not express but it was making her weak from within.

    Days passed swiftly and finally, December 25 came. This was the day when Simmi was being adopted. This day was special for all the children but not for Simmi and Mini. Simmi was sad because she was gaining something, Mini was sad because she was losing something.

    It was 9 o’clock in the morning. The guests had arrived and the function was just about to begin. The show started and was very much liked by the audience and the Chief Guest. The main credit of the presentation went to Simmi. She felt the mixture of happiness and sadness.

    After the function, Mr. And Mrs. James came to Sister Martha and after certain formalities they adopted Simmi.

    Simmi and Minni were sitting in the garden. They were not talking to each other but their silence communicated with each other.

  • Dream: Part-2

    Dream: Part-2

    Nicola: Our fortune.

    Rowena: Our fame.

    Nicola: Our fun.

    Rowena: Our fantasy.

    Nicola & Rowena: Our freedom. (Pause)

    Rowena: I’m going to miss you so much.

    Nicola: Me too.

    Rowena: I’ll never forget the times we spent together.

    Nicola: Never.

    Rowena: Remember when we became friends?

    Nicola: we were five! That was such a long time ago!

    Rowena: But it seems like yesterday.

    Nicola: No it does not.

    Rowena: I know. It just sounds nice when you say it.

    Nicola: Remember the nativity play in the third grade.

    Rowena: I was the Guardian Angel and you were Mary.

    Nicola: And all the scenery fell down on us.

    Rowena: Yes Nicola: Yes.

    Rowena: Remember the Pizza Grove?

    Nicola: And Dean? You had a crush on him.

    Rowena: No I did not. You did.

    Nicola: We both liked him.

    Rowena: Loved him.

    Nicola: Adored him.

    Rowena: He was a hunk!

    Nicola: You, re telling me!

    Rowena: He was our first love.

    Nicola: Pity we never spoke to him

    Rowena: we too scared. (They laugh)

    Nicola: I really will miss you.

    Rowena: Me too. (Pause) I hope you’ll make it to Broadway really do.

    Nicola: Thanks, I hope I get there too:

    Rowena: Oh you will. Before you know it you’ll be the prima donna in the best musical ever.

    Nicola: And you’ll find true love.

    Rowena: I told you, I’m not getting married.

    Nicola: You’ll find It anyway.

    Rowena: I love you Nicola I love you too. (They hug.) Look at us, we’re behaving like ninnies. Of course, we’ll meet in the future. You know what they say, it’s a small world.

    Rowena: Do they?

    Nicola: It is a small world. After all, it’s just one planet.

    Rowena: Just seven continents.

    Nicola: Just thousands of countries.

    Rowena: Just millions of towns.

    Nicola: Just billions of …

    Rowena: I’ll come and see your every play.

    Nicola: And I’ll come to your wedding.

    Rowena: I told you I’m not getting married.

    Nicola: I’ll come anyway

    Rowena: What will I do without you?

    Nicola: As much as I’ll do without you. Nothing.

    Rowena: Nothing. (Pause) Let’s go out and celebrate.

    Rowena: Freedom. Let’s go swimming.

    Nicola: Swimming? Today?

    Rowena: Of course.

    Nicola: Now?

    Rowena. Yes.

    Nicola: Swimming. In June?

    Rowena: July.

    Nicola: June, the 29th.

    Rowena: Come on. It will be fun.

    Nicola: I have not gone swimming for ages.

    Rowena: Neither have I.

    Nicola: I doubt I remember how to.

    Rowena: It does not matter. Neither do I.

    Nicola: Would not it be dangerous?

    Rowena: Of course not. All we have to do is the paddle.

    Nicola: I don’t know.

    Rowena: Please.

    Nicola: I do not even have a bathing suit.

    Rowena: We’ll buy one when we get there.

    Nicola: Oh, and it’s miles away, we’ll never get there.

    Rowena: Three hours by train, we’ll be there

    Nicola: Exactly. It gets dark by eight. What’s the use?

    Rowena: You talk as if you don’t want to go.

    Nicola: I don’t.

    Rowena: Oh, come on, have some fun. We’re eighteen after all.

    Nicola: Seventeen.

    Rowena: What doesn’t matter! Are you coming?

    Nicola: I don’t know Rowena: Hurry up! It’s now or never.

    Nicola: How about tomorrow?

    Rowena: Now or never.

    Nicola: But …

    Rowena: Please!

    Nicola: I don’t…

    Rowena: (Practically begging) Please!

    Nicola: Oh well …

    Rowena: Yes?

    Nicola: What the hell!

    Rowena: Great!

    (She pulls her out. Lights fade slowly)

    Scene 2

    (Lights. Same scene. Enter Gentleman with newspaper. He sits on the bench and looks at the front page. He gets a shock as he reads the headline)

    Gentleman: Girls drowned. Good Lord how dreadful! (He continues reading) Two seventeen-year-old girls. who had just left school- Rowena Beckett and Nicola Harriot were found at two o’clock this morning by the police on the beach. The police had been phoned the previous night by the girls’ worried parents who said that the daughters had not returned home after their final ‘A’ Level examination, which was held at the old school Gilbert College Dear God, how terrible!

    Oh, poor things and so young too! How tragic!

  • Dream: Part 1

    Dream: Part 1

    Scene 1

    (Lights go on, Rowena and Nicola are sitting on the park bench wearing school uniform of some sort. Throughout the scene the actors move around as they like)

    Rowena: At last! We’ve finally finished, Nicola! We’re free! Oh, I can barely believe it!

    Nicola: School’s over.

    Rowena: After thirteen long years, at last, we got rid of that prison!

    Nicola: The. Finale. Kaput.

    Rowena: You can say that again.

    Nicola: A chapter in my life closed.

    Rowena: And a new one opened.

    Nicola: Oh dear!

    Rowena: No more waking up early, no more studying, no more writing even.

    Nicola: | don’t know whether to be happy or sad.

    Rowena: Sad? were free. Nicola. Free.

    Nicola: That’s what scares me.

    Rowena: Scares you.

    Nicola: Do I really want all this freedom? Do I want to have to make every decision myself? Imagine, alone. Alone in this dark world.

    Rowena: Oh, come on, Nicola, you’re being silly. We’re eighteen.

    Nicola: Seventeen.

    Rowena: What does it matter! We can do whatever we like now. We can drive…

    Nicola: We can crash.

    Rowena: We can leave home.

    Nicola: And end up in some crummy old flat in the stuffiest area of town.

    Rowena: We can work.

    Nicola: Become overworked and depressed, wow!

    Rowena: Nicola! Honestly, you really are the wettest wet blanket I’ve ever seen in the whole of my life. Nicola: I’m just being realistic.

    Rowena: Realistic? Do you call that realism? I call it depressional! I mean, come on We’re free. Free. Do you know what that means? Freedom. Freedom! (Pause). What’s wrong with you that means? Here we are finally stepping into the world of adulthood and you’re sitting there all sad and gloomy.

    Nicola: I’m not sad and gloomy.

    Rowena: Just think of all the dreams we can finally realize, the paths we can choose. We can do anything we like.

    Nicola: Anything?

    Rowena: Sure.

    Nicola: Well I’m still going to miss school.

    Rowena: Miss school! For God’s sake, we just got rid of our ‘A’ Levels.

    Nicola: I think I failed in French.

    Rowena: who cares about French!

    Nicola: I do. I’ll probably have to re-sit it.

    Rowena: Re-sit? Re-sit your French ‘A’, Level! You don’t the damn language.

    Nicola: But still. You never know. I may want to go to France one time.

    Rowena: Oh my god! You know what? I’m leaving.

    Nicola-Leaving?

    Rowena: Yes, leaving, Going away. From you. I mean I come here all happy and light-hearted. I spend five talking to you and … depressed I need counseling.

    Nicola: Alright. Sorry.

    Rowena: This is the best time of our lives, don’t it you realize that? The opportunities we’ve got are infinite.

    Nicola: University?

    Rowena: As if.

    Nicola Business?

    Rowena: Business! Oh yes, sure. I play a very active part in business, I’m the managing consumer!

    Nicola: Marriage?

    Rowena: Not in your life!

    Nicola: You’re not getting married?

    Rowena: Of course not. Me, married? Never.

    Nicola: You’re joking! You are joking.

    Rowena: I told you, I’m never going to get the man.

    Nicola: You are going to get married I can feel it.

    Rowena: No, I not.

    Nicola: Yes, you are.

    Rowena: Will you cut it out?

    Nicola: Then what?

    Rowena: Oh! do not know Anything.

    Nicola: Moving.

    Rowena: Moving what?

    Nicola: Away

    Rowena Away?

    Nicola: Yes away. Abroad.

    Rowena: Oh yes.

    Nicola: Drama school.

    Rowena: Touring the world.

    Nicola: Becoming an actress.

    Rowena: Exploring The Congo.

    Nicola: The Congo?

    Rowena: It’s either that or New York.

    Nicola: Oh, (Pause) Yes.

    Rowena: What?

    Nicola Freedom!

    Rowena: See?

    Nicola: Going abroad. Becoming an actress

    Rowena: Yes… If you like.

    Nicola: I’m free!

    Rowena: Do you really want to become an actress?

    Nicola: You bet!

    Rowena: Imagine watching your best friend on television.

    Nicola: Oh! do not want to become that type actress.

    Rowena: What do you mean?

    Nicola: I want to act on stage. On Broadway

    Rowena: Oh!

    Nicola: Do you really want to explore the Congo?

    Rowena: Of course not, silly. I was only joking.

    Nicola: Then what do you want?

    Rowena: I don’t know! Really Nicola. I’ve just finished school. I do not want to worry about such things! I want to go out have fun, flirt….

    Nicola: Yes … you wait and see.

    Rowena: I wonder what it would like getting married Living with a man. Having a family. Having children.

    Nicola: You’d make a wonderful mother.

    Rowena: You really think?

    Nicola: And a beautiful wife.

    Rowena: Beautiful wife And devoted?

    Nicola: Of course.

    Rowena: And humble? And loving? And settled? And honest? Oh dear.

    Nicola: Don’t worry Rowena: I’m not worried

    Nicola: When the time comes.

    Rowena: It will not come.

    Nicola What?

    Rowena: I told you, I’m never going to get married. Can you imagine me married?

    Nicola: Yes.

    Rowena: Well I cannot. And will not actually. No. I’m not the marriage type of person. I’ll die a spinster. I know it. (Pause) And you? What about you? Hollywood?

    Nicola: Broadway (Rowena smiles at her) Oh I can’t wait! The stage. The audience sitting silently not knowing what to expect. Then suddenly an enormous chorus bursting through the wings in flowing dance. And then, as they part a sparkling voice pierces the auditorium as beautiful as crystal. And there I am, dancing with my Prince Charming. The audience breaks into applause begging for more. In the darkness, you see a wave of bodies as all rise in a standing ovation. I can’t wait!

    Rowena: You’ll always be a dreamer.

    Nicola: We’re both dreamers.

    Rowena: Yes, and that’s all that matters. That we have our dreams.

    Nicola: Yes.

    Rowena: Having fun.

    Nicola: Going abroad.

    Nicola: Going to Broadway

    Rowena: Having fun.

    Nicola: Becoming an actress.

    Rowena. Freedom.

    Nicola: Fame.

    Rowena. Fortune.

    Nicola: Fantasy.

    Rowena: Fun.

    Nicola: Yes, fun.

    Rowena: Oh what dream!

    Nicola: But we must not let them remain dreams, we must turn them into reality.

    Rowena: Yes. (Pause) what about your parents?

    Nicola: What about yours?

    Rowena: I do not know.

    Nicola: Mine wants me to get married.

    Rowena: Mine wants me to continue studying.

    Nicola: But we must not let them come in the way of our dreams.

    Rowena: Dreams?

    Nicola: Realities.

    Rowena: But then even if do become realities … Oh, Nicola I just thought of something.

    Nicola: what?

    Rowena: What if they tum into realities …?

    Nicola: They, will.

    Rowena: We’ll probably never meet again.

    Nicola: 0h Rowena!

    Rowena: The world is such a big place.

    Nicola: It is.

    Rowena: Perhaps …

    Nicola: Oh, do not even mention it.

    Rowena: I know. We have our dreams.

    Nicola: Our future.

    Rowena: I know we have our dreams.

  • Baby Sitting-An Exhilarating Experience: Part 2 

    Baby Sitting-An Exhilarating Experience: Part 2 

    As soon as Beth was through with little game, I scrubbed her down vigorously with a towel that enveloped her entire body and gave her a change of clothes. Beth was now positively bubbling over with joy and as I carried her back to the living room, she beat a playful fist on my chest and poked her cute little fingers into my cheek.

    As for Beth’s “baby tongue”, as I call it, I was eternally grateful that she wasn’t yet fully capable of speaking, although she could mouth words gripped with a sense of mounting humor to find like “Mummy” and a few other incoherent words that originated in her own imagination. In addition to that Beth could coo, gurgle, cry and laugh room in a charming way that was a trademark of her presence.

    Later, I fetched Beth’s toys from her room and sat on the carpet with her, watching her play (and making that that she didn’t eat any of her toys). Beth’s favorite toy happened to be a battery-operated train and her face as she watched it chugging along around the railway track was comparable to that of an enchanted adult watching a beautiful sunset.

    As I later carried Beth to the kitchen to warm her some more milk, Beth looked me straight the eye with a look that was a mixture of both amusement and disgust. I regarded her with surprise, wondering what had made her scrunch up her face like that until I sniffed a sour odor in the air that made me realize what it was. Beth had wet her diaper! Memories of my younger brother flooded my mind, but just looking at Beth made me burst into laughter, so comical was her look! Beth was now chuckling softly and I tapped her playfully on the nose, making her giggle with delight as I carried her off, to her room to change her diapers.

    When I was done, I tried feeding Beth some warmed milk, but she furiously resisted and instead crawled off to the living room as fast as her four limbs would carry her. Then, standing up using a stool as support, she began hitting the screen of the nearby television with both her palms, momentarily looking at me with eager eyes as she did so. I smiled and thought “So she wants to watch telly, does she?” On top of the video was placed a Bugs Bunny cartoon cassette which I inserted and played.

    Sitting on the couch with Beth on my lap. I must say that encouraging by Beth’s frantic enthusiasm and wild cries of delight, I rather enjoyed the cartoon. Beth had the time of her life, bouncing playfully up and down my lap until the cartoon ended. But, (Oh, no!) that was not all. Beth demanded to see it again and I had to go through another session of her acrobatics before she was finally satisfied.

    Beth then sat down to play with her crayons which she thoroughly enjoyed using. She smudged her hands and then rubbed them all over my face, but we had taken to each other so much that I was incapable of feeling any anger towards her. Beth then scribbled incomprehensible designs on a paper, which she later tried eating, but I only just managed to snatch it away in time.

    I firmly believe that each baby has his / her own subtle character (personality, if you may) that made him /her very unpredictable to adults Beth’s character did not betray my beliefs, for a short while later, she sat down on the floor and began to cry. Just like that! I picked her up and cradled her gently in my arms, realizing that all that morning activity must really have tired her out. For a baby so active, it was no wonder her former nanny had quit, citing Beth as being ‘uncontrollable’- Mrs. Smith had told me.

    Before I could realize it, Beth had gone to sleep in my arms and I quietly carried her off to her room and lay her in her cot, being sure to wipe the crayon smudges off her face, through which her tears had made white, streaked marks. Then, I kissed her gently and slowly left the room closing the door behind me. I left as soon as Beth’s mother arrived and she was delighted to see her energetic bundle fun sleeping so peacefully.

    She congratulated me on a piece of work well done and soon, I was on my way home.

    Along the way, I contemplated upon the events of the day and arrived at a few conclusions that surprised me. Babysitting, as I had discovered, wasn’t just about taking care of hollering baby that never seemed to be satisfied. Patience and love were just two qualities you learned to master when you successfully interacted with a baby. Babysitting taught you why so many poems had been written about babies and why they were the most lovable things on earth. ‘A baby is one of the best blessings God can bestow upon a family’, I thought. ‘If none of us were cared for and loved when we were young, this world would be an emotionless jungle, whose inhabitants would be stone-hearted people.’

    A peal of Beth’s cheerful laughter echoed in my mind and I smiled. Suddenly, tomorrow didn’t look so bad after all.

  • Baby Sitting-An Exhilarating Experience: Part 1 

    Baby Sitting-An Exhilarating Experience: Part 1 

    It all started on a particular Monday morning during the holidays, just as I had awoken from my restless slumber, a feeling of nausea permeated my body and a bitter, acrid taste filled my mouth. No, it was not because of the small dinner I’d eaten the previous night, but the fact that a dull day lay ahead.

    “Another boring weekday,” I thought sourly with half-closed eyes. * Another day of monotonous nothingness, another clockwork routine day.” What else could I expect from a weekday during the holidays? For the past two weeks I had endured the dullness and the monotony, but I now firmly resolved that if I didn’t find something positive to do in the next three weeks, both my mentality and physique would become severely retarded.

    I, therefore, jumped out of the bed, a cherry feeling enveloping my mind, washed up, dressed and began scanning the morning newspaper for part-time jobs, which now seemed to be my only escape from the eternal limbo that these holidays had devised for me. Turning my gaze to the advertisement section, a catchy column suddenly caught my attention. It said: “Babysitter Urgently Required.” Must be competent, patient and experienced. No specific age requirement. The successful applicant will work 6 hours daily. Remuneration-Negotiable. Address- 156, West Street, London.

    I regarded the small advertisement with a curious eye for a moment and then stifled a guffaw. Ha! Babysitting? Of all things?!!! I’d never lived to see it down. If I took up this post and word of it leaked out to some of my friends, and word of it leaked out to some of my friends, I’d be the laughing stock of the school for months to come. There wasn’t a chance in a million that I was going to apply for this job.

    But as I turned page after page, my heart sank into despair. I wasn’t qualified for any other job, all of which required diplomas and experience in large, reputable business organizations. Perplexed as to what I should do, I abruptly realized that the only option open was the babysitting job that I wasn’t too keen on. But my grim determination to do something, however discouraging it may have seemed to me or silly to others, pervaded my mind and, with my mother’s consent, I soon found myself on the doorstep of House No. 156, West Street, thinking of what I’d do with my “remuneration” if I ever did get the job.

    To my surprise, I was the first applicant and the only one. But then, House No. 156 was not quite what I had anticipated. For an establishment that housed two adults and a baby, it was exceptionally neat and tidy, not one of those unruly sprawling establishments.

    My interview was brief and interrogative. The proprietor, Mrs. Carolyn Smith, unleashed a volley of questions that I managed to answer (thankfully) well. Experience? I’d had a hell lot of babysitting my brother when he was young.

    Competent? I’d fight to the get this job. Smiling genially, Ms. Brown offered me the job, along with a whopping remuneration offer of £15 per week.

    As soon as she left, I was in a daze, my mind and word of swirling. “£15 a week! Why I could…” The soft sound of a baby crying interrupted thoughts and I raced up the stairs, two at a time, and slowly entered the room from where the sound emanated. Beth, the baby girl who was to be my acquaintance for the day, lay in a baby-cot and abruptly stopped crying as soon as I picked her up.

    Beth was a small fragile, two-year-old bundle, whose azure eyes were still half distorted with tears. Her silky, soft brown hair in the doorway light and I smiled tentatively at her initial response. Her eyes opened wide in surprise as the realization that I was not her beloved mother hit her fully. Then burying her head in my shoulder, she began crying again. With a mixture of surprise and anxiety, I hope that we would become better acquainted soon, relying on the fact that her mother had told me that Beth took to strangers rather well. Sitting down, I rocked her slowly from side to side. Cooling softly and thankfully, she soon calmed down. Arms around my neck, whimpering softly through a tear-filled eye, she was the sort of baby your heart went out to.

    With Beth in my arms, I navigated my way to the kitchen, warmed some milk, located Beth’s bottle and soon, she was hungrily gulping down her breakfast. As soon as she had finished, her face broke into a wide smile of satisfaction. Holding her face downwards, I patted her back to expel any gas.

    Unfortunately (for me), Beth happened to be an exceptionally fast crawler. I discovered this only after I had set her down on the living-room carpet for a minute so that I could fetch her a change of clothes. Coming back down, I was gripped with a sense of mounting horror to find that she had disappeared. However, I was soon relieved when I found her in the adjacent guest room, playing with her reflection, a look of delight, and fascination on her face.

    Following her mother’s instructions, I gave Beth a bath an hour later. I had anticipated this to be the most difficult task in managing Beth and I was right but in an entirely different way.

    I had expected Beth to burst into tears as soon as I began bathing her, but I found my eyes opening wide in surprise at Beth’s reaction to the bathtub. With a squeal of delight, she extended her outstretched arms towards the warm water and began splashing happily as soon she was in. She flounced her arms against the water, driving the soap onto her face and content to ignore me as I washed her thoroughly. Beth genuinely loved the water, unlike my younger brother, who’d be transformed into a screaming, kicking, clawing, biting and squiggling mass once. I’d gave any indication that I was planning to give him a bath.

  • To Judge A Person

    To Judge A Person

    From the day, I was old enough to understand, I had been told that my sister was retarded. However, being the closest one to my sister, I was uncertain whether to believe this or not. The truth dawned me on the night of August …

    It was a peculiar night. The fog had descended upon the earth like a robe dissimulating the evil. My sister and were walking along the narrow path leading to our house. My sister stared right ahead so accustomed to. It was later that I perceived this look to be one one of deep thought.

    Suddenly, I jerked myself awake from my trance, I fancied I heard a shriek. Beside me, an abrupt shuffling of feet sounded in my ears. I turned to see my sister standing stock still. In a flash she grabbed is, turned and ran. Down the road she sped, dragging me behind her and swerving to the left and right like a remote-controlled car. How she managed to do so while enveloped in fog is a puzzle to me. At last, she came to a stop in front of a phone-booth. Panting, she gestured me to the phone. At that moment, the stalking fear had already clutched my mind making the world seem upside down. So I just fixed there, paralyzed.

    Surprisingly, she understood. Next, approaching the phone, she took out the two rupees left after buying candy and slipped it into the slot. Then, with a frown on her well-proportioned face, she abruptly lifted the receiver and dialed. Almost instantly, a voice answered. With a look of incredulous awe, listened as my sister spoke curtly but eloquently t quite calm inspector, “Hello! This is Monica A robbery is taking place at our house, Sibal, .St. No-322, House No-222 … yes. .. I heard my mother scream, and its sudden cessation was certainly the workforce. Also, our dog who always barks in the presence of fog was unusually quiet. He must be injured. Please come as quickly as possible.” So saying, She put down the receiver with a worried expression Amusedly, I recalled the time my parents had made continual endeavors to teach her the phone-number of the police in vain.

    That night has been incised in my mind ever since. To be sure. Hardly anyone believed member I told the police that the award formatting he the notorious robbers was to go to my sister.

    After that incident, of course, of my sister was no longer considered retarded. Now, in fact, she is the smartest student in Algebra and one of the most talented ones in Literature. True, it took her some o the time to divert her concentration t real character of her inner self. But her feelings that had resulted through experience being thought of retarded, opened the gates to success….