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 The Gifts ... continued |
| But then, their mother interrupted.
"It is very late now. Why don't you two children go to bed. You can talk to him later. After all, he is going to be with us for quite some time. You can talk to him tomorrow. He must be very tired now." She turned to the uncle. "You must be very tired after the long train journey. See, you are yawning. Go to sleep and wake up bright and early tomorrow. ". The girls could not believe it! They were shocked. So near and yet so far! They were helpless now. They had to go to bed. Reluctantly they went to their room, very angry at the brilliant maneuver their mother had pulled off. They would have to wait till tomorrow for the gifts. They got into their nightclothes and onto their beds. Seema wondered what he had gotten her. She longed to know. What could it be?, she wondered. She could not sleep. The excitement was too much for her! It was so unfair. How could she be expected to wait till tomorrow morning? She had to know! At that moment she made a bold decision. She would look into his suitcase and see what he had brought her! The idea seemed ridiculously simple. She would sneak up to the guest room, open the suitcase and look for her gift! She waited for some more time. Her sister slept beside her. She got up very carefully so as to not disturb her. She crept past her parents' room silently. She could hear her father snoring. She moved towards the guest room. She opened the door. It opened, but in the process it creaked and groaned loudly like a wounded animal. It sounded like a thunderclap to Seema. Everyone would wake up now! Or so she thought. Nobody stirred. Her panic subsided. She looked inside. Her uncle was sleeping peacefully, worn out by the journey. And there was the object of her mission. The suitcase. She dragged it into a corner and laid it down on the ground with minimal sound. She opened it slowly and carefully and expectantly. The box opened with a small click. Luckily, it was not locked. She began to search around. She was more proficient at this than any private detective. On top were the usual clothes and the shaving kit. Then she found it! There was a big plastic bag. That had to be it. She took out the bag. The first thing she found in the bag was a book. It was too dark to read the name. She was extremely disappointed. It was only books then. Nevertheless, she took out the next item too. It was a small handbag. That would be for their mother. She fished out the last article. It was a small flat box. It was soft and velvety. Realization dawned upon Seema. It was a jewelry case! She opened it hurriedly. Its contents held her mesmerized for a few moments. Inside the case she found an exotic diamond necklace! The beauty was stunning. Even in the feeble light it sparkled like fresh water from a spring. There is something that makes shiny objects attractive to females of all species. Seema being no exception to the rule(despite her tender age), loved it. She realized that it was fake, of course. Their uncle could not afford real diamonds. And who would buy diamonds for little children? But nevertheless it was so fantastically beautiful! And to think it could be for her. Her own beautiful necklace! It was the perfect gift. She simply adored it. How her friends would go green with envy! They would all think it was real! It was a masterpiece! The thrill made her want to cry out in exuberance, but she stifled it. She shut the case and put it back in its position. She began to tiptoe back. Suddenly she heard footsteps! She darted behind the curtain in panic. Who could that be? A short stealthy shadow entered the room.... |
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