Antara's diary ...... 19th and 20th Oct

Dear Diary,

Vidya, Billo, Abhi and I went to all the houses to call our neighbours to celebrate Diwali together. When we reached home, Papa was sitting alone on the sofa. Abhi asked him to stay with us for the rehearsal. But he shouted at Abhi and pulled his hand away. Poor Abhi…..he looked so sad! I could not bear to see his crestfallen face. He is my small brother na? I took his hand and pulled him forward to Vidya. She kissed us both. She is so kind and nice. The rehearsal started. All about how crackers made the air difficult to breathe.

A call came from Vidya's mum. Someone was unwell……Vidya quickly left. Abhi went after her. I sat with Papa and was drawing some yellow flowers. Papa tried to talk to me. He said he'd like to see me going for therapy ……. Abhi returned and asked Papa for some money to buy diyas. Papa said he'd buy them later. Abhi said he'd go and buy them but Papa refused and left the room. Abhi was sad yet again. Poor boy! He said I could help him since his drawing is good. He brought a picture of a big diya. He showed it to me. I took it from him and drew it. We went to our doorstep and kept the picture down. Abhi made me fold my hands and then he began to pray. He asked Lakshmiji to bless our home and help Papa to get a job. "Papa is worried," Abhi said and he asked her to help him. We didn't know but Papa was standing behind us and listening. Why did both Papa and Abhi have tears in their eyes? What was wrong?

Vidya wasn't going to return home. Her mom was still ill. Abhi got worried. How would the play proceed without Vidya? The children left one by one and my little brother tried to call them back. He promised to give them chocolates. He was so tearful. Why is Abhi so sad? How can I make him happy? I don't like to see Abhi like this. Sigh ……….

Goodnight Diary ...............