PART 1
The air smelt of cakes and biscuits. The shops were decorated with lights and Christmas trees. A sense of happiness and serenity prevailed all around. You need to turn your head anywhere and you'll find green, red and stars.
Arnav rubbed his palms together to heat himself up as he trod the grass of the park. He hated winters. He hated the chill and to top it all he never understood why he was dressed in multiples of sweaters, jacket, muffler and an ear covering cap.
There was something spongy under his foot, he realized and stop to pick up the thing. It was bright blue. He shrugged it hard and the thing took its original shape. It was a cap, same like his, the difference being his was black with an embroidery of A in white and this had a K in yellow. Both were knitted by his mother he recalled. His gaze frantically moved here and there to search for the owner of the cap and there she was.
She was jumping in her red knitted dress again by his mother and running with her friends around the park. The tiny plaits swung vigorously along with her as she sang a squealed version of Jingle Bells with her friends.
Angered by her carelessness he moved towards her and pulled her towards him.
"Khushi what is this?", he showed the cap in his hands. Khushi on the other hand looked guilty and scared at being caught. She hated covering her head in winter and now that her best friend has caught her and was visibly angry, she knew a scolding was waiting for her back home.
Meekly, she took the cap from his hands and moved away slowly. Confused by her actions he ran after her and caught her by her arms.
"What happened Kuku?", he saw her turn and pout in anger.
" I know you'll complain to ma and she will scold me", her chubby cheeks turned chubbier.
Arnav in an answer snatched the cap from her hands and slid it over her head using both of his hands.Covering her ears properly, he continued.
"No I won't but cover your ears, ma says we should be covered during winters"
"Even you don't like to cover yourself", she retorted angry as she felt warm around her ears with Arnav pulling the edge of the cap.
"I don't . but we are small na...so we have to listen to our elders"
"I am not small and SEVEN", her fingers opened up to show the counts and he turned miffed.
"Ma says I am small.. and if I am small then you are also small ,get it?" he left her cap and turned his back towards her.
Bad. She felt really bad hurting her best friend and therefore decided to make up to him.
Khushi sang out ,"Sorry Aru" but he did not turn.
"Aru I said sorry" still no answer from him.
"Aru... we should not fight a day before Christmas" and he finally turned with realization. They have been taught not to fight during happy festivals as festivals are for bonding not breaking.
Arnav smiled at her. Her favorite one and she jumped and clapped in delight. Her friend was not angry anymore.
"Aru I've got your Christmas Gift" she clasped his hands and they ran towards they're favorite bench. Climbing up and hanging their legs down the bench, they sat together. Arnav saw Khushi shuffling her pockets and bringing out a purple paper wrapped small rectangular object. She extended it towards him but then pulled back frowning.
"Mine?", she asked offended but he smiled and brought out a red paper wrapped rectangular object from his pocket. Her face changed into a smile as she happily took her gift and gave him his.
Very slowly and carefully Arnav and Khushi removed the gift wrapper. Afterall they were taught not to tear open the wrappers and they were good kids.
"Milk Chocolate!"
She squealed happily.
"Dark Chocolate!"
He smiled widely and both of them turned towards each other.
"Merry Christmas!"
__________________________________
I do not PM but send mails...
A note to Silent Readers : I would love to hear from you. I know you people dont get the right words to express but please rate me from 1-5, Just type the rating in the comment box, it will be more than enough for me.
Drop your comments guys.
Love
Indias Got Talent 11
Cricket
Anupamaa
43