Gift

Sujata was leaving for school when mom called, " Aren't you forgetting something". She looked at the silently smiling face and leaned forward to kiss her. " Love you ma". She was about to step out when she stopped.

" Tomorrow, please. This time dont say no", she looked at her mother with hopeful eyes.

" Yes.. "

In the evening she came back home and finished all her homework and was ready for the birthday. It was her 8th birthday and her gift will be waiting for her. She knew her mom will not forget.

" Happy birthday baby", she kissed her forehead. Sujata looked around and yes he was here. The man for whom she had waited for the last 3 years. "Dad", she leaped into his arms. The whole day they spent together and then in the evening he had to go.

"Please .. Come back", said Sujata.

He looked at her with tear-filled eyes. Her mom went out with him. He was about to leave. " Thank you for attending today. Her dad left for the war and came back 3 years ago ... in his coffin".