Gift

Deepa looked out of the window for the fourth time and asked Mili aunty,“Aunty what is the time now?” Mili said, “It is just six o’ clock baby,” while working in the kitchen.

She understood her mother will return from office after an hour. She is eagerly waiting for her to return. Mom has promised to bring her a beautiful doll today. She looks out of the window and keeps a watch on the time but it seems today the clock isn’t moving at the same rate like other days. Aunty said “Have your milk baby and go to study. I’ve to finish preparing the dinner.”

Deepa studies in an International school in class four. Her annual exams have just finished and she is now enjoying holidays. Her parents are both busy with their job and so they have very little time for her. Mili aunty takes care of their home and her until her parents’ return in the evening. Then she takes her leave. But Deepa always feel bore staying alone in home as Mili aunty isn’t her playmate and she isn’t allowed to play with the children of the neighbourhood.

The bell rang. Deepa’s mom returned. She handed a Barbie set to her and kissed on her cheek “This is for you. Are you happy dear?” Deepa returned the kiss and answered, “Thank you mom. It is very nice,” and ran to her room. She played with it for few minutes before starting her studies.

When her dad returned at night she came running to show him her gift but was interrupted as mom had something more important to tell him. There was a fight among the people in the neighbour and mom was angry at the chaos that disturbed the peace of the neighbourhood. Dad heard everything but didn’t answer. Her mom didn’t like the neighbourhood as there is a colony of very poor people behind their home. They work as daily wage workers and house maids. Their children goes to the government aided schools rarely and often play on the streets or go to work with their parents. So, often; Deepa’s mom had a cold fight with her dad; on shifting from this old, needing repair, house to a stylish flat. The house where they live was built by her grandfather and her dad had no intention of leaving such a home and go to apartment. So Deepa only had the chance to look at the children playing there through the window; which most of the time remains closed as mom has instructed them; and thought if she had the chance to play with them.

But still Deepa has a friend there. Her name is Jhumi and she is very good listener. Both share their happiness, their stories, through this window. Deepa even shows her the toys she has. She has even gifted some old ones to her when aunty wasn’t watching.

Today afternoon when she opened the window she didn’t see Jhumi. She has not returned from her work. Jhumi is a rag picker who collects all types of plastic carry bags and bottles. She waits for her friend to return. Today she has some excited news to give her. After some time she saw her friend returning. Both smiled seeing each other. Deepa shared her excitement of getting a new gift from her mom. Jhumi smiled but today her smile wasn’t very bright like other days. Deepa could feel that. She asked, “Are you sad today?”

Jhumi came near the window and said, “No I’m very hungry but there isn’t any food in home now. When ma will return she will bring something to eat."

At the very moment Deepa heard her aunty calling her, “Baby come and have your milk.”

Deepa turned towards the window and whispered, “stay here. I’m coming within few minutes.”

She brought a packet of biscuits when she returned after having her milk. She gave it through the window. Jhumi’s eyes glistened and she said “Thaanku”.

Deepa said, “Do you know the meaning of Thank you?"

Jhumi nodded her head while eating the biscuits, “How?”

“I went to government school for some days.”

“So why don’t you go to school now?”

“How will I? My father is bed ridden. My ma works as a maid and there is no one to look after my ill father and my two young brothers.”

“But you work?"

“Yes after they go to sleep I go to pick rags and return before ma comes home. I get some money for picking them."

Deepa asked no more. But she was thinking hard.

Within a month the result was declared and Deepa got promoted to class five. School started and she got busy with her new books and studies. On that Friday Deepa’s class teacher, Mrs. Singh said “Students do you know what next Monday is?"

“Yes Mam friendship day,” everyone screamed.

“Yes this year you have to make friendship bands and gift to your friends."

Deepa too made bands for her classmates and on Monday tied them on her friends’ wrists. But she kept aside one.

In the Saturday afternoon she opened that window and waited patiently. After a long time she saw Jhumi returning with her bag. The moment she came near Deepa said, “Hey how are you?”

Jhumi was very happy to see her. She said, “How are you? I’m seeing you after a long time."

“Yes I’ve got busy with studies again,” then she said, “Bring up your right hand.”

Jhumi was surprised but did as Deepa said. She tied the band on Jhumi’s wrist. Jhumi saw the band very keenly and then asked, “What is this?”

“Friendship band.”

“Really, so nice,” then she said, “If I had money I too could buy one for you.”

Deepa answered, “You are my friend and that is just great, no need for bands.” Then she advanced a carry bag through the window and said, “This is for you."

“What is in it?”

“Books! My old books. I’m gifting them to you. Please come every afternoon when aunty is sleeping. I will teach you to read and write."

“Really!”

“Yes”

“Thank you!” and a broad smile appeared on her face. Deepa felt that this smile is a big gift from her friend on their friendship day.