The Immodest Uncle

Knock, knock. Anu rushed into the hall. She opened the door. She thanked the mailman and took the day’s mail inside. She checked to see if there was anything for her in it. Sure enough, there was a small, brown package with her name on it. The package was from Surjeet mama. Anu ripped open the package. In it was a note and a box of chocolates. Anu read the note. This is what it said:

Dear Anu

Doing great here in America. I just moved into a very big bungalow. I also only work half an hour a day and I now have three recliners. [maybe that’s because I’m so awesome!]

Regards,

[the great] Surjeet mama

 Anu rolled her eyes. She threw the note into the bin. Surjeet mama was always bragging about how his house was so big and how he was so rich. “Anu, time for lunch,” called Amma from the kitchen. As Anu ate her lunch, Amma told her she had some news for her. “Anu, Surjeet mama is coming to visit us”, Amma said. “Oh, is he going to bring a recliner with him since he can only sit on royal furniture?” asked Anu. Amma laughed. She too thought Surjeet mama was fussy about what he sat on. Although Anu thought her uncle was im-modest, she was secretly glad he was coming. She was hoping he would bring her a present from America.

Finally, after several weeks, Surjeet mama arrived with a huge suitcase full of fancy blankets, fancy shoes, fancy clothes, and fancy chocolates. [all for himself] when Surjeet mama came to Anu’s house, the first thing he said was: “Anu, did you leave some of the chocolates I sent you for me?” Now Anu was mad. She was hoping for a present from Surjeet mama and he was asking for her chocolates. “I’ll give you one of my chocolates if you give me one of your fancy chocolates,” said Anu. “Fine,” said Surjeet mama. Anu was shocked. He was actually giving her his chocolates. Maybe, just maybe the im-modest uncle was not so im-modest after all.