A Small Lesson: A Big Message

"Raima, I have been calling you since so long. Come and have dinner; it's already 9 pm", shouted Rita while cleaning up the kitchen.

"No mumma. I don't want to have it. I told you cheese chilli but you made this awful cheese butter masala" complained Raima.

"I know but capsicum had finished. Tomorrow I will definitely make that but tonight you eat Cheese masala", assured Rita.

But nothing worked on Raima; her stubbornness was increasing day by day.

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"Rita, what is wrong with Raima? Why does she stay so upset and gloomy?" asked Ajay while getting ready.

"Nothing as such. Remember, you refused her to go for Foreign trip organised by school so she is just showing off her displeasure", replied Rita.

"But this is not acceptable. She is always unhappy for some or other reason; always dissatisfied", worried Ajay.

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"Papa, I am not able to sleep; the heater is not working" , said Raima.

"I know. We will get it repaired tomorrow morning. Tonight you use an extra blanket", suggested Ajay.

"No dad that will not help; you give yours" answered Raima.

Ajay felt awful yet again watching Raima's never ending tantrums.

"Ok , I will give but before that let's go for a stroll" said Ajay.

While walking Ajay said, "Raima, do you have anything in your bucket list?"

As he thought, Raima told Gina long list "Papa, I don't have this, I don't have that........".

Before she could end, Ajay said, "Hey, look there".

A curious Raima saw a thin dark coloured female wearing an obvious old and cramped saree; in front of him, a young boy possibly her son was sitting. He didn't wear many clothes. The smile on their sunken faces was something that caught her fancy. All they had was a bonfire to ward off the cold; yet they were happy talking and giggling. She didn't know how to react.

"Let's go back dad. I don't want the heater. I will take my yellow blanket", replied Raima.