A Soft Toy

The soft toy, a green frog, was something that she hated. It was ugly and gave her the creeps. But Vinod loved to irritate her and would place it at a prominent viewing point and see her reaction with amusement.

Today was her turn. Vinod’s precious old wine and beer bottles scattered near the frog with two of them held precariously in its hands. Seeing it in this pose was funny. Anita chuckled as she imagined the reaction of her husband when he saw this.

She could not contain her excitement as the doorbell rang.

Vinod came in and flopped on the sofa. Anita was waiting expectantly for him to see the scene. But he seemed to be so weary and tired that his eyes involuntarily closed. This was a disappointment, but she was concerned about him. She made a hot cuppa coffee and offered it to him. Vinod slowly opened his eyes and sipped the refreshing coffee.

“Anything wrong?” she asked.

“No,” he replied. “Just that there was so much work in the office that I am absolutely fatigued.”

Suddenly his eyes went to the tableau specially designed for his eyes by his wife.

“Oh my God,” he exclaimed. The incredulous expression in his eyes made the entire effort worth her while. She smiled.

But his reaction was even more surprising. His fatigue had vanished into thin air.

“That’s one hell of a display!” he said, doubling up with laughter.

Anita could not help but join him in his enjoyment.