Pinki and the rakhi
It was Raksha Bandhan day. Pinki watched her friends tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists. She was the only girl without a rakhi. “It’s so nice to have a brother!” Pinki sighed. Pinki was the only child to the Sayanis. They doted on her. They got her a Barbie doll, dresses, toys and books. They would take her out every weekend and treat her to ice cream. They would celebrate her birthday, inviting all her friends to the party. They got her everything she asked for.
There was only one wish they could not fulfill — to get her a brother. Instead they got her a puppy.
Pinki took diligent care of the puppy, who she named Tiger. She would give him a bath, and brush his hair. She would make sure he got his food regularly. She would take him out on long walks.
Tiger was devoted to Pinki. He fetched her school bag. He would wag his tail and try to do all kinds of acrobatics to please her. But he too could not do one thing for her — get her a brother.
That evening, Pinki was sad, dreaming about the brother. Suddenly, she noticed that Tiger was not around! She whistled for him, but did not hear him reply with his sharp bark. She called out — -“Tiger, Tiger!” There was only silence.
She ran everywhere looking for Tiger but did not find him.
Mom assured her he would return soon have and must have gone for a walk on his own. Pinki was not convinced. She forgot all about the brother she wanted. Right now, she wanted her Tiger back.
Then she spotted him coming in her direction. He was still far away. He was running towards her without his famous bark. He could not have barked because he had something in his mouth.
Pinki ran towards him and hugged him. Tiger dropped in her lap the treasure he was carrying — a Rakhi!
Pinki hugged him tightly. Mr. Sayani watched from a distance. He was happy that his darling daughter had finally found a brother!
Story: Subba Rao | Illustration: Marina Pereira
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