Battle for Room
Marinda stomped her way into the living room disturbing the weekend peace. “I don’t want to share the room with Beajus. I want my own room.”
Her father was going through the morning newspaper while her mother was busy browsing the internet on a touch pad. Finding her parents seated on the couch, she walked towards them.
“What happened dear? Why are you upset?” asked her mother placing the pad on the side table.
“She has the lions share of space. I feel cramped. On top of it she just freaks out when I touch some of her things, even just to see. I can’t stay in the same room. Give me another room,” said Marinda forcefully.
“Its only been a couple of months since you moved in with her and you know we don’t have a spare room,” said her mother. She gently pulled Marinda and made her sit down on the couch.
Marinda had turned six this year and had shifted out of her parents room. Beajus, who was ten, had gladly welcomed her to share the room.
“I don’t know anything. I want another room,” demanded an upset Marinda.
“Try to be reasonable Marinda. You know we don’t have a spare room that you can use exclusively for yourself and moving back with us is not an option. You are growing up and need to be a little independent,” said her mother. She nudged Marinda’s father for support.
“Yes, your mother is right. You will have to share the room with Beajus, at least for a few years if not forever,” said her father folding the newspaper.
“No way! I am not going to stay in the same room,” said Marinda stubbornly.
Seeing that Marinda had made up her mind not to share the room, her father said, “Since you are stuck on living separately we can give you two choices. You can either stay in one corner of the living room or we can give you the small room upstairs.”
Marinda eyed the living room. The only corner it had was against the French windows that opened in the front courtyard. There would be no place for her clothes and books. It could be used for sleeping only. She disliked the idea of sleeping in the open. Discarding the living room quickly, Marinda said, “I will take the room upstairs.”
“Well that settles it then. Go and have a look. But be careful, the room is scattered with junk and there might be spiders and lizards,” said her father.
“Spiders and lizards! Eek!” thought Marinda. Anyway, she took courage and went up the stairs. The wooden stairs creaked softly as she climbed up. The narrow corridor was a bit dark. She fiddled the switch on the wall where the steps finished. A dim yellow light greeted her. It seemed like ages since she had been there the last time.
She made it to the end of the short corridor and turned the door knob of the small room. The door opened with a creak and she peered in. As her father had said it was littered with junk, was dusty and there were cobwebs hanging from the roof. Light from a single narrow window filtered through.
“What a chore it would be to clean all this mess,” thought Marinda. And even after cleaning she was not sure if it could serve the purpose of a proper room. First it was too small and shifting all her things in would barely leave any space to move about. Secondly, somehow if she did manage to shift here, she would be stuck here all alone at night. A thought she felt uncomfortable with.
She closed the door, switched off the light and hurried back downstairs. She did not like the idea of living in the small room and the look on her face gave it away. Marinda saw Beajus seated next to her mother. They were all waiting for her.
“Liked the room?” asked her father, pretending not to notice her resentment for the room.
“Yes, the room is nice. It needs to be put in order though. It would be wonderful staying there with no one to bug me. A nice quiet corner of my own,” said Marinda. She tried to sound upbeat.
“When do we start clearing and cleaning the room?” asked her mother.
“Sooner the better,” said Marinda. Her mind raced to think of an idea to get out of this situation without hurting her ego.
And then she added, “In fact I was thinking, since Beajus always says that I bug her and she doesn’t want to be disturbed, I would like to offer the room to her. She should move there.”
Aghast Beajus jumped up. “No way! I don’t want to be stuck up there. You like it, you go and live there.”
Seeing that her little trick might work, Marinda said, “But I want you to have it. I care for your peace and quiet. I promise I won’t bug you any more.”
“That’s not fair dad. I don’t want that small room,” shouted Beajus.
Seeing her husband grinning, their mother said, “Say something. It’s not a laughing matter!”
Their father intervened before the two girls could start a fight. “I know what you are up to Marinda. You should stop playing tricks. I think it would be very difficult for either of you to live up there. And I can imagine all sorts of problems we will run into.”
He continued, “Marinda, you will have to share the room with Beajus. We can rearrange the room somewhat but you will have to adjust and learn to stay together.”
Marinda heaved a sigh of relief. It was much better sharing the room with Beajus than living in isolation or in the open.
The New President
The motorcade entered huge, heavily guarded gates and came to a stop in front of the steps leading to the Presidential Palace. Smartly dressed women and men in business attire and uniforms stood there in line, waiting. Special protection agents briskly took their positions around the black limousine in the middle of the cavalcade, and one of them opened its back door.
President Koku stepped out. She was wearing a grey suit with white shirt and black heeled sandals. A bun neatly tucked her hair and she carried a beaming smile on her energetic face. But she did wonder though; why wasn’t she wearing her favourite colourful dress and bellies, and letting her hair fall loose.
She looked at the palace and was delighted. It had been repainted in her favourite colour.
“Welcome Madam President.” “Good morning Madam President.” The assembled members of the presidential cabinet and house staff greeted Koku one after the other at the entrance; and she returned back their curtsies cheerfully reaching out to each one of them along the way.
It had been her strict instructions not to waste flowers and she was pleased to find that there wasn’t a single bouquet offered in her welcome.
Once inside the presidential palace trailed by an array of advisers, President Koku walked briskly towards her new office lead by the chief usher.
Her party had won the recent elections with a thumping majority and she had been chosen to lead the country. After taking the oath to uphold the constitution in letter and spirit, this was the first day of her presidential term and she wanted to make the most out of it.
Entering the beautifully furnished office Koku glanced around admiringly. She then took the big presidential chair behind the large desk. Across the desk the advisers surrounded her. Some found chairs to sit on while others stood to take orders and notes.
Stretching herself upright in the chair so that she could see everyone, Koku said, “The first thing I would like to do is take a tour of the country.”
“Yes, Madam President. It’s planned for later this month,” said an advisor sitting right in front.
“But why can’t we go tomorrow?” she asked.
“Beg your pardon Madam President, but you have already toured the country on the election campaign. It will be seen like wasting taxpayers money. It has to be done later,” replied the advisor.
“Then how about going on a trip abroad?” asked Koku.
“Well, Madam President, next month we have an itinerary planned. First you will be visiting…”
“OK, so let’s do something about all the garbage polluting our streets.” Koku interrupted the advisor. She felt a little annoyed.
“What do you propose Madam President?” asked another advisor, standing on her left side.
Koku swung her chair to face the advisor. She liked how smoothly the chair turned. So she grabbed the desk, pulled and released to give the chair a whirl. Round and round she went, like on a merry-go-round.
When the chair halted after a few turns, she felt like going on another round. But when she saw the astonished faces staring at her, she decided not to and said, “I want a camera installed in each and every house to check the litter being thrown out on the streets.”
“I am afraid Madam President, it can’t be done. The people will revolt. Anyway there are cameras on all major streets and crossings that are being monitored day and night,” said the advisor, alarmed.
“But it’s clearly not working. Something has to be done about it,” Koku insisted.
“Yes, Madam President. A committee can be setup to come up with new ideas to tackle the situation. I am sure within a few weeks a solution can be worked out,” suggested the advisor.
“A committee. Hmm… this president’s ship is going nowhere soon,” mumbled Koku.
Giving another try she said, “I want to watch a cartoon show.”
“Yes, Madam President. There’s a presentation scheduled by the economic advisory board. Maybe later we can find some time for you to watch television,” said a woman, trying to sound polite. She definitely looked like an economy board member for she held a clipboard with the words ‘Money Matters’ written in bold green colour on its back.
Koku wasn’t pleased at all. “Money or no money, make it a movie then; and it better be one of the latest animated ones.”
“Yes, Madam President. It can be scheduled this weekend,” said an advisor making a note of the request.
“Not this weekend. The President has a series of meetings with prominent industry leaders,” said another looking at his sheet.
“I am feeling hungry. Can anyone get me a pizza?” Koku cried.
“Yes, Madam President, the lunch will be served in an hour,” said one of the advisers.
“But the President can’t have a pizza. At least not until she has been examined by the panel of doctors and cleared to eat pizzas,” argued another.
Koku looked left and right as the advisers went on speaking to and fro. She raised her voice and said, “I want to talk with my brother, Moku. Place a call.”
The voices fell and there was silence in the office. The advisers looked at each other.
“What’s the matter. Speak up,” said Koku.
“Well,” an advisor spoke, gulping a lump, “Madam President, there are heads of countries from all around the world waiting on the line to congratulate you. Right after that…”
And he couldn’t finish. Koku jumped up from her seat and thundered. “I am the President and I will not let you all sail and sink my ship. I am tired and ’am going off to sleep. Don’t you dare wake me up, any of you.”
“Yes, Madam President. But you can’t go to sleep now. There are journalists waiting to interview the new president,” an advisor called out.
“Madam President — Koku… wait-up,” they shouted.
“Let me sleep. I am tired, so tired.” Koku fought back.
“Koku wake-up,” shouted her mother. “You will be late for school.”
“Yes, Madam President,” mumbled Koku half asleep.
“What Madam President? Get up now!”
Koku sprang up, sat on her bed and looked around. Her mother was taking out her school clothes from the cupboard. Moku, her twin brother, looked frightfully weird. He was sitting on the bed across the room. She saw the clock on the wall about to strike eight. If she didn’t hurry now, she could be late for school.
Getting down from the bed to brush her teeth she remembered her dream. She could do all the things a president couldn’t; play, skip, stamp feet, and best of all sleep and dream everyday. Koku giggled and rushed to occupy the bathroom before Moku.
Oops! She forgot to wear her slippers. But that’s fine. She is not the President any more.
The Arrogant Peacock
In the evergreen forest of Bella Bay there was a big old banyan tree and it was right in the middle of the path that led to the river. Everyday animals passed by the banyan tree to reach the river.
One day, in the height of summer, a beautiful peacock flew into the forest. It saw the leafy banyan tree and decided to make the tree its home. The peacock perched itself on a thick branch under the shade and settled down.
No sooner had the peacock made itself at home, a monkey came by swinging wildly. The monkey saw the peacock and was very surprised. It had heard of peacocks before but was seeing one for the first time.
The monkey jumped on to the branch where the peacock was sitting. A startled peacock fluttered.
“Hey peacock, you seem new here?” said the monkey.
“Yes, I flew in today,” replied the peacock.
“Welcome to our forest. I hope you plan on staying,” said the monkey.
“I like this big tree. I am going to live here,” said the peacock.
“I have heard that peacocks have beautiful feathers. Can you show them to me?” asked the monkey.
“No, I will not,” said the peacock.
“Why not? Look at my tail. It’s long and strong. I can even jump across branches with its help,” said the monkey. The monkey then wrapped its tail around a branch and hung upside down swinging merrily. The peacock was quite amused to see the acrobatics.
“Now that you have seen my long tail, can you show me your beautiful feathers?” asked the monkey.
“No, I will not,” repeated the peacock. The disappointed monkey swung to the next tree and disappeared in the forest.
Next came an elephant. It was joyfully swaying its trunk when it happened to notice the peacock perched on the big old tree. The elephant stopped, for it too had seen a peacock for the first time and was curious to look at the famed beautiful feathers.
“Hey peacock, I haven’t seen you here before,” said the elephant.
“Yes, I am new here,” said the peacock.
“Can you show me your beautiful feathers? I have heard they are fascinating,” said the elephant.
“Yes, they are. But I will not show them to you,” said the peacock.
“Why not? Look at my strong trunk. I can uproot a tree with it and it can hold buckets of water,” said the elephant. Then the elephant lifted a heavy log lying on the ground with its trunk. The peacock was impressed.
“I have shown you my strong trunk, now can you show me your feathers?” asked the elephant.
“No, I will not,” said the peacock.
The elephant too was disappointed and marched off into the forest.
Soon a giraffe happened to walk by. It saw the peacock pecking its feathers with the beak.
“Hey peacock, new in the forest?” asked the giraffe.
“Yes,” replied the peacock.
“Can you show me your feathers? They seem so beautiful,” said the giraffe.
“No, I will not,” said the peacock.
“Look at my long neck. It can stretch up high above the branches.” The giraffe stretched its neck all the way up. The peacock was amazed to see such a long neck.
“Will you show me your feathers?” asked the giraffe.
“No, I will not,” repeated the peacock.
A rather sad giraffe, rocking its long neck, walked away towards the river.
A little while later, along came a lion walking majestically. Had the peacock not fluttered its wings, the lion wouldn’t have noticed.
Looking up the lion said, “Hey peacock, is this your first time here?”
“Yes, I flew here for the first time,” said the peacock.
“Show me your feathers. I have heard they are pretty,” demanded the lion.
“Yes they are pretty but I will not show them to you,” said the peacock.
“You must. See how sharp my claws are and with one roar I can bring the forest to a standstill,” said the lion. And the lion roared so loudly that the peacock almost fell off the tree in fright.
“Heard my mighty roar? Now show me your feathers,” said the lion.
The peacock said, “I will not.”
The angry lion humphed away into the forest without seeing the beautiful feathers.
After the lion was gone, a rabbit holding a carrot crawled out of its burrow near the big tree to see what the fuss was about. It saw the peacock sitting on the tree.
“Hey peacock, welcome to the neighbourhood,” said the rabbit.
The peacock looked down and saw the rabbit. “Thanks,” said the peacock.
“Will you show me your colourful feathers?” asked the rabbit.
“I will not,” said the peacock.
“Look at my big bunny teeth.” The rabbit grinned. “And I can dig a burrow in no time.” The rabbit nibbled the carrot so fast that the peacock was surprised to see it vanish in seconds.
“Please show me your feathers,” The rabbit pleaded.
“No, I will not,” said the peacock. “And please stop bothering me or else I will fly away to find another place to stay.”
The rabbit felt sorry for offending the peacock though it had only wanted to see the peacock’s feathers.
Very soon news of the arrogant peacock spread through the forest. Every animal and bird came to know about the newest member. They all thought that the peacock was too proud of its feathers to show them. So the animals stopped asking and never bothered the peacock again.
A few days later it rained. The hot weather turned pleasant. When the rain stopped, the animals came out to enjoy. They couldn’t believe their eyes at first.
The peacock had spread its wings wide and was dancing in all its glory. It was so engrossed in itself that it took no notice of the staring animals.
The animals were overjoyed to see the beautiful feathers. They cheered loudly. When the peacock saw them gathered around, it at once folded the wings.
“You are looking beautiful. Why don’t you keep dancing,” said the monkey.
“I wish I could. But now you all are here, I can’t,” said the peacock.
“Why are you being so arrogant?” asked the elephant.
“I am not an arrogant bird. It’s just that I am too shy to show my feathers,” said the peacock.
“So that’s why you behaved in such a way. And we thought you were too proud to show them,” said the giraffe.
“But you came to dance in the rain?” questioned the rabbit.
“The rain makes me dance,” said the peacock.
“Now we know your secret. We will not trouble you. You can stay here among us and we know when to catch you dancing,” said the lion.
All the animals laughed and the peacock was delighted to find a new home and new friends.
The Forgotten Friendship
Out of pure boredom, Nina opened the window of her room on the first floor. She did not feel like playing with her toys or draw or paint. In fact she wasn’t interested in doing anything at that moment.
So she stood by the window looking idly at the outside world. An occasional car passed by, on the street next to her house, sometimes honking.
The deserted street came to life when some children came along. She followed the chatty children walking on the pavement until they disappeared from her view.
An old lady walking with a stick on the sidewalk reminded Nina of her grandmother. She was carrying a handbag. “Probably out for shopping,” thought Nina.
Then she saw a boy with his dog. He almost tripped twice trying to hold on to the leash as the huge dog lunged forward. She heard the boy shout, “Slow down Marty.” “Should have gotten a smaller one,” Nina chuckled.
Once again things grew quieter around the street.
For a while she watched randomly in anticipation but finding nothing amusing outside, she was about to close the window when she heard some sharp chirping sounds. She stretched her head out to look. She saw a sparrow with her young ones in a nest high above the nearest tree to the window.
She stood there, watching the sparrow feed and play with the little ones.
“Nina, come downstairs and have your lunch.” She heard her mother call out. Leaving the window open, she went to have her lunch.
“What’s the hurry dear. Eat slowly,” said her mother seeing Nina gobble her food. But Nina’s mind was racing with a new idea. She wanted to finish her food quickly. Grabbing a mouth full of the last bite, she dashed upstairs.
Nina entered her room. She opened her clenched fist. It held a crumpled slice of bread. She made small bread crumbs and placed them quietly on the window sill.
She stepped back, far from the window and waited. Moments later the sparrow swooped down and picked up a few bread crumbs in her beak. Nina poked her head out and saw the sparrow feeding the young ones. She felt happy.
From then on, Nina would bring one thing or the other to feed the sparrow. Even the sparrow would wait for Nina to return from school and finish her lunch.
Days passed by and it was exam time. Nina grew busy and forgot about the sparrow. But the sparrow always came and chirped to get Nina’s attention. Nina would sometimes shoo it away or keep the window closed.
Exams gave way to holidays and new toys. Visiting grandparents and friends kept her company. The sparrow would fly by the window once in a while but either found Nina gone or the window closed.
“Nina, be good. Don’t trouble Grandma. We will be back in a day,” said her mother. Nina’s parents were leaving for a short trip. Nina nodded excitedly. She was going to be on her own for the very first time.
The day was cloudy with a chance of rain. Nina spent most of the time playing around the house. Soon it was dinner time. She ate her food and chatted with her grandmother.
After clearing the dishes, Nina wished good night and went upstairs to sleep in her room. It wasn’t long before she was fast asleep.
A loud sound woke her up. Was it a dream, Nina wondered. Then she heard another loud one. No it wasn’t a dream, it was a thunder storm. She saw flashes of lightening through the rain soaked window. The howling wind was swaying the trees forcefully.
Nina felt afraid. Before she could decide what to do next, power went out. She was sitting in complete darkness except for the occasional streaks of lightening.
Alone in her room, Nina longed for some company. She began to miss her parents. Even if she yelled, no one would hear her over the thunderstorm.
Just then Nina heard a tapping sound on the window. She was afraid to look. But the tapping continued with breaks in between. She took some courage to see who or what was making the sound.
Nina slowly got up and carefully went near the window. She saw nothing in the darkness. But in a flash of lightening she saw the sparrow huddled next to the window with her young ones.
Quickly, Nina opened the window to let the sparrows in and closed the window. The wet and cold birds sat on the study table. She broke some left over biscuits into crumbs and spread them over the table.
The young ones happily pecked the crumbs. The sparrow looked at Nina’s smiling face, as if the bird was thanking her for saving them. But it was Nina’s heart that was filled with gratitude for the sparrow’s company.
The thunderous night had renewed their forgotten friendship.
Magic is for Real
“Mom, can you buy me the book on magic, the one we saw in the book store,” said Maya, running in excitedly.
It was weekend and her mother was cooking a meal in the kitchen. “Why do you want a book on magic?” asked her mother, stirring the pan.
“Magic is so cool. The wizards and the fairies have it. I want to do the same,” said Maya.
“But that’s all make-believe. They are not real. Besides the book on magic that you saw, will teach you how to perform some tricks, which is nothing like the magic you are seeking,” said her mother.
“You mean to say that there’s no magic in the world?” said Maya.
Seeing Maya get disappointed, her mother put down the spatula and said, “Of course there’s magic in the world. But tell me what kind of magic do you want to learn?”
Maya thought for a second. She had recently finished reading a story that had fairies and wizards. Taking a leaf out of it she asked, “How about making a magic potion?”
“Hey, that’s what I am doing right now. Mixing ingredients to make a healthy potion for you to eat.”
“No, I mean like the one used to cure the sick princess and heal the wounded prince,” said Maya.
“Oh that. We have been doing it for centuries. Long ago we used medicinal plants to make potions. Medicines do the same magic for real today,” said her mother.
She switched the burner off and turned towards Maya. “And you know when man accidentally discovered fire, his joy knew no bounds. For the first time he could make light to see in the dark and cook food. It was magic to him. Today, a click of a switch lights up our homes and gadgets, fires up factories and makes the world tick like magic.”
“But witches fly on brooms.” Maya reasoned.
“And we fly in planes. Seeing birds fly, we imagined flying through such stories. Now, jets fly us around the world and space shuttles go beyond Earth,” said her mother.
“Can you think of something else you might have read in stories that sounds like magic?” asked her mother.
“Wizards can see, hear and talk miles away, gazing at crystal balls,” said Maya.
“Well this magically came true when internet and smartphones allowed us to do the same and more, many many miles away. Don’t you think so?”
Maya nodded. She was a little glum and her mother noticed it.
“But hey, do you know how this magic is done?” asked her mother.
“How?”
“Science, technology and engineering make it possible. People work on their imaginations to discover, invent and build things. Contributions and collaborations by men and women from around the world helps build this modern and magical world.”
“Climbing the highest peaks, exploring the deepest oceans, crossing vast deserts and reaching through thick forests isn’t impossible any more. Many mysteries about the world and universe have been solved.” Her mother explained.
“You mean this is the real magic?” said Maya.
“Yes dear, this magic is for real and will always be in the air,” said her mother. “Because, if you think everything possible has been invented or discovered, it’s not so. Everyday work is being done to create new things and solve puzzles.”
“But my point is, how can I do this magic?” asked Maya.
Her mother smiled. “You already are, whenever you read, learn and play. Observe your surroundings, be inquisitive about how things work. Take up a creative hobby or build a skill. And don’t forget to imagine. Who knows, tomorrow you could be creating or building something extraordinary and magical.”
“And don’t worry too much. Whether you read or play, whether you write or paint, whether you teach or tinker, anyone can contribute to the magic happening in this world. Just make an effort to imagine, share and build, better and more humane things.”
Her mother paused. “So, what’s next?”
“I think, I want a magical book which tells more about this real magic,” said Maya.
Her mother laughed. “Sure, we will get that and the one with magic tricks too.”
Maya, feeling happy, skipped off to her room thinking about all the magic she would discover.
The Nightmare
Ramona, lying in bed, listened to the far off sounds in the middle of night. She nudged Jules, who was sleeping next to her. Her elder sister sleepily turned the other way.
“Why is it so hard to wake Jules up? If someone shook me, I would be out of the bed in a jiffy,” murmured Ramona. She reached out and tugged Jules again.
“Umm… what’s it Ramona?” asked Jules without turning around.
“I can’t sleep,” said Ramona.
“Just close your eyes. You will fall asleep soon,” suggested Jules.
“But I already tried that. It seems I’ve been awake since ages,” said Ramona.
Jules glanced at the wall clock and reluctantly turned to face Ramona. “Its only been an hour. Try to sleep. We’ve got school tomorrow,” she said. It was not the first time her younger sister had woken up at night. And every time Ramona disturbed her sleep, she overslept and got late.
“I had this nightmare. It was real scary and…” Before Ramona could go on and on, Jules interrupted her. “I don’t want to hear your silly nightmares. Whenever you narrate them, I end up staying awake while you blissfully go back to sleep.”
The last time Jules had to go through listening to a nightmare, she had made up her mind — she would not let Ramona get away with it again.
“It’s so dark. Can I switch on the lamp?” asked Ramona.
“No! Don’t you dare switch on the light,” warned Jules.
“But I can barely see you,” said Ramona.
“The light from the night shade is enough. I can see you and even make out rest of the room easily,” said Jules.
“Can you see the clock?” asked Ramona.
“Yes,” answered Jules.
“What about the books?”
“I can make them out on the shelf.”
“But I can’t see my dresses.”
“You are not supposed to. They are inside the cupboard,” Jules said annoyingly.
“Can you see the globe on the desk?” asked Ramona.
“Enough with your tricks Ramona. Don’t get smart with me. Now close your eyes and go back to sleep.” Jules turned her back in a huff.
Silence took over. Just the tick-tock of the clock. A few crickets croaking their night song outside. Maybe a distant howl could be heard. And not to forget the soft ruffle of leaves.
“But at least you can turn your face towards me,” said Ramona after a few minutes.
“Fine!” And Jules turned over to face her again. “But close your eyes,” said Jules. Ramona smiled satisfactorily and closed her eyes.
A while later Jules heard a faint popping sound. She opened her eyes to check out. “Eek!” She almost freaked out.
Ramona was staring right at her with her big wide eyes and popping saliva bubbles.
“Stop staring at me and stop making those bubbles. You are getting on my nerves now. If you don’t, I am turning away or maybe go and sleep in the living room.” Jules warned.
“But when I close my eyes, I start thinking about the nightmare I dreamed. Why don’t you hear it out just this once,” pleaded Ramona.
“No way! I am not hearing your nightmares any more.”
“So you are scared of them too,” said Ramona
“No, I am not. They make no sense. I find them silly,” said Jules, though she admitted to herself that they were somewhat scary and surely disturbing.
“Then how am I supposed to go back to sleep? You are being of no help.”
Jules was about to give in and say yes to hearing the nightmare when an idea struck her. “Why don’t you count sheep jumping over the fence? It’s a proven golden trick to fall asleep,” she suggested.
“Counting sheep? I have never seen one in real and I don’t like them,” said Ramona.
“What do you like then?”
“Ice-creams.”
“Then count ice-creams,” said Jules.
“But how can ice-creams jump over the fence?” asked Ramona.
Jules got very irritated. Her sleep had vanished. But she had decided come what may, she won’t hear Ramona’s nightmare. Holding herself back from shouting, she asked, “Which animal do you like then?”
“Umm… I like dogs,” replied Ramona.
“Then count dogs.”
“But you are scared of dogs.”
“Aargh! You have to count them in your head, not mine. Now close your eyes and start counting,” said Jules firmly.
“OK.” And Ramona started the count in her head, shutting her eyes.
Minutes ticked by.
“I finished counting but still can’t sleep.” Ramona stared at Jules.
Jules wasn’t sleeping anyway. “Count them again,” she said.
“But I already counted white ones till hundred. I don’t want to count them again,” Ramona countered.
“Then count the black ones.”
“OK.”
A little later Ramona said, “Finished with the black ones too.”
This time Jules had it. Enough was enough. “It’s the last time and I really mean the last time,” she said.
“So you are going to hear my nightmare?” Ramona asked excitedly.
“No! But you are not going to stop counting till you have finished every colour you know. I don’t care if it takes you the whole night or whatever is left of it. Do it or else you are sleeping alone from now on,” said Jules.
Ramona knew Jules was not kidding. She closed her eyes to count the dogs jumping over the fence once more.
Jules kept checking in between but Ramona didn’t open her eyes. She was fast asleep.
With her sleep gone, Jules lay awake knowing that she was going to be late in getting up for school. “Next time I better be ready for Ramona and her nightmares,” she thought.
Jules smiled at her sister sleeping peacefully. At least she managed not to hear Ramona’s nightmare for once.