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| Sunday, 29 December 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Short Story : An unusual gift
Bandu was not only the gardener, he was the watcher and errand boy too, always at the beck and call of his employers. He was a very faithful descendant of the Landlord for generations. He led a very happy life with his newly married wife Lali. She helped the lady of the house which was very much appreciated as she was clean and neat and did not grudge to do anything she was allotted. This made the lady love Lali as her own, as they were childless. In some way Lali's presence made them happy and they treated her as their own daughter. The garden was a feast for the eyes, with the lovely flowers. The many fruit trees, not only supplied their need, but also was a source of income. Life was happy until fate came in the form of sickness to Lali, when she conceived for the first time there was joy in all the four faces but this did not last long. Lali got sick often and was not able to retain any food and nourishment. She fell sick for a long time and the doctors couldn't diagnose the disease. Bandu comforted his wife and tried his best to keep her happy. The employers too helped them in whatever way they could and Lali was always worried how she was going to repay their kindness! When the time came for confinement, she was admitted to hospital and all were anxious about the baby. But the baby looked healthy though it was a caesarean operation. All looked happy and the parents had a ray of hope for their future but Lali's health began to fail again as the baby had to be fed and cared for. The lady was of great help and even bought the milk for the baby. After sometime, one night Bandu was the gate calling frantically for the Hamu to come and help him to take Lali to Hospital as she was very ill. All the doctors, efforts failed to save poor Lali and after everything was over poor Bandu was left with the baby. After much thought, he wanted to fulfil his wife's last wish. He took the baby to his employers and told of Lali's wish and this was a present for them for all their help and kindness. They were very happy to receive this unusual gift and promised to bring up the baby as their own, as they thought this a real God sent Christmas gift for them. by Glory R. Manuel |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Though they lived close to each other, they were miles apart in their
worldly status. The inmates of the spacious house were a couple whose
gardener and his wife lived in a two-roomed house in the corner of the
garden.
