II. THREE TIMES

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We, the three siblings, were proven to be a great headache for our parents many times, especially at occasions when we were enjoying the hospitality. As we all were gourmand; we, particularly I, always prayed to God for the new hosts. Even today I am fond of sweets.

The whole of the colony knew about my gluttony and all aunties of my colony used to pester me over it.

My favorite one was Saxena Aunty. Whenever I went to her, it was deep-seated in me to say that I was thirsty; like thirsty for a long time and she always offered me, every time a glass of water. But this was never my motto.

I used to say innocently "It is not fair to give anyone only water according to our customs."

With a smiling face, she always pretended to be wondered making her already big eyes, bigger," Ohhho! Then what is fair according to our customs?"

I would say untainted, focusing on my target, "You know very well."

But she was a veteran and I was a naïve. She would reply, "I swear. I don't know. Better you tell me."

"According to our customs, we should always give something sweet to our guests while offering them a glass of water."

"But you are not my guest. You are my sweet child. Aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. I am your child who is a guest at present."

She would be ready with her counter reply, "How can my child be a guest? No, you are my child, not a guest."

Speechless I used to take water with a heavy heart with the pain of failed plan.

In the end, she would laugh at my pathetic face and then would give me sweets wrapped with a bunch of her love.

Holi has always been my favorite festival. From the early childhood days, we enjoyed the colors of Holi with the sweetness of homemade GUJHIYA, Gulab Jamun, Dahi Vada and a variety of other snacks. In Obra, it was customary to visit each and every kith and kin in the festive environment of Holi to wish a colorful year ahead. None of the acquaintances was left behind to visit in this festive season. And the closeness of residents can be guessed from the fact that it would take almost a month to meet everyone. Most of the residents knew most of them.

I was very young then, I think ten years old. In the festive season of Holi once we went to Tripathi Uncle. Uncle and aunty both loved us a lot due to our naughtiness. They also were well acquainted with our sweet loving properties. They served us a lot. Those sweets and snacks made our mouth water. We started watching one another's face for someone to initiate. As our father took the first piece of sweet, our train started and... this is not a joke that it was a matter of only two minutes that we finished all the material. Although father glared at us; none saw towards him. Off course this was a very awkward situation for our parents. But who cares in those times; we, all the three of us, were very happy with the hospitality of Tripathi Uncle and Aunty.

When we returned home, our parents just burst out. They said they had lost their face due to us once again. We didn't behave well. Then they gave us a brief lecture on how to behave while enjoying the hospitality of someone as guests. But it went in one ear and out the other.

Now, it was Mishra uncle's turn on the very next day.

In the morning our father taught us a lot on how to behave in an ethical way. But our mother was confident about us.

She said to the father," What are you doing? They are small kids. They won't understand these ethics and disciplined behavior."

Our father replied, "Don't try to be the devil's advocate. They should behave in a disciplined way and that's what I am telling them and.......it's going to work. " He sighed.

Mom said, "Well. I differ. Let's see the results in the evening today."

And finally, our father gave us a key. He said, "You shouldn't make any attempt for the snacks until it is offered at least thrice by the hosts."

He then turned to me, "Hey Krishna! This instruction is for you too. You should also adhere to these instructions."

We all nodded our heads to show that we had understood.

In the evening we all were at Mishra Uncle's home. His only child Shailesh was my close friend. We all enjoyed a lot there. At the time of snacks, we all were once again watching one another's face. After our parents had taken some sweets, aunty came to us and said "Hey Children! Why aren't you taking anything? This is all for you. Come on. Have some sweet."

My brother and sister said "It's OK aunty. We'll take ourselves".

"All for us"...I thought and felt a sense of immense pleasure and said to myself, "FIRST time." And look at the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi hanging on the front wall. He was smiling. That day I cared at his smile in his framed photos for the first time in my life.

Albeit Father felt very happy because we were much disciplined but mother suspected that something was amiss and she was not a bit wrong.

After five minutes, Uncle said to our father, "Yaar! What's this? The children are not taking even a single piece of sweets or any snacks." And then he offered us some snacks.

My father replied," They are in the discipline today. But you don't worry, they'll have themselves."

Mother was thoughtful about our attack. When and how and of course the intensity.

Once again my brother and sister said "It's OK Uncle. We'll take ourselves".

I mumbled, "SECOND time". And look at the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi. No, he was not smiling. He was laughing. Then what was the first time?... His smile or laugh?... And the most important question....whatever it was...was that at me? The Father of the nation was smiling...oh sorry laughing at me.

Finally, the most awaited moment came. When aunty said once again, "It's too much now. Dear Children! This is all for you. Please start. Have some sweets." She emphasized at her last word.

My brother and sister both saw each other and started their train.

But I said; now loudly, "Papa! This was the third time. May I start now?" and the most astonishing fact is that I didn't care for the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi at that time. The gourmet Krishna!

And here, Oh my Goodness! My father was shocked. His face became purple with embarrassment and he turned his face down for a moment. There was a long silence. Pin drop silence.

Then he looked at me and said, "You are simply too much."

Our parents had a look at Uncle and Aunty and they all cachinnated simultaneously.

At that time, I only comprehended that I had done something wrong. But it took years to realize the actual situation of my parents. I realized their condition when I was a teenager. Now I always feel a smile floating at my face whenever I recall this incident.



Author's note: My generous and sweet friends, I am feeling appreciated. You have finished the two tales and believe me, your interest is keeping the child within me alive to tell you the next one. And yes, don't forget to vote and/or comment . 

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