RRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The sound of the alarm clock woke up Koel.

Waking up with a sigh Koel put her hand on the clock to stop it. Then taking a huge yawn, she got up from her bed and sat up rubbing her eyes. Her hand automatically went for her robe. When she went downstairs to the kitchen where her brother, Dinesh, greeted her. Where are mom and dad? she asked cautiously after greeting him back I dont see them anywhere Her brother being just five would easily get tears on reminding if their mother and father went out. Daddy has gone to office and mamma is getting ready as she has to go somewhere urgently her brother replied sniffing. Where has she got to go? Koel asked. Dont know Oh well well ask her when she will go said Koel munching on a bag of crisps which she had taken out of the fridge. Suddenly the kitchen door opened and banged shut. Good morning Darling, I am going on some business, take care of your brother, be good, I will be coming just before lunch Koels mother took a deep breath to catch her breath. Whoa!!!! Mom slow down, you neednt be afraid, Ill manage everything, said Koel kissing her mother on the cheek. I know Darling, but I still feel afraid and Bunny dont cry or do anything naughty ok? replied Koels mother while hugging her daughter and pulling her little sons cheeks. Yes mamma, Ill be good and Ill take care of didi. She does not need to take care of me, ok? said Dinesh indignantly. I know Bunny, Good bye both of you, be good ok! Said their mother closing the door after her. As soon as their mother left. Dinesh began to howl. Koel smiled her secret smile that she shared with her mother and went to comfort her brother. There, there dont cry Dinu darling, mother will be back soon. But I want mommy now. After consoling her brother Koel sighed with relief.

Her mother did need to go now and then for some urgent work that consisted mainly of papers. They were rich after all. It was no secret that after their mother and father they would both inherit a large amount of money and would be rich without working for it. Anyway their mother needed to go always for investing, or some other work with the bank. Koel went upstairs to have a bath. Her mother had given Dinu a bath before going out. After having a bath Koel went to make sure that their pet dog, Diamonds was all right and had had his meal. Diamonds came bouncing to her to be petted.Oh, Dimmy you look as dopey as ever said Koel fondling his ears. Didi maam will be bout to come came the voice of Dinu. Im coming Dinu .You lay your books Darling. answered Koel. As she and Dinu did not want to go to school, mostly, because of the rough behavior of the children, and partially as they were afraid of the teacher, they did not go to school but studied at home with their tutor. Koel sighed and added Ask Kamala Didi to make the lunch. Ok Kamala was their chef and made delicious food for their family. Suddenly the bell rang. Koel went to the study room, which had especially been built for her and her brother to study. Dinesh was already there. Good Morning Lord Dinesh and Lady Koel. Your tutor is here to teach you. Shall I let her in? Asked Mahesh, their butler. Good Morning Mahesh and yes, please kindly send her in, thank you, said Koel as politely as she could. Miss Rita came inside. Good Morning dears, comment etes-vous? Good Morning Madame, nous bien, ca va? Ham bahut achhe hai. Shukria. This is how they studied. Their teacher preferred to teach them by conversations and discussions. She felt that only in this way could a child learn how to speak properly and also learn many other things together while enjoying learning.

After half an hour, Miss Rita went away. It was almost lunchtime and their mother had come home. The table was laid and they were ready to start lunch, but they were still waiting for Koel and Dinus father. They all had began to be impatient were about to tell Mohan to serve their meal when the phone rang. One of their maids went to answer and returned back saying, Madam Sahib is stuck on traffic and therefore wont be able to come in time. Oh dear , replied Dinus and Koels Mother I wish he could have come faster, I have to discuss some work with him. Never mind mummy, Daddy will be coming soon and you will be able to talk to him. Meanwhile you talk to me and Koel Didi Dinesh reassured his mother. His mother smiled at him and replied all right bunny, tell me what you and your sister did today. And so they talked when half an hour later the phone rang once again. Tina their maid went to answer the phone and came back a few minutes later, white in face Madam its Sahib he heYes tell me Tina, what happened? said Koels mother anxiously Hes in the hospital With this Tina began to cry. I must know what happened to him and how badly he is hurt and saying this Koels and Dineshs mother hurried out to the telephone. Dinu had not understood what had happened and was confused. What happened? a very confused Dinu asked. Daddy is in the hospital Dinu Koel said, feeling very scared, not knowing what to do. Well, he will come back, wont he didi? asked Dinu beginning to be scared. I dont know Bunns, lets ask mumma when she comes back replied Koel who was now blinking back tears, thinking herself silly, and trying to comfort herself by thinking that it was nothing. Their mother came back into the room. By looking at her face Koel could tell that something very serious had happened. What is it mumma? Asked Koel, her face also going white with fear and dread. He is not going to die, he? Dinu began to bawl. I want daddy back right now. Dinu cried He will come back soon Bunny said the childrens mother fondling him and trying to make him lie down and go to sleep.

He is very serious, but the hospital is taking good care of him. Howeversaid their mother to Koel, suddenly glancing at Dinu. However what? asked Koel Her mother put her finger in her lip and said shhhh, not right now. Then she pointed towards Dinu and made a cross with her hands which Koel perfectly understood.Her mother did not want to speek infront of Dinesh. Koel beganm pacing on the floor whikle waitig her brother to go to sleep for the afternoon.She began to wonder what could have happened tpo her father that her mother making her wait till her brother was asleep. Surely that signified some terrible news? Koel was sure that this suspense was going to kill her. She called her maid Tina and asked to bring her a glass of water. Tina promptly came back with a glass of water. Thank you Tina said Koel. Tina nodded and went away. Suddenly it struck to Koel that as Tina had answered the phone then she might know what had happened to her father. Wait Tina! said Koel suddenly. Yes Didi?answered Tina.It was then when Koel noticed that Tinas face was also going white and her hands were trembling. Tina, do you know what has happened to my father?asked koel. You wee the first one to answer the phone ,you must know something. oh,Didi ,you should ask your madam,I am sure that I am not the one who can explain it.answered tina anxiously. Tina ,I want to know what has happened to him.please tell me.said Koel . Tina became more fidgety and even more white in faceOh, miss..I am sorrybut its no good asking me.I am not good at explaining these things.I-I just cant tell you! With this dramatic speech Tina rushed away to the servants quarter. Koel stared open mouthedly ater jer.This was something new.That Tina could be so dramatic,she had never expected. This was totally like a movie thought Koel.then she thought thata something very very serious could have happened that moved Toina to this state.

Suddenly the bell rang ad Mahesh went to open the door.Mahesh came back inside and said Lady Koel,it is Lady Rihanna at the door.I have seated her in the sitting room. DShall I also tell Lady Maya about Lady Rihanna?Also Kamla has said that the tea will be ready in ten moinutes.Shall I tell tona to lay the table? No do not trouble mother after Rihanna ,I will gp and meet her and yes,tell Tina to lay the table.Tell her to put a place for Rihanna too.Also send one of the servants to take care of Rihanna.Tell Rihanna that I will be joining her soon.saifd Koel. Though Koel was groaning inside she went inside her room,made up her hair again,washed her face,wore a pair of earings,her best shoes ,and went downstairs to the siting room. Rihanna was one of the snobbiest and richest women whom Koel had ever met.She was very pompous and loud voiced.Also she never failed from explaining her point of view, which she felt was the most correct.And she was so thick skinned that it never struck her that people might not like her.She was also the biggest gossip in their town and could never understand that someone may say something bad about her if she said anything bad about them. Koel enetered the parlour and tried to smile for Rihanna.However after looking at Rihanna she knew she had failed miserablely. What is wrong dear?asked Rihanna ,looking at Koel strangely.you can tell me,afterall I am almost like your mother. I wont tell anyone you know ad where is your mother,she always comes to meet me.Nevermind Ill see your father.Not that I mean that you are a bore daer.Atleat you are not like Ms. Chhatturvedi. She just keeps on talking about herself.That remi9nda me that Ms. Gupta told me that Ms. Chhatturvedi is very talkative because she gets nervous infront of people and also because she is very conceited. And you know- Never mind what I know or dont.Mother is making Dinu go to sleep and father is still at work.Oh and nothing is wrong with me auntysaid koel trying to laugh and make Rihannas statement look foolish.Koel also knew tjhat this conversation would be the talk of the neighbourhood for months for nobody ever tried to stop Rihanna as otherwise she would tell lies about people to other people. Oh but doesnt your father come home at four o clock?Dont tell me you parents are havinga a divorce!Oh my God!that is it ,isnt it!thats why you are so sad and strange today! Dont worry dear,I wont tell anyone outside this room.I promise.And let me talk to your mother and make sure she is all right.Divorce!that alsoWhoa wait a second.Who said my mothere and father are having a divorce??!!Thats not it.My father had some urgent work thats why he is still at office.He is a hard working man!And my mother is with Dinu as I said!I am sad ,um, just because ,uh, II wished that-uh-I hade got better clothes for the uh party next week at your housereplied Koe thinking that how did anyone live with this woman.

Suddenly her mother entered the scene.She saidRihanna!such a lovely surprise!i never expected to see you right now!And Koel!thank you for filling my space but as I am here now you can leave dear.And no shouting.Was she being unpolie with you Rihann?I could hear her voice in Dinus room. Oh no, your daughter is a well-behave dlittle girl.She behaves like a child shouldatleast of her age-and atleast she is not like Ms. Chattturvedi.But please make sure that stops interrupting people in between.Thats a really bad habit-just like Mr. Kullar.With this Rihanna tried a smile and laughed. Koel could see that her mother was straining tyo keep herself laughing with Rihanna.she saidDarling listen to what Ms. Delvaree says. She is speaking the truth.Alas todays generation has no time for manners! In our days- You are right Maya.Well dear you can go now.said Rihanna interrupting my moyther. Koel said a meek yes and went away.It was 5pm.And she still didnt know what had happened to her fatger.This suspense was killing Koel.She was very anxiouds.She didnt know what toi do.Her mother was busy and Tina was Not willing to sya anything.Koel was afraid that if she pushed to much then Tina would break into a hysterics.But what else could Koel do? Suddenly she had an idewa.She wnt to the phone and dialed the hospitals number.The phone was picked up by a nurse who saidyes, Koel replied nervouslyi-I want to know what has happened to Mr. Kaushik as he is my father. The nurse replied your name please. Koel Derroine Fathers full name? Kaushik Derroine. Wait a second please. Let me find out. With this the nurse went away. Koel waited nervously, her heartbeat increased its pace with each second. The nurse came back. She said I am sorry to say but your father is.is- Please tell me said Koel. Well he has had 2 heartattacks. His left side is temporarily paralyzed and he has also got amnesia.However it might go away.You can but hope for the best. Will he survive?whispered Koel going whote. He has got a strong chance of survival.99%.But only Lord knows Koel placed back the receiver,Went to her room and sat down.She couldnt cry.She couldnt believe it actually. She felt that it had to be a joke. She lay down on her bed and began to wonder.