Promises to Keep

[Its a true story that i read about five years ago]

My sister was born eleven months after me. We quaralled quite often, craved for each other's treasured possessions and jostled for parental attention. Yet we could not stay away from each other. I was our mashi's(ayah's) favorite. She was doted on by our cook and got the best snacks from the kitchen while I glared hungrily from outside.

When she was about five years old and I was six, we had a fierce fight over one of mother's Benarasi saris, which she wanted to be reserved for her and I for my future wife. Mashi had to call for help to pull us apart

Summoned by father next morning, I sensed trouble when I saw my sister perched on his lap. Father counted six scratches on her face and told me solemnly that if any of those scratches left a permanent marks, I would be required to pay Rs. 1 Lakh for each scratch during her marriage. I was too intimidated to mention the many scratches on my body.

One day my sister showed me a small pocket diary which a friend had given her. It had a red leather cover, golden clips and a small gold pencil in the slot. The moment I saw the diary I knew that I had to have it. I coaxed her and even offered her the choice of my prize possessions in exchange.

But she would not budge. Eventually when I abandoned my search, she told me that she would give me the diary when she wantd to.

My father passed away when I was eleven and my sister died eight months later. One can hardly diagnose one's emotions at the age of twelve, but my feelings found an outlet after nearly five decades.

My father's secretariat table was being opended for repairs when a small object was scraped out from its bottom drawer.

The carpenter was about to throw it away when it caught my eye. I picked up the object and after removing many layers of cobwebs and dust, I found my sister's red diary - brittle and crumbling to my touch.

Gingerly I opened the first page and saw a faded writing in her childish scrawl - "To my dearest dada. Happy Birthday."

The year was 1948. She had kept her promise.

[Author: Mr. Anonymous]

awwwww this is so sweet.....................kinda senti karan.................thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!

hmm bohot ache karan ji................

 :D