“Daughters day is near sweetie. What would you like to do on that day?” asked Cindy. Vivian, her daughter looked up from her sketching and replied, “Anything you want mom. I’m game to any plan you and dad make.” “But it’s your special day dear and you get to choose how to spend the day. If you want you can go over to Audrey’s house and spend the day with your bestie, suggested Cindy. “No mum I want to spend my special day with my family,” smiled Vivian. “Let dad come back from work and I’ll discuss plans for the day,” decided her mom. 

In the evening, Audrey’s mom came over to meet Cindy. “Why don’t our two families get together and come up with a fantastic plan for our daughters, this way both friends will have a rollicking day,” questioned Jen, Audrey’s mom. “Wonderful, what is your suggestion?” asked Cindy. “Well, first and foremost, let us both visit the mall and buy gifts for our daughters. That is really important.” “Yes, I’m free at 11, I’ll meet you at your house and we will visit the best stores at the mall.” 

The next day, the two moms bought a dress, matching shoes, bags and a bouquet for the two girls. While having coffee at the food court, Cindy asked, “What about the other plans?” “My suggestion is breakfast in my garden with me cooking pancakes with your special chicken quiche which both the girls love.” “Good, the start of Sunday will be special,” smiled Cindy. “Oh, and I have a brilliant idea. Why not go to Sophie’s for lunch? Her menu has mouth-watering delicacies.” “Yes, Jim loves her lamb chops.” “And Dan loves her steaks,” added Cindy.

“In the afternoon, let’s take in a movie which is running at Elite,” said Jen, excitedly. “Oh! I love your plan. We can have evening tea at Rose’s cafe and play Scrabble in the evening.” “Good, let’s stick to this plan and inform the dads. See you, Cindy, must rush back to start dinner,” said Jen, hugging Cindy. 

Sunday arrived with the daughters not knowing their families’ plans. The day began with breakfast in Jen and Jim’s garden. Gifts were given after the moms cleared the breakfast dishes. 

Audrey and Vivian offered help but were refused and went to Vivian’s room to open their gifts. After lunch at Sophie’s, the two families trooped to the movie theatre. When the movie ended, they went to Rose’s Cafe for tea. On the next table, Vivian noticed a girl her age, sitting alone. She looked sad and had a frown on her face. 

“I wonder why that girl looks sad Audrey. Where do you think her mom is? She shouldn’t be sad on this special day.” “Why don’t we go ask her, I don’t want any daughter to look sad today.” The friends excused themselves and went to the stranger’s table. 

“Excuse me, why are you sitting alone on daughter’s day? Where are your parents?” asked Vivian. “I am an orphan, and I am spending this special day at the cafe and imagining I have a family too, but seeing others with their parents makes me sad. It’s alright. Thanks for caring,” the girl said smiling through her tears. “Well, both of our parents are here. Come and meet them. By the way, what is your name?” asked Audrey. “It is Roxene,” replied the girl, shyly. The two friends took Roxene to their table. “Mom Dad this is Roxene. Can she join us for tea?” asked Audrey. “Why not?” chorused the four grownups. 

All seven of them enjoyed tea, coffee and milkshakes with a burger each. “Where do you live Roxene?” asked Audrey. “At my foster parents home but they are out for the day with their kids.” “Oh and why didn’t they take you with them?” asked Vivian. “They wanted to spend daughters day with their two daughters,” said Roxene, with a sad expression. “Oh, so they don’t consider you as their daughter too. That’s not done.” “Mom, could we talk privately for a second?” “Come with me,” said Vivian, pulling her mom’s hand. She took Cindy aside and said eagerly, “Mom will you mind if I asked for another gift on this special day?” “Of course you can darling. What would you like me to get for you?” asked Cindy. 

“It is not something to be bought, mother. I want you to adopt Roxene. She will have a sister in me and parents who will love her and never leave her alone on Daughter’s Day.” “If this is what you want, we will give you your gift,” smiled Cindy. “Oh, wow Mom, you are the best,” Vivian hugged her mom. The others heard this, and Dan agreed to give his daughter the gift of a sister. 

Roxene protested a bit but agreed when she was assured, she wouldn’t be a liability. Audrey said, “You will have company Vivian when I move to a new town with my family. I will miss both of you.” “Don’t worry darling, we will visit Vivian and Roxene often and they can come to our place too. We will always keep in touch,” said Jen with a smile. 

The three girls started talking cheerfully. Roxene’s sadness had changed to a joyous smiling countenance. 

WRITTEN BY: Team, Content Writer India (COPYRIGHT)

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Polly and her brother Tom were invited to their granny’s house for summer break. “Children, your bags are packed. Daniel will drive you to your granny’s home. Amy will look after you. Please do not give trouble to grandma,” pleaded Sofie, their mom. “Be good kiddos,” spoke Harry, their father.

“Enjoy yourself Mom and Dad at the resort. We will see you when we get back,” said Polly, hugging them. “Drive carefully, Daniel. Amy, don’t let Tom wander about on his own. Keep a watch on him. He is very careless,” worried Sofie. “Don’t worry ma’am, I will check on him often,” smiled Amy, their cook cum house help.

Daniel, her husband was the driver cum odd-job man. Harry was taking his wife on a much-needed break at a famous resort while the kids stayed with his mom. The car drove off with Sofie waving goodbye. Their journey took three hours as Granny lived in the next town.

Throughout the ride, Tom and Polly kept munching homemade savouries while chatting with Daniel and Amy. At last, they reached their destination. Tom ran up the drive and rang the bell. The door opened and there stood Grace, their grandma.

The sweet old house was welcoming as always.

“Hello granny, how are you?” “I am very well, thank you. It is wonderful to see you two,” replied Grace, giving them hugs and kisses.

“Hello Daniel, Amy, come, come, Brenda will help you carry the luggage,” added Grace. Brenda was Granny’s maid, companion and housekeeper, all rolled into one. She had been with Granny for many years.

She had a pleasant countenance and welcomed the visitors with big smiles. Amy settled the kids’ things in their room and then accompanied Brenda to her small cottage which they were to share with her.

“It is good to have some company. We don’t have many people living by to have a conversation with,” said Brenda, showing them to her guest room. “I love coming to this quaint and quiet town,” opined Amy.

The two maids got together and cooked a wonderful dinner comprising cold cuts, dinner rolls and blueberry pie. At last, the tired children went to bed, not before Granny narrated one of her childhood tales.

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The next day, Granny Grace took the kids to the local stores where they bought clothes, books, and indoor games. Grace got gifts to send to her son and daughter-in-law. Amy and Daniel received gifts too and so did Brenda.

“Oh ma’am, you got me my favourite author’s latest book. I’m so happy,” smiled Brenda. Amy and Daniel thanked Grace for their gifts too which they loved.

“My mistress loves giving gifts to one and all,” explained Brenda, keeping her new book on the kitchen cabinet. The children spent days watching TV and playing indoor games with Brenda, Amy and Daniel joining in.

Granny took them for long walks and introduced them to the few neighbours living in the surrounding areas. They were invited for tea and birthday parties.

“Let’s go to the movies today everyone,” announced Grace, after early breakfast eaten outside in the garden. “Wow!” that’s a good idea granny. Will all of us go?” asked Tom.

“I never go to the movies alone, Brenda always comes along and this time all six of us will go and enjoy a movie and hot dogs, finishing off with ice cream,” replied Granny with a grin.

Soon the family left for their outing coming back tired but happy towards early evening. They were invited to a flower show the next day which was in the city centre hall. There they met lots of friendly people. Tom and Polly met many kids their age and had fun partaking free lunch organised by the mayor’s office.

The children were happily spending time at Granny’s house, busy with various activities daily. One day, a stranger rang the bell.

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He looked tired, and hungry, and wanted to know if Grace could give him a job in her household. He kept looking furtively behind him. Grace called him inside and made him sit on a chair.

“You look as if you could do with a bite to eat first. Brenda, could you get him some tea and biscuits please,” asked Granny. The stranger gulped down the tea and biscuits hungrily.

“What’s your name?” asked granny. “It’s Storm ma’am,” replied the stranger. “What can you do around the house to help?” asked Grace. I can do most of the housework,” said Storm.

“There’s one thing though since I’m new to this town, I’ll need a place to stay. I can stay in your garage. I won’t need much space.”

Grace, being a kind person gave Storm the job of being her odd-job man. “Brenda needs assistance around the house. She has difficulty managing everything on her own. It will be good to have an assistant for her,” spoke Granny, with a smile.

A few days passed with Storm settling into the household routine, helping in every way. Just after a week of Storm’s arrival, constable Higgins came knocking at granny’s door.

“Hello constable is something the matter?” asked Grace. “I have a search warrant to search your house for stolen valuables.” “We have nothing to hide,” said Brenda.

Just then, Storm entered the room and finding the constable, tried to make a quick getaway. “Wait, what’s your name? You look familiar,” spoke Higgins. “Oh, he is our odd-job man. His name is Storm. I hired him last week,” said Grace.

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“I recognise you. You are the robber who has stolen valuables worth thousands from neighbouring towns. I recognised you from your photo at the station. I’m arresting you for multiple robberies,” said the constable, catching Storm and putting on handcuffs.

“I don’t think he has stolen anything here constable. Are you sure he is your man?” questioned Granny, with a serious expression.

“Just a minute ma’am. Empty your pockets Storm,” ordered Higgins and when his order wasn’t obeyed, he forcefully dug into Storm’s jacket pocket. Out came a diamond ring and bracelet.

“My God, so you are a thief. This is the last gift from my dear husband before he passed away. We trusted you and this is what you did. Take him away constable,” cried Grace.

“Come on fella. You won’t be spared. Here ma’am, take your jewellery,” said Higgins, walking off with Storm. Grace sat down on the sofa, holding her head. “How could this happen to us? I never thought Storm was a bad guy. He looked innocent and good,” she lamented.

”You never know these days ma’am. People are not what they look like,” consoled Brenda. “It was such a shock ma’am. I never heard of such a thing,” opined Amy. “I think we should search through the house and belongings to see if Storm stole anything else,” said Daniel, going to the other rooms. “We will help you Dan,” chorused the children, going with him.

After a thorough search, it was found that all other valuables were intact in the house. On a sunny morning, after a few days, Granny and the kids were enjoying freshly made croissants and chicken cutlets for breakfast, served in the garden when Tom noticed a girl of about eleven lurking outside the gate. She was half-hidden by the boundary wall.

Tom got up and went around the backyard gate, reaching behind the girl. He caught her by her shoulder and shouted, “Granny look, a girl is spying on us.” The others ran to the gate and pulled the girl into the garden. “Who are you and why are you here?” asked Daniel. The girl caught hold of granny’s hand saying, “Please give me a minute to explain. I have come to you for help.”

Granny made her sit on a chair and asked, ”Tell me why you need my help. After all, I don’t even know you.” “My mom sent me here for assistance. We know Storm used to work for you. He has been threatened and wrongly accused. He is my brother. Please help me clear his name,” sobbed the girl. “I don’t understand. Who is threatening him?” questioned Grace.

“He used to work in a factory in the next town. One day, when he was returning from work, a group of criminals caught hold of him and threatened him to do as he was told otherwise they would kill me and my mom. If we went to the police, there would be no chance for us to survive. They made him take odd jobs in the neighbouring towns where he had to steal valuables worth a lot from unsuspecting households.

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This has been going on for a few months and poor Storm is getting deeper and deeper into this wrong business, while the criminals are getting richer by the day. They are keeping a watch on our home too, but somehow I escaped their notice and have come to you,” explained the stranger.

“This is sad. I can understand your concern. How did you know Storm was working here?” asked Amy. “On the day of his arrest, I witnessed everything when I was out, shopping for groceries nearby. I waited my chance and came today,” replied Sandra, the stranger.

“Wait, I’ll call Constable Higgins for help. Don’t worry, we will get your brother released,” spoke Grace. The constable arrived and after talking to Sandra, took her to the police station. Storm was released and on finding out the gang’s whereabouts, the police raided the hideout, and all the criminals were caught, and valuables were returned to the owners. Storm decided to continue working for Grace.

“Don’t you want your factory job back?” questioned Grace. “This is where I want to be ma’am if you will still have me” replied Storm. “Sure, it will be wonderful to have you back,” smiled Grace. Sandra came and played with Tom and Polly every evening. They had become good friends.

At last, the day of the kids’ departure back home arrived. They bid goodbye to Granny, Brenda and Storm and waited to meet Sandra one last time.

Presently, she came with a fruit cake made by her mother as a going-away gift for her new friends. The car moved forward with everyone waving merrily.

WRITTEN BY: Team of Story Writers, Content Writer India (COPYRIGHT)

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This is a story about two neighbours, Roxy and Gwenda. There was no love lost between them. They were forever at each other’s throats for something or the other.

Their husbands and children were friendly towards one another and Molly and Robbie were often seen playing together at the park with Julian and April, Gwenda’s kids.

Molly and Robbie, Roxy’s children expressed their opinion about the feud between their moms to the other two.

“It is high time our moms saw eye to eye now and then,” commented Molly.” I think we have to do something to stop their regular fights and arguments,” added Julian.

“I can’t think of anything,” opined Robbie. “ I’m sure we will find a way to make our moms friends with each other,” said April. One day, the two women reached the fishmonger’s outlet to buy fresh fish for dinner.

“Hello Mr Rick, how are you? Please give me a pound of the best fish you have,” ordered Roxy. “I was here first so Mr Rick, you will kindly serve me first,” spoke Gwenda, making a bad face at her neighbour.

Lo and behold, the fight had begun once again as to who would get the best fish. Soon the two ladies were screaming and shouting with all their might. Molly, Robbie, Julian and April saw them from afar and cycled fast to Mr Rick’s outlet for fresh fish.

“Come on Mom, your fish is better than what Aunty cooks. Let’s go otherwise you will not finish cooking by dinner time and this fresh fish will become stale,” said Molly, winking at April.

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“No Mom, your purchase is far better. Their fish looks stale,” added April, rolling her eyes, heavenwards. At last, both the ladies left the shop with their children still trying to pacify them.

The next day, the children met each other while out on a walk. “Have you heard? The mayor has announced that a competition will be held among the ladies of our town?” asked Julian.

“No, what is the competition about?” asked Robbie. “Oh! Are you talking about the homemade strawberry cupcakes?” asked Mollie. “Yes it is,” replied Julian.

“This year strawberries are in abundance so this competition has been organized,” added Julian.

“When will the competition be held and where?” asked April. “In the town hall this Sunday,” replied her brother Julian. “Do you think our moms will participate in the competition?” asked April.

“I’m sure mine will, just to try and beat your mom at the coming event,” giggled Robbie. The others burst out laughing.

“I do hope they don’t get into another fight, otherwise it will look terrible in front of the mayor,” added Molly, his sister. Roxy and Gwenda were more than ready to participate in the cupcake competition.

Gwenda told her family, “Wait till I show that neighbour of ours what a great cook I am. My cupcakes will surely win the competition.”

Julian whispered, “There goes, mom. I just hope they don’t start arguing at the event.” “Hope so,” added April. Roxy was very calm because she knew her cupcakes were smashing. She baked them often for her kids. “Mom, who do you think will win the competition?” asked Molly.

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“I’m sure mom will. Her cupcakes are out of this world,” spoke Robbie. “I’ll do my best. I just want to have fun,” replied Roxy. “That’s right. We will all enjoy the event,” chorused the children.

Both the ladies started preparation and on the day of the competition, arrived at the venue earlier than the rest of the townsfolk.

Slowly and steadily, the rest of the competitors took their places and their families sat down to await the result. The judges were a bit late in coming but at last, everything was ready.

Everyone taking part in the event wished each other the best of luck except Gwenda, who was too worked up about winning to spare time or thought on anyone else.

She ignored Roxy and got busy laying out her cupcakes for the judges to taste. A little later, the judges got up and went from one table to the other, tasting the goodies.

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After the tasting was over, they went and sat at their places to discuss whose was the best cup-cake. At last, they made their decision and stood up to announce the winner.

“There is a tie, the cupcakes on tables number six and nine are equally good. Both will win the prize but will have to share it because it is a set of baking tins and trays,” said the first of the judges.

“Please come forward Roxy and Gwenda from Moonshine Avenue,” spoke the second judge, while the third smilingly offered the big box to both of them. All four kids took the heavy box from their mother’s hands.

“Let’s open and see the contents,” said Julian, excitedly. The box contained different sizes of baking equipment. “I want the big ones because I have a bigger oven than yours, Roxy,” said Gwenda.

“You are welcome to the whole box Gwenda, I have enough at home,” said Roxy, marching towards her car, Robbie and Molly following.

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Gwenda happily took home the full box, April and Julian going with her. After this incident, the two women never spoke to one another and turned the other way when their paths crossed.

The children were upset by their mom’s behaviour and wanted the situation to improve. They discussed this problem but could find no solution. “We must do something to stop this Cold War between our moms,” lamented Robbie.

“Yes, we have to do something,” agreed Molly. “We have to have a plan to move forward if we want this awful situation to become tolerable,” pointed out Julian. “Well, we have to go and do our homework now. Why don’t we meet on Sunday morning at the park and discuss our plan,” spoke April.

“Yes let’s, too have to finish my English homework,” suggested Molly. Sunday morning saw the four kids sitting on the park bench with one thought in mind.

“I can’t think of anything which will end this feud between our mothers,” said April, worriedly. “I know, but there has to be something that will help solve this problem,” observed her brother, Julian.

“I have an idea. My mom’s birthday is next week. What if we take her to the newly opened cafe at the mall for tea and you bring your mom there too for refreshments? We won’t be visible till you are right inside,” planned Robbie. “As soon as Mom sees you all, she will march out of the restaurant,” agonised April.

“We will beg auntie to join us for mom’s birthday celebrations. I’m sure she will stay,” spoke Robbie, hopefully. “Yes, I think this plan might work,” added his sister, Molly, enthusiastically. The children went back home with renewed hope and happiness.

As planned, Saturday evening saw Roxy’s family at the new cafe called ‘Starlit Cafe’.

The group was ordering food when in walked Gwenda’s family. Their father went and met the other family, but Gwenda started going out from the cafe. Robbie ran up to her begging her to join them for a celebration but Gwenda didn’t agree.

Roxy got up and going up to Gwenda said, “It’s my birthday Gwen. Won’t you join my party? I’m sorry for our disagreements and arguments but it’s time to make amends stop our mutual dislike for each other and try to be friends. After all, we are neighbours, and it is better to have friendly relationships rather than be at each other’s throats. Don’t you think?”

Gwenda hesitated, then giving a hug to Roxy spoke, “Oh alright! I can never resist a piece of chocolate cake anyway.” The others burst out laughing and that was the beginning of a lasting friendship between the neighbours.

Did you like reading this short story about neighbours and solving misunderstandings with neighbours? Share your feedback in the comments section below.

Written By: Team, Content Writer India (COPYRIGHT)

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This is an interesting story about helping other people in your life.

Fiona, Tessa, and Millie were good friends who were neighbours too. Their favourite haunt was the park, where they played many games. Another group of friends from the neighbouring street joined them at the park, occasionally.

Their names were Ruby, Tina, and Nora. On Sunday morning, the two groups met at the park for a game of badminton. They were enjoying their game when Nora announced, “Do you people know that the empty flat at the corner of our street is occupied now”?

“Oh, I didn’t notice,” spoke Tina. “I haven’t seen anyone. Who are they”? questioned Ruby. “I wonder whether the new family has children our age,” thought Fiona. “Well, they seem to be very rich and act important and all that,” answered Nora.

“I did see a girl our age but she looked stuck up,” she added. “Let’s see if she comes to the park, then we can check her out,” suggested Millie. “I don’t think she will want to dirty her shoes here. They must be expensive,” giggled Tessa, rolling her eyes.

“Oh really!” chuckled Fiona. A week passed but none of the neighbours saw the newcomers. Their gate was shut and only the gardener was seen sometimes, attending to the lawn and flower beds. About a fortnight later, when the six girls were playing ball in the park, Millie accidentally hit someone on the shoulder.

“Oh dear! I had better go say sorry,” spoke Millie. As she neared, a girl turned angrily to see who had hit her. “Wait, no need to apologize, she is the new girl who has shifted to the corner house. Look at her angry face. She might hit back,” whispered Nora.

By then, the girl had reached Millie and said glaring at her, “How dare you hit me? My parents are very powerful. If this happens again, they will call the police.”

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“Don’t come to the park then or something like this might happen again. This is a common playground and people come to play here. Why have you come?” asked Fiona.

“Shut up. Don’t annoy me,” replied the girl, marching out of the park with her ayah. “My my, what a personality. Did her dress get dirty?” laughed Tina.

The new girl wasn’t seen for the rest of the month. One evening, the gang met at the ice cream parlour to have their favourite cones. After picking up their orders from the counter, the six of them decided to take a walk.

The evening air was nice and fresh and mothers with proms and elderly couples were sitting on the side benches, gossiping merrily.

“Remember friends, the fete at the club is next week. Are you all getting something homemade to sell there?” asked Millie. “Yes, my mom is baking cheese straws and chocolate cookies for the fete and I am going to help her,” replied Nora.

“My mom will be in charge of club sandwiches which we will make on the morning of the fete. My granny is coming to help,” chirped Tina.

“We have plans to sell banana bread and tea cakes. Mom’s friend will help her make them. She is a chef,” said Ruby. “What about you three? What are your plans?” asked Nora.

“Well my mom is an expert in making pancakes, so that’s what we will make,” replied Fiona.

“I think I’ll ask mommy to make pinwheel biscuits. They are very tasty,” said Millie. “Mom is going to make vegetable rolls and cutlets for the vegans of whom there are many,” added Tessa.

All six households were ready with their savouries on the day of the fete. The six girls and their families met at the venue.

“Let us arrange our tables without wasting time’” said Fiona’s mom. Everyone got their cue and no timetables were beautifully arranged. People from neighbouring towns started coming and steadily there was quite a crowd at the fete.

Everyone was having a great time and the friends were busy helping sell their products.

The fete was in full swing when the newcomers at the corner house arrived. The girl called Veronica, her little brother Rob and their parents were accompanied by two ayahs. They arranged their table quickly with ready-made bakery items, some bought from the local bakery and confectionary place.

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“I wonder what was prepared at home?” They don’t look home-cooked,” commented Tina.

“Everything except the cookies is from the neighbourhood bakery. I got a good view of the items because their table is next to ours,” whispered Tessa to her friends.

“They are real show-offs. Though their table is laden with goodies, no one is going to them. Veronica and her mom look stuck up as usual.

At midday, Fiona observed, “Look, friends, our six stalls have nearly sold everything while Veronica hasn’t done much business.” “Well, who is going to buy ready-made goods when people can enjoy homemade goodies,” added Millie.

It was five in the evening and time to pack up. “Poor Veronica and her family will have to eat their stuff for days if they don’t want it wasted. I don’t think they sold much,” laughed Ruby. “Serves her right. Her snobbishness kept her aloof and this didn’t help,” surmised Nora.

The six friends saw Veronica and Rob occasionally at the park, never talking or playing with any of the children present from their neighbourhood. They sat on the bench, while their ayahs gave them lemonade and biscuits.

“Did you all notice that the two siblings never have a smile on their faces? Their gloomy expressions are really weird,” thought Tessa. “Leave them be. I don’t think they ever smile, let alone laugh,” commented Fiona, making a face.

It was Friday and the local market was thronged with buyers. It was the day of the weekly sale. The friends were at the gift store, looking for gifts for their mothers because Mother’s Day was around the corner. All of them had chosen gifts except for Tessa.

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“I can’t decide between the bracelet and the earrings. Please help me choose,” asked Tessa. Just then, Veronica arrived. She looked around, stared at her friends and made a bad face. Ruby said,” Tessa you can take any of them. Both are pretty.”

Tessa looked at both pieces, deciding on the bracelet. Just then, Veronica grabbed the two items saying,” I want both of them. Pack them for me in the best wrapping sheet you have.”

The shopkeeper was just about to do as asked, when Ruby angrily took hold of the bracelet saying, “This has been sold. You can take the earring.” “How dare you take what I want. Give it back to me,” shouted Veronica, pulling at it. Ruby got annoyed and called the others.

A big argument began and at last, it was resolved by Veronica pulling the bracelet towards her but breaking it in the process. “Here, you can have your bracelet back with the earrings. We are done here,” said Tessa, leaving the store with her friends. The six girls went to a home decor store, where Tessa got pretty embroidered table napkins for her mom.

Poor Veronica had to pay for the broken bracelet. She marched out of the store with a scowl on her face. Days passed and the situation with the new neighbours didn’t improve.

One day, when the girls were out cycling together, they came upon a crowd of people. “What’s happened? Let’s go and see,” spoke Nora.

The friends neared the gathering and saw Veronica and her brother lying on the road, their bicycles overturned. Blood was oozing out of a deep cut on Veronica’s arm and Rob’s knees were bruised badly. He was screaming with fear and pain.

“My goodness! They are hurt badly. I’ll go and get their parents,” said Ruby. “No don’t go. Dad is at a meeting and our maids have gone with my mom to get some groceries,” spoke Veronica, trying to get up. “Don’t worry, we will take you to the doctor’s clinic,” said Fiona.

“Come with me Rob,” said Millie. “I’ll take you, Veronica. You can ride with me and Rob will come with Millie,” decided Nora. The doctor examined the siblings and gave them first aid. “Come, I’ll drop you home,” said Tessa. “You can ride with me, Rob. Come on, let’s go,” added Tina.

All eight of them reached Veronica’s house. They were about to leave when she stopped them. “Please come inside. I’m very thankful to you guys for helping us, though we were mean to you all. I’m very very sorry. Will you please forgive me?” pleaded Veronica.

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“You are forgiven,” chorused the friends, following Veronica inside. “Please be comfortable. I’ll join you presently,” said Veronica, leaving them. The girls sat down talking. After some time, Veronica and Rob returned with cool glasses of lemonade and tea cakes.

“Help yourself, friends,” smiled Veronica. “Wow our gang will have seven members from today,” laughed Fiona. “What about me? Whom will I play with?” questioned Rob.

“Don’t worry. I’ll introduce you to kids your age in the park. You can play with them,” answered Tessa,” hugging the little boy. At last, the six of them got up to go but not before inviting the siblings and their parents to visit each of them.

From that day onwards, Veronica was always included in her friends’ plans. Their parents also took part in all the community meetings and decisions. The snobs had turned into kind, jovial and friendly neighbours.

WRITTEN BY: Team, Content Writer India (COPYRIGHT)

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“Hi Mommy, what should I do on my birthday?” asked little five-year-old Selena. “Well cutie, what about a big birthday party at the ladies’ club?” questioned Wendy, her mom.

“Can we have a small party here in our garden, Mommy? I’ll invite a few of my class friends and my best friend forever Nina and her family,” begged Selena.

“Sure, if that’s what you want,” smiled Wendy. “Grandpa and Grandma are coming this evening and will be staying for a few days,” added Wendy. “Oh! that is wonderful. Is Trina coming too?” asked Selena. “Yes, and she will be a great help to our cook,” replied her mom.

“Where is Daddy? I have to plan the party with him,” asked Selena. “Well, sweetie, he has a meeting and will come late,” replied Wendy.

The bell rang and Mia, the cook answered the door. Grandma and Grandpa had arrived. Peter, the driver brought in their bags and informed everyone that he would fetch his master from the office.

“Hello granny, hello grandpa, good you can help me plan my birthday party,” said Selena, hugging them. “Sure darling, we will.” Trina took them to the guest room to freshen up for tea.

“Don’t worry about the unpacking. I will arrange your belongings, ma’am, just after tea. Please freshen up and I’ll arrange the tea things on the patio,” smiled Mia.

ALSO READ: Inspirational Story, Cynthia and the Little Girl

“Ask Trina to help you with tea. She must be with Selena, already opening up her treasure of fairy tales. My granddaughter loves listening to Trina’s magical stories,” said Grandma.

Sure enough, Selena was listening to her favourite story, while Trina was busy putting the kettle on for tea. “Good to see you, Trina,” smiled Mia, giving her friend a warm hug.

When Selena, at last, left the kitchen reluctantly to go to the patio for tea, she found her father Jerry, seated at the table. “Hi Daddy, Mommy said you were in a meeting,” chirped Selena, kissing him.

“The meeting got cancelled, honey,” replied her father. While everyone was having tea cakes and sandwiches, Selena wanted to know if her garden party plan with a few selected people was agreeable to the others. “Why not, if that is your desire sweetie pie,” announced Jerry. Selena turned her attention to her grandparents.”

“What did you get me for my birthday Grandma?” asked Selena, excitedly. “It’s a secret. You will find out on your birthday,” smiled Grandpa. “However, your grandma got you a pre-birthday surprise gift. Do you want to know what that is?” he asked.

“Yes, oh yes! Please tell me,” cried the little girl. “Go and check it out. Trina has it,” laughed Grandpa. Selena ran into the kitchen where Mia and Trina were keeping the tea things. “Trina, Grandpa asked you to give me my gift. Please show it to me,” chirped Selena.

“Come with me,” smiled Trina and holding the little girl’s hand, took her to the guest room. She took out a gaily-wrapped parcel from the closet and gave it to Selena.

“I’ll open it in front of grandma,” shouted Selena, running off. The packet revealed a big teddy bear with a tiny one sitting on its lap. They were wearing blue clothes and pink hats and had an identical bunch of blue and pink flowers in their hands.

“Oh! They are adorable,” shouted Selena, hugging them to her heart. She ran to her grandparents. “Thank you, granny, I love them.” Both Granny and Grandpa smiled big smiles. Selena threw her arms around both of them laughing happily. Wendy discussed the menu with her mom and Trina and Mia gave their suggestions.

ALSO READ: Fairytale Story for Kids, Sandra’s Umbrella

The menu was decided upon, and preparations began for the party to be held the next day. Dan, the gardener decorated the flower vases and arranged tables and chairs in the garden for the party.

Peter helped too and their efforts were appreciated by everyone. Nina came in the morning to spend the day with her friend on her special day. Her house help, Josie came too.

“I will be in charge of club sandwiches and salad. Is that ok with you two?” “You make the best club sandwiches in the world. I’ll happily let you manage those,” replied Mia.

The three girls got busy in the kitchen and by five, everything was ready. Jam cookies and chicken quiche were prepared by Trina and Mia had made a huge vanilla cake, fish cutlets, and mutton rolls.

“Everything looks and smells wonderful,” said Wendy, walking inside the kitchen. “Thank you, girls, you will all get well-deserved surprise gifts later,” beamed Wendy. “You had better be getting ready ma’am. The guests will be arriving soon,” spoke Mia. “I have ironed and readied your outfit and your shoes and accessories are ready too,” she added.

“Thanks a ton, dear Mia. Josie go and help Selena and Nina please and Trina I’m sure Mother will need you. I’m sure Mia can spare you for some time,” said Wendy, going off to her room.

ALSO READ: The Class Bully, Story about School Children

“Go along Trina and please help ma’am if she needs you,” advised Mia. “I will check on Wendy ma’am as soon as I have readied my mistress,” replied Trina.

“What a lovely dress Selena. You will look pretty this evening,” gushed her friend.

“Your outfit is pretty too. Let’s get ready,” said Selena, picking up her dress carefully. It was an Ivory and cream frock with pink embroidered flowers on the sleeves and a pink belt. Josie combed the girls’ hair and put butterfly hair clips.

Nina wore a rose-coloured dress with matching shoes and a small purse. Both girls twirled in front of the mirror before leaving the room. Around six, Selena’s five classmates arrived. Annie, Viola, Judy, Sara, and Susan wished their friend a happy birthday and hugged her each, together with their gifts.

Soon after, the other guests arrived. Mr. Andrew and Mrs. Jacky were their nearest neighbours. They brought a big doll for Selena. The other neighbours came after that, two couples and an old lady with her companion. They handed over their gifts to Selena who thanked them, giving them her best smile.

Drinks were served and the children played passing the parcel, musical chairs and some indoor games. At seven, Selena came to her mom saying,” Daddy is still not here, please call him mom.”

“I already did but his phone is out of reach. Don’t worry, he will be here any minute now,” spoke Wendy. Half an hour passed, but Jerry was still missing.

“I’ll have to cut the cake Mommy without Daddy. My friends have to go back,” said Selena, making a sad face. “Yes, darling. It is not right to make everyone wait. Your father must have a big reason otherwise he would never miss your birthday party,” spoke Wendy, moving towards the dining table.

“Due to some reason Jerry hasn’t come back from the office and I could not reach him on the phone too. I’m sorry guys but let’s start the party,” announced the hostess.

Selena cut the cake and everyone got busy enjoying the delicacies served. It was eight and everyone bid goodbye to Selena and her family and went home. Nina’s family were the last to leave.

At about nine, the bell rang. Selena was busy opening her gifts and playing with Granny’s present, a toy train. Wendy opened the door and there stood Jerry, but not alone. He held the hand of a small girl of about two. She had blue eyes and curly golden hair. “Oh Jerry, who is this adorable cutie?” asked Wendy.

“Come inside and I’ll tell you everything,” replied her husband, with a smile. Everyone gathered around Jerry and the little girl.

“I was just leaving the office for the party when the phone rang. It was my friend Jimmy calling. He asked me to meet him. I came to know that Dream here is the daughter of his sister who died in a road accident and her husband did not want to be saddled with Dream.

He had decided to put her in an orphanage, but Jimmy offered to take her in. She stayed with him for six months but now he was leaving for Africa through his office for an assignment.

Since Dream could not go with him, he wanted to know if we wanted her with us or if she would go to the orphanage. I was undecided so I brought her here to make a decision,” explained Jerry.

“Daddy, please don’t let her go. She will be my sister and I will look after her. She is a living doll and the best birthday present.” smiled Selena, holding Dream’s hand.

“What do you think Wendy?” asked Jerry. “I love the idea. Tomorrow we will begin proceedings to adopt her,” she added.

Grandma and grandpa were all smiles. Mia took the little girl to the kitchen for some vanilla cake.

Written By: Team, Content Writer India (Copyright)

Did you like reading this story about an orphan girl and the importance of having humane values in life?

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Writing stories for children is one of the most enriching experiences a writer can have. In order to strike a chord with kids, children stories should be written using the right choice of words. It’s here that kids story writing tips come in handy!

These words must be woven together in a special way so that the stories appeal to the sensibilities of little readers.

Undoubtedly, the job of a Children’s Story Writer is quite intriguing. Unlike writing for grown-ups, story writing for kids involves much more deliberation and investment of oneself before, during and after the story is complete.

Do you wish to Hire a talented and creative Children’s Story Writer | Write to us now: contact@contentwriter.in

Kid’s Story Writing Help

Are you wondering how to write stories for kids? Here are a few simple tips that you should keep in mind before and while writing a story for children –

Age Group – Know your Readers

First and foremost, you must know the target age group of kids you are writing for. A style of writing or a story that is liked by a 5-year-old may not appeal to a 12-year-old.

Hence, understand your target readers and develop your story accordingly. (In fact, this stands true for all kinds of writing.)

Language Usage – Writing Effectively

The language you use, your choice of words and sentence formation must suit your target age-group. Using very difficult words in stories meant for a 3-5-year-old is not recommended as the child will not be able to understand the story.

Hence, to write effectively and to communicate your story’s plot, you must use short sentences and write specifically for your reader in the language they understand best.

Title – Naming your Story

The title of the story is as important as the actual story itself. An interesting and apt title goes a long way in creating that all-important first impression.

In fact, a lot of people decided whether or not to read a story based on its title. So choose wisely.

Use your creativity to come up with a story title that’s interesting, engaging and relevant.

Off to a Great Start – Begin Your Story Well

As you start penning down your story, try to come up with a strong beginning. If you want your readers to go on reading your story right till the end, you must give your story a strong beginning.

This is because, whether or not your story will be read until the end is largely dependent on how attention-grabbing and interesting the beginning of your story is.

Dialogue – Power of Communication and Interaction

Stories without dialogues tend to become boring.

It is a good idea to introduce some dialogues between the characters in the story as it will make the story interesting and will also teach children how to communicate and express themselves.

In addition, the dailogues should not be too long so that your story can keep your wondering little readers, captivated.

Imagination, Fantasy and an Element of Wonder – Expand Their Horizons

Kids have superb imaginative powers. Give them lots to think about by writing stories that will expand their horizons and encourage them to think creatively.

Introduce the right amount of wonderment in your story to cater to your little readers – sprinkle a bit of fantasy into your writing and see the difference it makes to your story!

Inspiration – Courage, Good and Bad

Depending on the theme and plot of your story, you can enable your young readers to draw inspiration from your stories by introducing simple and valuable facts of life, good morals and character traits. Kids learn a lot from what they read.

Hence, help them to gain from their reading experience by introducing strong characters who portray their courage and learn to understand the good from the bad.

Just make sure that this character is a child so that kids can relate to him/her.

Drama

A pinch of drama gives your readers that much needed icing on the cake. Do make sure that it does not change into melodrama.

TLC – Tender Loving Care

This is the most important factor that should be kept in mind when writing for kids and children. Remember that these innocent-minded kids need tender loving care even in the stories they read.

So write accordingly.

Above all, when writing a story for kids, make sure to write nurturing stories that have the capability to give a strong foundation to young impressionable minds.

Do you wish to Hire a talented and creative Children’s Story Writer | Write to us now: contact@contentwriter.in

गर्मियों की शाम थी| लॉन में मालती मैगज़ीन के पन्ने पलट रही थी| इतने में बहादुर चौकीदार ने आकर कहा, “मेमसाब मैं दो मिनट को चाय लेने किचन मे गया था| लौट कर गेट पर गया तब क्या देखता हूँ की एक बच्चा कपड़े में लिपटा हुआ गेट के पास है| पता नही कौन उसे यहाँ रख कर चला गया|”

“अरे बहादुर, जिसने भी उसे वहाँ रखा हो, तुमने क्यूँ उसे वहाँ अकेला छोड़ दिया? अन्दर ले आओ उसे मेरे पास|” “जी मेमसाब,” कहते हुए बहादुर बाहर को भागा|” मालती ने मैगज़ीन को टेबल पर रख्खा और उतावली होकर बच्चे का इंतज़ार करने लगी| थोड़ी देर में बहादुर वापस आया और मालती ने बच्चे को अपनी गोद में ले लिया|

“अरे कितना प्यारा बच्चा है| बहादुर ज़रा किचन में जाकर भोला से थोड़ा दूध गरम करवाके एक कटोरे में ले आओ, और हाँ एक चम्मच भी लाना|” “जी मेमसाब,” कहता हुआ बहादुर किचन की ओर चल पड़ा| मालती ने कुर्सी पर बैठ बच्चे को गोद में संभाला और उससे बातें करने लगी|

इतने में बहादुर और भोला, दोनो मालती के पास आकर रुक गए| बहादुर ने कटोरा पकड़ा था और भोला के हाथ में चम्मच था| “ये लीजिये मेमसाब|” कटोरे का दूध ख़तम करके मालती ने अपने सारी के आँचल से बच्चे का मुह पोंछा| इतने में रानी ने आकर कहा, “मालकिन आपका फ़ोन है, साहब बात करना चाहते हैं|” “अच्छा तू बच्चे को संभाल| मैं फ़ोन सुनके आती हूँ|

“अरे कितना प्यारा बच्चा है, मुझे दीजिये|” मालती ने बच्चे को रानी को पकड़ाया और फ़ोन सुनने गई| इस बीच बहादुर और भोला ने भी बच्चे को प्यार से बारी-बारी गोद में उठाया| मालती बाहर आई तब तीनो ने पूछा, “मेमसाब, आपने छोटे बाबा के बारे में साहब को बताया?” “अरे नही रे, उनको आने दो फिर बताऊंगी| वो हैरान हो जायेंगे बच्चे को देख कर| ऑफिस से निकल रहे हैं, आधे घंटे में पहुँच जायेंगे| भोला, तुम ज़रा बेसन का हलवा और पकौड़े नाश्ते के लिए बना लो| साहब को बहुत पसंद है| रानी बच्चे को मुझे दे|”

“अभी बनाता हूँ मेमसाब,” कहकर भोला ने किचन का रुख किया| बहादुर गेट पर चला गया और रानी शाम के डस्टिंग में लग गई| मालती बच्चे का चेहरा ऐसे घूर रही थी जैसे उसे फिर नहीं देख पायेगी| किसका बच्चा है, कैसी माँ है जो ऐसे प्यारे जीव को यहाँ रख कर चली गई? मन में उसके तरह-तरह के सवाल उठ रहे थे|

इतने में गाड़ी की हॉर्न सुनाई दी और सौरभ गाड़ी में से उतर कर लॉन की तरफ आए| बंसी ड्राईवर ने गाड़ी को ठीक से लगा दिया| इतने में बहादुर ने आकर उसे बच्चे के बारे में बताया| नौकरों में बड़ी खलबली मची थी| सौरभ ने मालती की गोद में बच्चे को देख कहा, “अरे यह नन्हा मुन्ना किसका है?” “आप बैठिये, मैं बताती हूँ,” मालती ने मुस्कुरा के कहा|

सारी बातें सुनकर उसके पति ने पुलिस में खबर करने की राए दी| इसपर मालती ने सुझाव दिया की क्यूँ ना हम एक दो दिन देख लें| अगर कोई बच्चे को लेने वापस आता है तब दे देंगे और नही आया तब सोचेंगे की क्या किया जाए|” “पर इसकी देखभाल कौन करेगा?” “रानी संभाल लेगी और फिर मैं भी हूँ,” मालती ने ज़िद करते हुए कहा| “अच्छा ठीक है पर इसके बारे में कोई फैसला करना होगा|”

तभी रानी और भोला चाय और नाश्ता लेकर आए| सौरभ ने भी तब तक कपड़े बदल कर हाथ-मुह धो लिए थे| “रानी बच्चे को संभालो, मैं चाय बनाती हूँ|” “ठीक है बीबीजी, मुझे दीजिये|”

दो दिन के बदले चार दिन बीत गए पर कोई बच्चे की खोज खबर लेने नही आया| चौथे दिन शाम को सौरभ ने ऑफिस से आकर मालती से कहा, “अब तो पुलिस में खबर कर देना चाहिए, क्यूँ है न मालती?” “सुनियेजी एक बात कहना चाहती हूँ आपसे,” मालती ने प्यार भरे अंदाज़ से बात शुरू की, “क्यूँ न हम इस प्यारे से बच्चे को अपना बेटा बनाकर हमेशा के लिए रख ले| मेरा मन अब इसके बिना नही लगेगा|मधुर मुझे जान से भी ज़्यादा पसंद है|”

“अरे तुमने इसका नाम भी रख दिया| अच्छा नाम है पर मालती बाद में कभी इसके माँ-बाप या कोई रिश्तेदार लेने आ जाएँ तब हम क्या करेंगे?” “जब की तब देखी जाएगी| मेरा मन केहता है इसकी माँ यही चाहती थी की उसका बच्चा हमारे पास रहे| अगर बाद में कोई आ ही गया, तब मैं खून के आँसूं बहाकर अपने इस नन्हे फूल को दे डालूंगी|”

“ठीक है फिर जैसी तुम्हारी मर्ज़ी, पर कभी सोचा है मालती कल को तुम्हारे खुद के बच्चे होंगे तब तुम्हारा प्यार कम नही पड़ जायेगा मधुर के लिए?” “ऐसा कभी नही होगा| अच्छा कल शनिवार है और आपको ऑफिस नहीं जाना है| कल हम मधुर के लिए कपड़े और खिलौने लेने जायेंगे| बड़ा मज़ा आएगा|”

अगले दिन बाज़ार से लौटते वक़्त सौरभ और मालती मधुर को लेकर अपने दोस्त और फैमिली डॉक्टर सुजीत के क्लिनिक गए| वहाँ उसकी सारी जांच करवाई और इंजेक्शन इत्यादि लगवाया| एक महीना गुज़र जाने पर मालती और सौरभ ने कानूनी तौर पर मधुर को गोद ले लिया| मालती का डर की कहीं उसके बेटे मधुर को कोई वापस माँगने ना आ जाए भी जाता रहा|

पार्ट २

एक शाम, चाय के वक़्त, सौरभ ने कहा, “मालती हमने अपने बच्चे का नाम मधुर तो रख दिया है पर इसका असली मज़हब हिंदु है या नही हमे पता नही|” मालती ने कहा, “मैंने इसका नाम मधुर इसलिए रखा है क्यूँकी यह हर मज़हब को मानकर चलेगा और जो भी इसकी ज़िन्दगी में आएगा उसका जीवन इसकी माधुर्य से भर जायेगा|” “वाह, तुमने भी खूब कहा मालती,” सौरभ ने हँसते हुए कहा|

दिन बीतते गए| मधुर अब ढाई वर्ष का हो गया था| मालती ने उसे पास के प्ले स्कूल ‘नन्ही दुनिया’ में डाल दिया था| वहाँ और नन्हे मुन्ने बच्चों के साथ उसका बेटा खुश हो जाता था| घर के सारे नौकर मधुर बाबा पर फ़िदा थे और वह सबकी आँखों का तारा बन गया था|

मधुर जब साढ़े तीन साल का हुआ तब मालती ने एक नन्ही सी गुड़िया को जन्म दिया| धीरे-धीरे मधुर और अलका बड़े हो गए| अलका ने कॉलेज जॉइन किया और मधुर इंजीनियरिंग की पढ़ाई करने लगा| दोनों एक दूसरे से लड़ते झगड़ते रहते पर दोनों में बेहद प्यार भी था|

मधुर अपनी बहन का बहुत ख्याल रखता था| उसे पढ़ाई में मदद करता था, घुमाने ले जाता था और गर्मियों में हर शाम आइस क्रीम खिलाने ले जाता था| दोनों के दोस्त मिलकर फिल्म देखने और पिकनिक पर जाया करते थे| महीने में दो बार डिनर पर जाते थे जहाँ एक बार मधुर की ट्रीट होती थी और अगली बार अलका की|

दोनों एक दुसरे को बेशुमार तोहफे दिया करते थे| आज शाम को उनके बंगले पर पार्टी थी| आज मधुर का जनम दिन मनाया जाता था| मालती ने इसी दिन को, जब मधुर उसके घर के दरवाज़े के बाहर मिला था, मधुर का जनम दिन मान लिया था|

सुबह से ही पार्टी की तय्यारी शुरू हो गयी थी| बहादुर पूरे घर की सजावट में रामदीन माली की मदद कर रहा था| हर कमरे में फूलों के सुंदर गुलदस्ते रखे गए थे| मधुर ने फूलों की सजावट देख कर कहा, “रामदीन काका, इतने सारे फूल क्या बगान के हैं?” “नहीं मैंने वर्माजी और शर्माजी के यहाँ से भी गुलदस्ते बना लायें हैं|उन्होंने कहा, “रामदीन मधुर के जनम दिन की पार्टी है तब तो सारे फूल ले जाओ| हम भी शाम को आकर उनकी सुन्दरता का आनंद उठाएंगे|” “अच्छा, यह बात है| खैर जो भी हो काका, तुमने गुलदस्ते बहुत सुंदर सजाये हैं|”

भोला और रानी पकवान बनाने में लगे थे|भोला के दो दोस्त राम और श्याम मदद करने आ गए थे| दोनों ने कबाब और समोसे का जिम्मा लिया था| रानी राजमा बनाने में माहिर थी और भोला सैंडविच, ब्रेड रोल और रसगुल्ले बना रहा था| केक का आर्डर फ्लुरीज़ को दिया हुआ था|

आखिर शाम होने को आई और मेहमान आना शुरू हो गए| सबसे पहले, उनके पड़ोसी शर्माजी और वर्माजी का परिवार आया| वर्मा परिवार की नौकरानी कमला भी रानी की मदद को आई थी| उसने कोल्ड ड्रिंक्स का जिम्मा लिया|

अलका ने गुलाबी रंग की शिफॉन सारी पहनी थी जिसपर सफ़ेद सीपियों और मोतियों से कढ़ाई की हुई थी| यह सारी उसके भाई ने उसे अपने जनम दिन पर दी थी| साथ में गुलाबी सैंडल और कान के टॉप्स जो की मोतियों के थे, अलका को सुंदर बना रहे थे| मधुर ने भी अपनी बहन का दिया हुआ तोहफा पहना था – काली पैंट और नीला टीशर्ट| जूते और नई घड़ी उसे मम्मी पापा ने दी थीं|

अलका की सहेलियाँ जो ख़ास-ख़ास थीं एक साथ झुण्ड बनाकर ड्राइंग रूम में दाखिल हुईं| “अरे शालू, मीनल, प्रेरणा, चंदा, जूही, सीमा आ गई तुम सब|आओ मेरे भैया से मिलो| मधुर भैया देखो ये हैं मेरी सहेलियाँ|” “हेल्लो सभी को और अब मेरे दोस्तों की इंट्रो तो हो जाए| ये है समीर, मनीष, साहिल, श्यामल, तरुण और राकेश| अरे हाँ, इनसे मिलो, ये हैं तनूजा, राकेश की कज़न जो अमेरिका में रहती है और छुट्टियों में यहाँ आई हुई है|”

सौरभ के ऑफिस के कुछ कॉलीग आए थे और मालती की किटी पार्टी के मेम्बेर्स भी आये थे| शगुन, सोनाली, वैदेही, रत्ना, शोभा, भवानी और नुपुर|अभी कॉकटेल्स चल रहे थे जब की मालती की सहेलियों ने शोर मचाया, “अरे अलका तुम्हारा गाना बहुत दिनों से नही सुना है| अब ज़रा बिना नखरे के एक अच्छी सी ग़ज़ल सुनाओ|” मधुर के दोस्तों ने भी ज़िद की और अलका की सहेलियों ने उसे खींच कर बीच में खड़ा कर दिया|

अलका ने मधुर की ओर देख कर कहा, “मैं एक शर्त पर गाऊँगी, भैया को मेरा साथ देना होगा|” “ठीक है अलका, तेरी अगर यही शर्त है तो मुझे मंज़ूर है| पर मेरी भी एक शर्त है, तुम्हारी सहेलियों को भी एक-एक गाना सुनाना पड़ेगा|” “ठीक है भैया, यह सब भी गायेंगी|”

पार्टी अब ख़तम होने को आ रही थी| सबने खूब खाया पिया और एन्जॉय किया| तनूजा तो अलका और उसकी सहेलियों से इतनी प्रभावित थी की आने वाले दिनों के लिए घूमने, मूवीज़ और शौपिंग का प्लान भी सबके साथ बना लिया था| आखिर बंगले में रौशनी धीमी की गई और थके हारे लोग नींद की गोद में चले|

मालती ने सोचा की वह कितनी किस्मत वाली है की मधुर उसे बेटे के रूप में मिला जिसकी शगुन से उसे अलका मिली|

डिस्क्लेमर: यह एक काल्पनिक कहानी है|

क्या आप हिंदी में कहानी लिखवाना चाहते हैं? हमसे संपर्क करें – कांटेक्ट ऐट कंटेंट राइटर डोट इन

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“मम्मी मम्मी देखो चन्दन पुकार रहा है| उसे बुला लो ना| हम मिठाई लेंगे,” कहते हुए रतन ने अपनी माँ का आँचल खींचा| “हाँ हाँ मम्मी, मैं आज गुलाबी वाली लूँगी,” शालिनी ने भी हाँ में हाँ मिलाई| निर्मला ने बच्चों की ज़िद के आगे हार मान ली और खिड़की के पास जाकर आवाज़ दी, “अरे चन्दन भैया आना ज़रा| रतन और शालू बुला रहे हैं तुम्हे|” “अभी आया बीबीजी,” चन्दन ने बैग सँभालते हुए कहा|

बरामदे में आ उसने अपना बैग खोला और मिठाइयों के डब्बे निकलने लगा| “हाँ रतन भैया, कौन सा लोगे और तुम मुन्नी, तुम्हे तो यह लड्डू पसंद है ना?” चन्दन ने दोनों बच्चों के हाथ पर एक एक मिठाई रख दी|

निर्मला ने पैसे देते हुए कहा, “चन्दन तुम्हारी मिठाइयाँ बहुत ताज़ी होती हैं| दुकानों में भी इतनी अच्छी नही मिलती| लेकिन तुम पैसे क्यूँ कम लगाते हो?” चन्दन ने मुस्कराते हुए कहा, “दीदीजी, कहूँ ना आपको दीदी? हाँ तो मैं पैसों के लिए नहीं aata, मैं तो बच्चों के लिए घूमता हूँ| मुझे उनसे बड़ा लगाव है| घर में पैसों की तंगी नही है|”

“चन्दन तुम तो बिलकुल पागल हो| लोग यहाँ सभी को लूटने में लगे हैं और तुम तो बच्चों को आते ही एक एक मिठाई वैसे ही खिला देते हो| इतना नुक्सान क्यूँ उठाते हो?” “दीदीजी मेरा नुक्सान नही बल्कि फाएदा होता है| जब रतन और शालू मुझे अपना हँसता हुआ चेहरा दिखाते हैं, तब जो आनंद का अनुभव मुझे होता है उसका अंदाज़ा आप नही लगा सकतीं हैं,” चन्दन ने मुस्कराते हुए कहा|

शाम हो जब बच्चों के पापा ने चाय के साथ मिठाई देखि तब कहने लगे, “लगता है चन्दन आया था| क्यूँ सच कहा ना निम्मो?” “हाँ पापा, पर आपने कैसे जाना?” रतन और शालू एक साथ बोल उठे| “अरे मिठाई की ताज़गी से मैं समझ गया|” “हाँ, सच मे, चन्दन की मिठाइयाँ अच्छी होती हैं, खासकर सन्देश तो बहुत ही स्वादिष्ट है,” निर्मला ने चाय का प्याला रमेश को देते हुए कहा|

थोड़े दिनों बाद ही बच्चों के इम्तेहान थे, इसलिए निर्मला बहुत व्यस्त रेहने लगी थी| घर के काम के अलावा बच्चों को पढ़ाना भी पड़ता था|

सोमवार का दिन था| बच्चों को इम्तेहान के बाद एक दिन की छुट्टी मिली थी| घर के पास वाले पार्क में सर्कस का शो लगा था| बच्चे बहुत ज़िद्द कर रहे थे|

निर्मला के पति उस दिन ऑफिस में ज़्यादा काम के कारण देर से आने वाले थे| सर्कस शुरू होने में सिर्फ बीस मिनट बचे थे| बच्चे तैयार थे पर निर्मला के सर में बड़ा तेज़ दर्द था और उससे उठा नही जा रहा था| वह बच्चों को निराश नही करना चाहती थी पर तबियत ख़राब होने से उसे समझ नहीं आ रहा था की वह क्या करे|

इतने में घंटी बजी| खोला तो चन्दन को खड़ा पाया| “दीदीजी बहुत दिनों से रतन भैया और मुन्नी को नहीं देखा इसलिए चला आया| क्या बात है, आपका चेहरा क्यूँ फीका पड़ रहा है?” “आओ चन्दन बैठो,” कहते हुए निर्मला ने उसे अपनी सारी परेशानी बताई| सुनकर चन्दन बोल पड़ा, “तो इसमें परेशानी ही क्या है दीदी? आप आराम कर लो| मैं बच्चों को सर्कस दिकाए लाता हूँ| चलो बच्चों|” “अरे चन्दन, तुम्हारे फेरी का क्या होगा? कितना नुक्सान हो जायेगा|” “फिर वही बात दीदी, कुछ नही होगा| आप दवा लेकर सो जाइये| शो ख़तम होते ही, मैं इन्हें ले आऊंगा और यहाँ कोने में मैं अपना बैग रख देता हूँ|”

“मम्मी हम जाएँ?” बच्चों की मिन्नत भरी आँखों के आगे निर्मला को झुकना ही पड़ा| “ठीक है जाओ, पर चन्दन भैया को बिलकुल तंग मत करना,” निर्मला ने बच्चों को रूमाल पकड़ाते हुए कहा|

“अरे दीदीजी, आप चिंता क्यूँ करती हैं? शालू और रतन मेरे भी तो बच्चों समान हैं| वह मुझे बिलकुल तंग नही करेंगे| क्यूँ बच्चों, जल्दी चलो नहीं तो शो शुरू हो जाएगा|” “चन्दन, बच्चों को मैंने टिकेट के पैसे दे दिए हैं|” “ठीक है दीदी| अब हम चलते हैं| बच्चों रुको, मेरा हाथ पकड़ लो,” चन्दन ने बैग रख दोनों बच्चों का हाथ पकड़ लिया| रतन और शालू माँ को टाटा करके ख़ुशी-ख़ुशी चले गए|

बच्चों के जाते ही निर्मला ने दरवाज़ा बंद किया और फिर सर दर्द को गोली खाकर लेट गई| गोली ने असर दिखाई और उसे नींद आ गई| उठी तो सवा सात बज रहे थे| उसने झट अपने लिए चाय बनाकर फिर रात के खाने की तय्यारी मे लग गई|

देखते ही देखते आठ बज गए पर बच्चों का कहीं पता न था| अब निर्मला थोड़ा घबड़ाने लगी| उसने सोचा सात बजे शो ख़तम हुआ होगा| अब तक तो उन्हें आ जाना चाहिए था| घड़ी ने जब साढ़े आठ बजा दिए तो वापस पसीना पोंछते हुए बाहर आ खड़ी हुई| मन मे आया की चन्दन तो बहुत बेकार निकला| ना जाने बच्चों को कहाँ ले गया| लोगों की बातें दिमाग मे घूमने लगीं| आजकल सब जगह ठग घूमते रहते हैं| किसी पर विश्वास नहीं करना चाहिए|

घबराकर उसने नलिनी को फ़ोन किया| वह उसकी सबसे प्यारी सहेली थी| “अरे निम्मो, तुमने एक फेरी वाले के साथ बच्चों को भेज दिया| दिमाग ख़राब है क्या? किसी पर इतना भरोसा कैसे? अच्छा सुनो, आधे घंटे और देख लो नहीं तो भाई साहब को फ़ोन करो| वह पता लगा लेंगे| मुझे भी बताना क्या हुआ| आधे घंटे तक तुम्हारा फ़ोन नहीं आया तो मैं सुभाष को लेकर आ जाउंगी| अच्छा, रखती हूँ, तुम घबराओ मत.”

रमेश को बताने के बात से ही निर्मला काँप उठी| उसने सोचा बहुत डांट पड़ेगी| मैं भी कितनी पागल हूँ| क्यूँ भेजा मैंने बच्चों को चन्दन के साथ| पता नहीं कहाँ ले गया होगा| सोच सोच कर जब निर्मला ने घड़ी में नौ बजते देखा तब ताला लगाकर खुद ढूँढने निकल पड़ी|

अभी घर की गली के नुक्कड़ तक पहुंची ही थी की शालू के रोने की आवाज़ सुनाई दी और उसने बच्चों सहित एक घायल से चन्दन को आते हुए देखा| बच्चे थोड़ी मिटटी में सने दीख रहे थे पर चन्दन तो बुरी तरह चोट खाए था| घर के देहलीज़ पर पहुँच कर बैठ गया और हाफ्ने लगा|

“क्या हुआ चन्दन, कुछ तो बोलो,” निर्मला ने पानी का गिलास उसे पकड़ाते हुए कहा| “अरे मम्मी, चन्दन भैया ने हमे बचाते हुए चोट खाई है,” रतन ने रोते हुए कहा| “मुझे कुछ समझ नही आ रहा है रतन| ठीक से बताओ|” “बताता हूँ दीदी,” चन्दन ने मुह पोंछते हुए कहा| “शो ख़तम होने ही वाला था की किसी ने अफवाह फैला दी की पार्क में बम रखा हुआ है| फिर क्या था? लोग बुरी तरह से वहाँ से भागने लगे| ऐसी भीढ़ उमड़ी की लोग एक दुसरे पर गिरने लगे| मैंने एक तरफ बच्चों को बिठा लिया और भीड़ छटने पर वहाँ से चला|”

“मम्मी चन्दन भैया ने हमारे ऊपर अपने को ढाल बनाली और लोग भागते हुए भैया के ऊपर से हो कर निकलने लगे| पता नही कितने लोगों के पैरों तले कुचले गए हैं चन्दन भैया पर हमारे ऊपर कोई आंच नही आने दी,” शालू ने आँखें पोंछते हुए कहा|

निर्मला की आँखें भी भींग आई थी| उसने फर्स्ट ऐड बॉक्स की सहायता से चन्दन की मरहम पट्टी की, फिर उसे पेन किलर देकर चारपाई डाल कर बरामदे में लिटा दिया| इस बीच, रमेश भी आ गए और उन्होंने सारी बातें सुनी तब रसोई में आकर निर्मला से कहा, “देखो तो, चन्दन कितना सच्चा इंसान है| इतना तो हम भी बच्चों के लिए नही कर पाते|”

निर्मला के मन में पश्चाताप की आंधी उठ रही थी की क्यूँ उसने चन्दन के बारे में गलत सोचा| उसमे जो इंसानियत थी वह अमीर और बड़े बड़े लोगों, रिश्ते दारों या पड़ोसियों में भी नहीं दिखाई देती|

रात का खाना चन्दन ने वर्मा परिवार के साथ खाया और घर जाते जाते उसे ग्यारह बज गए|

डिस्क्लेमर: यह एक काल्पनिक कहानी है|

क्या आप हिंदी में कहानी लिखवाना चाहते हैं? हमसे संपर्क करें – कांटेक्ट ऐट कंटेंट राइटर डोट इन

Are you looking for a Hindi Story Writer? CONTACT US: contact@contentwriter.in

Photo by William Fitzgibbon on Unsplash

सुधा के पति, सुधांशु का देहांत एक बस दुर्घटना मे हुआ था| तब उसकी शादी के सिर्फ़ दस साल बीते थे| जब तक उसके पति ज़िन्दा थे, उसकी ज़िन्दगी खुशियों के खज़ाने से भरी पड़ी थी| उनके न रहने पर, निराशा के सिवा कुछ नही था सुधा के जीवन मे|

उसका बेटा तब सिर्फ सात साल का था| राहुल अपने पापा को बहुत मिस करता था| सुधा के लिए जीने का मकसद अब सिर्फ उसका बेटा ही था| जब वह दुनिया मे आया था तब ही उसके पिता ने अपने बेटे को डॉक्टर बनाने का सपना देखा था| सुधा को उनकी बातें याद आतीं तो वह आसुओं को रोक नही पाती थी| हिम्मत के साथ उसने अपने बेटे की परवरिश पर अपनी सारी शक्ति लगा दी|

स्कूल में अच्छे नंबर लाने के लिए वह खुद हर शाम राहुल को पढ़ाई में मदद करती थी| गणित और विज्ञान पढ़ाने के लिए उसने ट्यूशन लगा दिया था| अपना समय बिताने के लिए उसने सिलाई क्लास में अपना दाखिला कराया था और वह जल्दी ही सिलाई कढ़ाई में माहिर हो गयी थी|

घर में वह कालोनी की औरतों के लिए ब्लाउज, शलवार-कुर्ता सिलने लगी| उसके अच्छे काम और शीलता के कारण ज़्यादा से ज़्यादा औरतें उसी के पास आना पसंद करती थीं| बटन टाकने, फौल लगाने और तुरपाई के लिए उसने दो बेसहारा औरतों को भी काम पर रख लिया था| रामी और विमला दुनिया में बिलकुल अकेली थीं| उनको खुद सुधा ने सिलाई का काम सिखा दिया था और थोड़े पैसे भी उन्हें देती थी|

दोनो औरतें उसको बहुत मानती थीं और सिलाई के काम में जितना हो सके उसकी मदद करती थीं| धीरे धीरे समय बीतता गया| राहुल अब बड़ा हो गया था| सुधा ने जीतोड़ मेहनत की थी और घर थोड़े पैसों मे चला कर उसने पैसे जमा किये थे| राहुल की डाक्टरी की पढ़ाई में चाहे जितने पैसे लगेंगे वह लगा देगी, यही उसने सोचा था|

थोड़े पैसे पति ने भी बैंक मे छोड़े थे, बाकी वह गहने भी गिरवी रख सकती थी| उसे मालूम था की उसके पडोसी इतने अच्छे थे की परिवार के सदस्य भी इतने अच्छे ना होंगे| ज़रुरत पड़ने पर उनमें से हर कोई सुधा को हर प्रकार से मदद करने को तैयार था|

ईश्वर इच्छा से राहुल का दाखिला एम्. बी. बी. एस. की पढ़ाई में बिना पैसे या सिफारिश के ही कम्पटीशन में बैठने से पहली बार में ही हो गया| सुधा की ख़ुशी का ठिकाना न था| उसको मानो सब कुछ मिल गया| बड़े शहर मे दाखिला हुआ था और उसके बेटे को दस दिन के अन्दर ही जाना था|

सुधा ने मन लगाकर तय्यारी शुरु कर दी| सबसे पहले तो उसने राहुल को ले जाकर उसके लिए पेंट, शर्ट, पयजामा, कुरता, जुराब, रूमाल और तौलिया ढेर सारे खरीद दिए|

उसने सोचा पता नहीं मेरे बेटे को कपड़े धोने का समय कब मिलेगा| जूते चप्पल बक्सा बैग एक नया टिफ़िन का डब्बा भी वह ले आई| एक हफ्ते पहले से ही उसने बेटे का सामान जमाना शुरू कर दिया| पढ़ाई की किताबों के लिए और खर्चे के लिए भी पैसे राहुल के पास रखवा दिए|

अब सिर्फ दो दिन बचे थे| सिलाई का काम दो दिन बंद कर सुधा ने विमला और रामी के साथ मिलकर खाने का सामान बना लिया जो कुछ दिनों तक रखा जा सके| नमक और शक्कर पारे, गुजिया, बेसन की भुजिया और मसाले वाले समोसे उसने बड़े प्यार से बनाए|

जिस दिन राहुल को ट्रेन पकड़नी थी, उस दिन सुबह से ही हो-हल्ला शुरू हो गया| पड़ोस की बनारस वाली चाचीजी ने राहुल के लिए लड्डू बनाये थे| लाकर उन्होंने आवाज़ लगाई, “अरे सुधा, ये ले मैंने राहुल के लिए लड्डू बाँध दिए हैं| उसे दे देना,” कहते हुए उनकी आँखें भर आयी|

थोड़ी देर बाद ही राधा ताई हाँफते-हाँफते दरवाज़े पर आयी और कहा, “राहुल बेटे, देखो मोटी ताई ने तुम्हारे लिए दाल भरी पूरियाँ बनायीं हैं| यह ख़राब नहीं होंगी| दो एक दिन रखकर खाना|”

राहुल ने आकर ताई को गले लगाकर कहा, “अरे ताई आपका आशीर्वाद ही काफी था| आपने मेरे लिए इतनी मेहनत क्यूँ की?” ताई ने प्यार से उसके सर पर हाथ फेरा और सारी के पल्लू से आँखें पोंछती हुई घर हो चली|

विमला और रामी ने राहुल को खुद के पैसों से खरीद कर एक बहुत सुंदर छोटी सी शंकर भगवान् की मूर्ति दी क्यूंकि वह शम्भुनाथ का बचपन से हो बड़ा भक्त था| राहुल ने पैर छूकर दोनों का आशीर्वाद लिया|

सुधा ने आँसुओं के बीच मुस्करा कर बेटे को विदा किया| भारी मन से उसने बेटे का माथा चूमा और उसके दोस्त पप्पू और श्याम के साथ स्टेशन भेज दिया|

पांच साल बीत गए और राहुल डॉक्टर बन घर लौटा|

इस बार, जो आँसू सुधा ने बहाए वह ख़ुशी के आँसू थे| उसके पति का सपना जो पूरा हुआ था| 

डिस्क्लेमर: यह एक काल्पनिक कहानी है|

क्या आप हिंदी में कहानी लिखवाना चाहते हैं? 

हमसे संपर्क करें – कांटेक्ट ऐट कंटेंट राइटर डोट इन

Do you want to hire a Hindi Story Writer? CONTACT US: contact@contentwriter.in

जाड़े के दिन थे| दोपहर के तीन बजे थे| मालती छत पर बैठी मैगज़ीन के पन्ने पलट रही थी| बच्चे अभी स्कूल से नही आये थे और पति ऑफिस में थे| अचानक फेरी लगाती हुई छोटी पांच वर्षीय चंपा और उसके पिता शंकर की आवाज़ आई|

“चूड़ी लेलो, रंग बिरंगे कामदार कलाई की शोभा बढ़ाने वाली चूड़ियाँ!” फिर चंपा अपनी तोतली आवाज़ में पुकारती, “चूली लेलो, अच्छी-अच्छी हैं हमारे पास!”

मालती रोज़ यह आवाजें सुनति थी पर कभी उन्हें रोका नही| आज पता नही क्यूँ उसने उठकर मुंडेर से झाँका और पुकारा, “चंपा रुक जा, मैं देखूँगी आज!”

नीचे उतरकर उसने बरामदे में आकर दरवाज़ा खोला और हाथ लगाकर टोकरी उतरवाई|

“शंकर आज तो बड़े प्यारे रंगों की चूड़ियाँ लाए हो| ज़रा गुलाबी और पीले रंग की कामदार चूड़ियाँ मेरे नाप कि निकालो|”

“बीबीजी आपको तो सवा दो माप चलेगा| अभी दिखाता हूँ,” कहकर शंकर ने नीचे से संभाल कर सुंदर चूड़ियाँ दिखाईं| मालती ने पसंद करके दोनो रंगों के दो-दो दर्जन लिए| चालीस रुपये पाकर शंकर खुश हो गया|

कहने लगा, “आज बीबीजी, बिलकुल भी बिक्री नही हुई थी| मैं सोच रहा था की आज तो फांके करने पड़ेंगे पर आपकी वजह से रोटी का इंतज़ाम अपनी चंपा के लिए कर पाऊंगा| जब से इसकी माँ इस दुनिया से गयी है, मुझे इसकी बड़ी चिंता रहती है| जी रहा हूँ तो बस इसके लिए वर्ना पार्वती के बिना जिया नही जाता,” कहते कहते उसकी आँखें भर आईं| 

“तुमने बताया नही शंकर तुम्हारी बीबी को क्या हुआ था? क्या बीमार थी?” मालती ने पूछा| “हाँ बीबीजी उसे मलेरिया हो गया था| गाँव में ठीक से इलाज नही हो पाया और शहर लाने के पेहले ही चल बसी|” शंकर ने भारी आवाज़ मे कहा| 

इस बीच, चंपा सब कुछ चुपचाप सुनति हुई टोकरी सजा रही थी| कभी मालती को देखती तो ऐसा लगता जैसे कुछ कहना चाहती हो पर नही कह पा रही|

“चंपा तेरे लिए दीदियों ने गुड़िया दी है| ठहर, मैं अभी लाती हूँ,” कहते हुए मालती अन्दर चली गयी| जब बाहर आयी तो उसके हाथ मे एक दुल्हन के कपड़ों में सजी गुड़िया थी| चंपा को देते हुए उसने कहा, “लो चंपा, इसे अपने पास रखना| यह अब तेरी गुड़िया है|”

चंपा ने गुड़िया लिया और मुस्करा दिया| मालती को अचानक लगा जैसे कई फूल एक साथ खिल गए हों, इतनी प्यारी थी उस नन्ही सी जान की मुस्कान| “अच्छा बीबीजी, अब कभी नए डिजाईन की चूड़ियाँ लाऊंगा तो आपको पहले दिखा दूंगा| लेना न लेना आपकी मर्ज़ी| चल चंपा, आगे चलें| भगवान् चाहेंगे तो अच्छी बोहनी के बाद थोड़ी और बिक्री हो जाएगी.”

शंकर ने कहते हुए टोकरी को सर पर जमा लिया| चंपा ने एक हाथ में गुड़िया पकड़ी और दुसरे से पिता का कुर्ता थाम लिया| 

शाम को पति के आने पर उसने चूड़ियाँ दिखायीं तो विनय ने कहा, “और रंगों की ले ली होती| मैं चाहता हूँ तुम्हारी कलाईयाँ हर रोज़ रंग बिरंगे चूड़ियों से भरा रहे| आजकल की औरतें तो खाली हाथ रहना चाहती हैं| भाई मुझे तो बिलकुल पसंद नहीं”|

“अंजू और मंजू ने भी पिता की हाँ में हाँ मिलाते हुए कहाँ, “माँ तुम रोज़ नए नए रंग की साड़ी के साथ मैचिंग चूड़ी पहना करो, बहुत अच्छी लगती हैं|”

अंजू ग्यारहवी में पढ़ रही थी और मंजू आठवी में| पास ही मे उनका स्कूल था| पैदल ही चली जाती थीं| विनय का ऑफिस दूर था पर प्राइवेट कंपनी होने के कारण चार्टर्ड बस में आने जाने की सुविधा थी| विनय के विनम्र स्वभाव के कारण उनके बॉस उन्हें बहुत पसंद करते थे| 

करीब दो हफ्ते बीत गए| फिर एक दोपहर, कुछ सिलाई के काम के लिए मालती छत पर बैठी थी| अचानक किसी की आवाज़ आई, “चूली ले लो, अच्छी अच्छी लाई हूँ|” मालती ने नीचे गली में झाँका तो देखा की चंपा एक छोटी चूड़ियों की टोकरी सर पर उठाये चल रही थी|

मालती ने पुकारा, “रुक जा चंपा| अभी आती हूँ|” मालती ने बाहर का दरवाज़ा खोला तो चंपा झट उसके पास आ गई| टोकरी उतरवा कर मालती ने पुछा, “तेरे बापू कहाँ रह गए? तू अकेले क्यूँ आई है?” “इतना कहना था की चंपा उसके गले लिपटकर रोने लगी|

“बापू मल गए बीबीजी, गाड़ी के नीचे आ गए|” मालती की आँखें भी भीग गयीं और उसने चंपा को चुप कराते हुए कहा, “रो मत चंपा| मैं सब कुछ ठीक कर दूँगी| तू बैठ, मैं तेरे लिए बिस्कुट और शरबत लाती हूँ|” चंपा को बिस्कुट और शरबत देते हुए मालती ने पूछा, “चंपा अब तू किसके साथ रहती है?” 

“मेला कोई नही है बीबीजी| माँ की तो मुझे याद भी नही है| अकेले झुग्गी में रहती हूँ,” कहते हुए चंपा की आँखें दुबारा भीग उठीं| “क्या तुम्हारा कोई रिश्तेदार नही है चंपा?” मालती ने उसकी आँखों से ढलते आंसू को अपनी आँचल से पोंछते हुए पुछा|

“नही बीबीजी, बापू था मेला और कोई भी नही|” “रात को अकेले सोते डर नही लगता?” “रात को मैं सोती ही नही हूँ, बैठी रहती हूँ| दिन में ठोला ठोला सो लेती हूँ|” “और खाने का क्या करती हो?” “थोले पैसे बापू ने मेले शादी के लिए छुपा लक्खे थे उन्ही से डबल लोटी और चाय पास की दूकान से खा लेती हूँ”| 

छोटी सी चंपा की बातों को सुनकर मालती की आँखें भर आईं और उसने झट चंपा को गोद में बिठा लिया| इस निर्दयी समाज के ठेकेदारों में इतनी हिम्मत कहाँ जो वे एक अनाथ बेसहारा नन्ही सी जान की देखभाल कर सकें| बेचारी ने कितने दिनों से घर का खाना नही खाया था| कैसे लोग रहते थे उसके आसपास जिन्होंने इतना भी नही सोचा| आज के लोग मनुष्य कम पशु ज्यादा लगने लगे हैं| किसी को खुद के सिवा किसी की परवाह ही नही है| धिक्कार है ऐसे समाज और उसमें रहने वाले खुदगर्ज़ लोगों पर| 

अनायास ही मालती चंपा को गोद में हिलाने लगी थी और उसे इसका आभास भी नही हुआ| सोचते सोचते और यूँ ही बैठे शाम हो गई| बच्चे भी स्कूल से आ गए| चंपा गोद में ही सो चुकी थी| उसे अन्दर सुलाकर और उसकी टोकरी रखकर मालती ने बच्चों को उसके पिता के बारे में बताया तो दोनो एक साथ बोल पड़ीं, “माँ तुम इसे अपने पास ही रख लो| समझ लो तुम्हे दो नहीं तीन बेटियाँ हैं| और हाँ माँ, यह हमारे स्कूल मे ही पढ़ेगी| मैं मैम से बात करुँगी,” अंजू ने कहा| 

मालती को लगा जैसे उसकी मानसिक गुत्थी बच्चों के प्यार ने मिलकर सुलझा दिया है| वह खुद भी यही तो चाहती थी| इतना सोचकर ही की छोटी सी प्यारी सी चंपा आज फिर डबल रोटी चाय पर गुज़ारा करने अकेली झुग्गी मे रात बिताएगी, उसका मन ख़राब होने लगा था| लेकिन इतनी बड़ी बात वह पति की राए के बिना तै नही कर सकती थी| 

बेसब्री से विनय का इंतज़ार करने लगी| आखिर घड़ी ने साढ़े छे बजा ही दिया और दरवाज़े की घंटी बजी| मालती ने दौड़कर दरवाज़ा खोला और पति का ब्रीफ़केस सँभालते हुए चाय लाती हूँ कहकर अन्दर गयी| 

चाय नाश्ते के बाद धीरे धीरे मालती ने विनय को चंपा के बारे में सब कुछ बताया| विनय ने सारी बातें सुनी और फिर मालती से कहा, “तुम अच्छी तरह सोच को मालती, पालना तो तुम्हे ही है| मुझे कोई ऐतराज़ नही| आखिर इंसान की बच्ची है| लोग जानवर पालते हैं तो क्या हम ऐसे गए-बीते हैं की हम एक नन्ही बेसहारा बच्ची को नही पाल सकते! मैं सोचूंगा की भगवान् ने मुझे तीन बेटियाँ दी हैं|” 

मालती ने उठकर पति के पैर छू लिए| उनकी बातों से उसका दिल भर आया था| भगवान ने उसे ऐसा समझदार पति दिया था जिसके लिए वह सदा आभारी रहेगी| पति के सहारे, सलाह और मदद के बिना वह चंपा को गोद लेने का निश्चय नही कर सकती थी| 

करीब घंटे बाद अचानक चंपा की नींद खुली तो उसने खुद को मंजू के पास पाया| घबरा कर उठती हुई उसने पुकारा, “बीबीजी गलती हो गई| मैं सो गई| अच्छा अब घर जाती हूँ|”

मालती ने उसे गोद में उठाते हुए कहा, “नही चंपा, अब तू कहीं नहीं जाएगी| मैं तुम्हे हमेशा के लिए अपने पास अपनी बेटी बनाकर रखूंगी|” 

“सच बीबीजी, मैं दीदी के पास रहूंगी?” कहते-कहते चंपा हँसने लगी और उसकि मधुर गुंजन पूरे घर में सुगंध की तरह फैल गयी| 

डिस्क्लेमर: यह एक काल्पनिक कहानी है|

क्या आप हिंदी में कहानी लिखवाना चाहते हैं? 

हमसे संपर्क करें – कांटेक्ट ऐट कंटेंट राइटर डोट इन

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