Post #3 : "That joyful age"

Ravi and his 10-year old brother Sudhir were returning home after their dismissal from School on a fiery afternoon of May. Their home was about 15 minutes away from the School. The heatwave was prominent that particular day. Suddenly, Sudhir exclaimed : 

"Bhaiya, Let's go and have some Kulfi ice cream!"

Sudhir was already spent for the day as both of them were sweating hard like anything. Ravi couldn't resist the temptation of having an Ice Cream in this punishing climate. He nodded, and then they approached a nearby Ice Cream stall and bought 2 Kulfis. 

They both began sipping and enjoying the Kulfi like a Holy Nectar in this climate. As soon as they finished the Kulfi, Ravi took out some change from his school-bag and made his payment to the Ice Cream stall owner. They left again for home. On the way, they were talking about their day at the School. Ravi being the elder brother, he was in 12th Standard while Sudhir was still completing his 5th. 

Soon, they reached home. Urmila knew it was boiling outside, so she was prepared with two glasses of Glucon - D for their kids. Ravi and Sudhir got contented and joyful. They instantly grabbed their Glucose glasses. The mother smiled in satisfaction.

It was 3'o Clock in the noon.

"Mammi? What is in lunch today?" asked Sudhir.

Ravi gazed at Mom.

"Beta, today we have Egg-Curry with Pulav and Chapattis" answered Urmila.

As they both prepared for the lunch, his dad, Shastri Ji with his family gathered round the Dining-Table and waited eagerly for today's special meal. Soon, Urmila served them the dishes. 

A long day at his Government office has made him a little bit frustrated. As he held his office register for maintaining the records for today. Wiping his forehead full of sweat with his handkerchief. 

"Beta kaisa raha School?" asked Shastri Ji.

Ravi replied, "Papa, it was good. But too uncomfortable due to the climate."

Its been about time Shastri Ji and Urmila had been thinking of buying a new Air Conditioner for themselves and their children. Both the kids went off to watch TV. The Intro music of 'Doraemon' filled in the atmosphere as Urmila was collecting the leftover dishes. Shastri Ji said, "I have saved some from last month let's go today evening to buy them an Air Conditioner. Its getting hotter day by day." 

Urmila was a little bit confused and awe-struck. But as she was an well-educated woman, she thought about it for a second and said yes. 

In no time it was 6'o clock in the Evening. Both the kids were fast asleep, so Urmila went on to wake up the kids. She called both of them down the staircase to their Living Room where Shastri Ji broke the news that the family was going to get an Air Conditioner. Both the kids got cheerful. Shastri Ji was quite a gentleman. He went to get his Car keys and prepared the car outside as the family soon reached the dealer.

The whole family was browsing through the store's gallery for that one Air Conditioner which was about to make its way to home. Soon enough, Shastri Ji stopped onto one Unit and asked about it to the dealer. 

"What about this one?" asked Shastri Ji.

"Oh! Its a Split Air Conditioner, with fast cooling technology, it can even warm you up in Winters."

Upon listening to this, Shastri Ji was amazed on how can It even warm you up during Winters. 

"How much for this Unit?" He asked.

"45,000/- only in cash or cheque, Sir!" prompted the dealer.

Shastri Ji made the payment for the brand new Air Conditioner and left for his home back. The kids that day were very much excited for it that day. The Air Conditioner was to be installed on the living room the next day. 

The next morning it was weekend. Shastri Ji woke up early, and came back with the technicians. The technicians with the help of Shastri Ji helped install the Air Conditioner properly. The moment it was switched on, it began cooling the room. There was a wave of happiness all over the family. The kids seemed so happy about the brand new A/C. In no time, both the kids dozed off. The parents gave a big smile to each other. 

The following afternoon when the kids woke up, the Urmila had already prepared them the refreshment meal. They all again gathered up in the Living Room, switched on the Air Conditioner and Ravi started completing his homework. Things went completely fine. 

It was Monday morning, and it was raining heavily outside. So both the kids skipped School that day. They gathered again at the living room and switched on the A/C as well as the TV. Sudhir tuned into Hungama. The shinchan intro music prevailed all over the room. Its this moment they won't ever forget. Urmila soon cooked them some popcorn and the whole family watched Shinchan altogether.

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