THE LAST BISCUIT
‘’Today it’s your turn to be the
first’’. Was what Beth said to me the first thing after school. Even though I
didn’t utter a word, I had made up my mind that day that no matter what, I was
not going to be the first.
Indeed it’s very difficult for little
sisters like me to survive in this dominant world of Big sisters, where we are
enslaved to do even the smallest of things for them. Even though, without much
obligation, I always did what she sought. But what she asked of me today was beyond
my dignity. It was this special packet of six scrumptious biscuits exclusively
available on Thanksgiving, which mamma had bought the other day. Being the
first was indeed something honorable, but the first to eat this
super-scrumptious biscuit was not. The first biscuit, being exposed to the cold
air, gets shriveled up and starts to taste like cardboard. And there was no way
that I would sacrifice my delightful time with the second biscuit over the
first.
By the time we reached home both of
us were all set and ready for the upcoming battle. Beth glared over her specs
at me one last time before opening the door. ‘’ There’s still time.’’ She
whispered. Well that small gesture wasn’t threatening enough to give up.
The super scrumptious biscuit packet
was waiting for us all alone on the table. Inside it was the remaining four
biscuits, two of which will be devoured by us today. While I sped to my room to
change clothes, Beth went directly to the table; she wanted to finish this
affair fast. I had no intention to eat before changing, but her actions were so
intimidating that I gave up and went back to the hall; she was not-so
trustworthy.
I began, ‘’Yesterday it was me who ate the
first biscuit, so today it ought to be you. Abide by the rules Beth!’’ ‘’Then
tomorrow, according to your rules, you will get to eat it. Am I wrong? ’’ I
shook my head. ‘’Then, the ratio will go all wrong!’’ I did not know what ratio
was. But somehow I felt that what she said was an important fact. Moreover, to
be frank, I still was not ready to fight her eye-to-eye. She had it again…
Mamma came soon after the biscuit
rush was over. Of course we were not so stupid to tell her about what happened.
It was too risky, we would get an earful or maybe even worse; she would not buy
us biscuits at all!
But what she actually did was really
frightening…!
At night, after mamma gave our good
night kisses and switched off the lights, Beth whispered, ‘’Laya I am very
sorry. I shouldn’t have eaten your share of biscuits. I am a very cruel person
aren’t I?’’ Did she just realize it? But I didn’t reply. Beth continued,
‘’tomorrow you can have the second biscuit and I would also grant any other
small wish of yours as atonement’’
The next morning I woke up very
bright and cheerful. I was excited for the biscuit and Beth’s confession made
me too light-hearted. She was really so kind. The day flew by very fast and
reaching home I jumped and twirled while my Big sis opened the door. This time
I directly went to the table, were the biscuits are kept.
But what I found really shocked
me…and Beth.
A single biscuit was kept on a plate
with a note written beside:
I am really
disappointed by your actions. Rather than fighting both of you could have
shared your biscuits.
So I have decided to
eat the second biscuit, which was fresh, and both of you share the first
biscuit. Learn to share and adjust with what you’ve got and don’t ever fight
over such things. Mamma’s watching.
Dearest mamma
I sighed and kept the note down. I
glanced over at Beth and she over to me. The same thoughts flashed through our
minds.
Was she REALLY trying to stop the
fight?
By Hridya Lenin
IX A (2018-19)
KV THRISSUR
This post takes me back to the times when I and my younger brother used to fight over various stuff. We still do, nothing has changed much, even after my marriage. I believe that's how siblings' love is meant to remain intact, by fighting with each other often and then reconciling. Keep writing Hridya! All the best.
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