THE COBRA'S PROMISE
“Sir, can I drink water?” seven-year old Harsha asked me. “Okay sweethearts, I will give you two minutes, all of you drink water from your bottles,” I declared. “Sir, I have not brought water,” said little Shristi wearing a sad face. “Sir, I also,” nine-year-old Ritesh’s hand went up. “Well, my darlings, you were supposed to bring… Didn’t you know that? I asked lovingly. “Sorry sir,” both, Shristi and Ritesh murmured tamely. “Don’t worry, Bunty will share with you Ritesh,” I announced, “and, Sheeba will share with you Shristi.” “Sir, see,” Bunty began to complain, “Ritesh is finishing the entire bottle!” “Ritesh beta , you can not do that… Bunty had helped you by sharing his water… and, how can you hurt him by finishing his entire bottle?” I reminded the little brat. “Sir,” six-year-old Seema’s hand went up. “Yes, dear,” I encouraged bubbly Seema to say what she wanted to. “Sir, that is not good manne...