Mystery of the broken windscreen
NEELA SUBRAMANIAM
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The kids were convinced that Mr. Deshmukh was a grouch. But they were in for a surprise.
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Deepa and Ayesha played badminton in the driveway while their friends from the other flats looked on. Suddenly a window was flung open and Mr. Deshmukh's angry face appeared. "How many times have I told you all not to play outside my flat? Go somewhere else. Mind, I want you to remember that the terrace is strictly out of bounds," he shouted.
Ayesha, Deepa and the others moved away. They boys went to their homes to get their cricket gear. Deepa heard her mother calling and ran upstairs with a word of excuse.
"Hey, girls! See what I've got." Deepa called. She showed them a large green mango. Kanchan suggested that they go to the terrace where the boys would not see them and enjoy the mango.
"But it's out of bounds. Remember what old D said," said Ayesha.
"Don't be such a ninny. Stolen treats are sweet, they say. Let's go up quickly before anyone sees us. I saw old D go out. And, oh, I've managed to get salt and amchur too," said Deepa.
The three girls sat on the terrace and were engrossed in cutting up the mango. They were unaware that Vishal had caught a glimpse of them running up the stairs. They were startled to hear him shout, "So, this is what you have been hiding from us."
He lunged for a slice of mango. Ayesha was too quick for him and ran away with the mango. Ayesha waved a slice at him temptingly. Vishal picked up a stone and playfully flung it at her. Ayesha ducked and the stone flew over her head.
The children were aghast to hear a loud crash followed by a tinkle of glass shattering. They sped downstairs and pretended to play. They knew they had done something wrong but were too afraid to find out what.
Turn of events
Late that night Deepa woke up groaning. She had a terrible stomachache. Her parents decided to ask Mr. Deshmukh, as he was a retired chemist.
Mr. Deshmukh said she had eaten something that had disagreed with her.
He gave some medicines and promised to take her to the doctor in the morning.
Early next morning, Deepa's father carried her to Mr. Deshmukh's flat. He saw Mr. Deshmukh in the driveway looking at the shattered windscreen of his car.
"Who did it?" asked Deepa's father.
"It's just a little accident. Don't worry. I'll be able to drive the car as the morning traffic is not heavy and the clinic is nearby. Come, let's go," replied Mr. Deshmukh. Deepa was given more medicines. She lay in bed and remembered Mr. Deshmukh's words.
When Mr. Deshmukh came to see her again, Deepa began to cry. They did not see Deepa's friends in the doorway.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Deepa clutched his hand and confessed that she and her friends were responsible for his broken windscreen.
"Never mind about that. You have shown much courage by owning up. Confession is good for the soul, they say, so you should feel better now. Just rest and get well soon," said Mr. Deshmukh.
Deepa's friends came into the room. They too apologised to Mr.Deshmukh. "We will try to earn some money and will pay for the damage," they promised.
"Let's forget it this time. We will have a party to celebrate Deepa's return to good health."
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