Night of 25TH

Chap 8: Hell of a Ride

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Soft snores permeated the abode while the heavens reverberated with thunder. Astonishingly, each occupant of the house slumbered undisturbed, oblivious to the boisterous clamour outside. As the clouds relinquished their burden, cascading raindrops created a serene cadence, gently pattering against the earth. The mellifluous melody of the rainfall acted as a harmonious backdrop, evoking memories and heralding the rewriting of a tale with a newfound denouement. Twelve long years had passed since precipitation had blessed the sacred occasion of Christmas. Its arrival now brought a sense of rejuvenation and the promise of joyful radiance, as the resplendent sun rose after a night of rain.

Descending the stairs, the twins' eager anticipation reverberated in the rhythmic cadence of their footsteps. Their attention was drawn to Mamu, asleep on the armchair, seemingly uncomfortable yet content, his slumber filled with joyful murmurs. The cherished tradition of opening gifts required his presence, as the children could not fathom partaking in the ritual without the presence of their beloved family.

"'Ab tak soo rhe hai, mamu, gifts bhi kholni hai," Ahaana pouted, casting a fleeting glance at the clock.

"Let us wake him up," suggested Ahaan.

"Mamu utho subah hogyi gifts kholni hai," the children implored, gently tapping his knees.

Despite their efforts, Shubman remained undisturbed in the depths of his dreams, engrossed in a blissful conversation with an unseen companion.

"Kitni gehri neend mein soo rhe hai, Mamu; hum gifts khol de kya?" Ahaan proposed.

"But you know the sacredness of the ritual. We cannot deviate," Ahaana dissented.

"Look, he is stirring," Ahaana pointed out as Shubman shifted his position.

"Only to turn over," Ahaan quipped sardonically.

"Aisa konsa sapna dekh rhe ke haase hi jaa rhe hai and uth bhi nhi rhe?" Ahaan groaned.

"Shayad khane ka," Ahaana exclaimed cheerfully.

"Ana, sab tumhari tarah bhukkad nhi hote," Ahaan retorted.

"Haww, you are so mean" Ahaana narrowed her eyes in response.

Engrossed in their argument, the children momentarily lost sight of their initial objective-the joy of opening their presents. Their continuous banter, however, ultimately stirred Shubman from his slumber. Gazing upon the animated squabble between the twins, he emitted a faint, exasperated sound before uttering in his drowsy voice, "Why are you two embroiled in a dispute at such an early hour?"

"Ah, it is delightful to witness your awakening," the twins exclaimed with relief, abandoning their quarrel and eagerly tugging him closer to the resplendent Christmas tree, where they commenced the joyful unwrapping of their gifts.

Shubman was taken aback by the tremendous force exerted by the twins as they pulled him forcefully towards the tree. In that instant, his drowsiness vanished completely, as if swept away by a sudden gust of energy. Grinning from ear to ear, he observed as the twins fervently tore through the vibrant wrappings, embracing their newfound treasures. Immersed in the children's unbridled elation, Shubman discovered a hidden reservoir of childlike wonder within himself, as he joyfully embraced the experience of witnessing the twins' gleeful display of their newfound toys and games. Initially upset that Shubman had caught a glimpse of their present before Christmas day, the twins' disappointment melted away the moment they discovered the gift of a new PlayStation by him, replaced by resounding squeals of unadulterated excitement. Shubman chuckled heartily at this delightful exchange. He was well aware that Shaneel would reprimand him for such an expensive gift, yet the sheer joy radiating from the twins' faces rendered was worth it. Finally, after years of longing, it felt like Christmas had indeed arrived at the Gill household. Shubman's smile stretched from ear to ear as he basked in the presence of the children, their happiness emanating like an ethereal aura.