Fair | ✓ Short Story

fair

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FAIR

Papaaa!" Pihu exclaimed.

"I missed you" She mumbled, hugging him.

"I missed you too, Peehu" He said, flooded with emotions.

"Let's go" He said, lifting her.

"Where? And Mammaa?"

"I'll handle her" He replied.

"We'll return and surprise her" She said, giggling.

"Okay" He said, tucking her curly hairs behind her ears.

They were talking while passing through the streets, laughing in between. Sun was on their head. Thankfully, season was winter, that saved them from burning.

They went to a fair held nearby.
"Candy-floss" Pihu shouted as they entered inside.

He bought and she started gobbling it down.

"Carefully, Pihu."

That place was crowded. There were a large number of stalls, at many stalls sweet and other eatables were present in large quantities. Some stalls were selling toys and balloons.

"Balloon!" She exclaimed, trying to pull him towards shop.

"Which one?" Shopkeeper asked.

"Pink, blue and that white one," She pointed her fingers. Shopkeeper gave her. He paid the shopkeeper and they both left.

"Papa, why you weren't present at my annual function. You know what, I did a dance performance. Everyone appreciated, I got 1st prize. You would've seen Riya's face. She was so jealous that time," She said, proudly.

"Sorry. I was busy" He apologized. "You still compete with Riya," He chuckled.

"Yes," she giggled.

They went for rides, played shooting games, ate icecream. Pihu was little-bit tired so they went to a nearby bench. She dozed off. Time was passing by. It was evening. She was awoke by now.

They were heading towards home.

At the door, he stopped.

"Come inside. We've to surprise Mamma," She grinned.

"You go. I've some work left. I'll come later," he hugged her.

"Okay, Come soon. We'll be waiting," She pouted breaking the hug.

"Love you, Pihu," He muttered, holding her small tiny 6 year old hands.

"Love you too," She blowed a kiss on his cheek.

"Bye," She said turning back.

"Bye," He said, waving his hand.

Soon she was out of his sights.

As she entered inside, "Mamm...." words stuck inside her throat. There was a body shown lying, wrapped in Tricolor Cloth. She reached to that person while mumbling with fear.

"Papaaaa," She shouted as she lifted cloth from his face. Tears started rolling down on her cheeks.

"Papaaaa" A voice echoed in whole room.

"Where is Papa?" Pihu asked as soon as she opened her eyes.

"He is no more," Pooja replied hugging her tightly.

"But I met him. He took me to that fair. He got balloons for me. He came to surprise us but he went back because of some urgent work.. Believe me, Mamma," Pihu mumbled, in between her sobs.

"Huh? Pihu," Pooja gasped, "It's been 2 days since his funeral. No fair was held. You must have seen some dream. You've to be strong."

In corridor, a photo was shown. The person was wearing an Indian Army uniform with "Captain Amar Sinha (28/05/1985 - 14/02/2019)" written below.....

The End

Word Count: 506

Happy Independence Month 🇮🇳