The Loveliest Rakhi

“Tanay! Why did you pull my braid again?” eight-year-old Saanvi shouted angrily, running to her mom with a frown and teary eyes.

- Alka Jain

Ten-year-old Tanay laughed mischievously. “Because your braid is so long and fun to pull!”

Their mom, holding a rolling pin in her hand, gave Tanay a stern look. “Tanay! Do you have to trouble your sister over every little thing? Rakhi is just two days away—at least try to behave!”

Tanay grinned. “Everything is forgiven on Rakhi, isn’t it?”

Saanvi folded her arms in frustration. “I won't tie a rakhi this year! I don’t want a brother who only bothers me!”

Before Tanay could reply, their dad walked into the room. “Okay, now, that’s enough! Both of you, calm down. School is off tomorrow—let’s go to the market. We'll get sweets and rakhis.”

Saanvi turned her face away and muttered under her breath, “Rakhi? I’m never tying it again!” But then, an idea flickered in her mind. She thought for a moment and agreed to go to the market.

The market was buzzing with people. From sweet shops to rakhi stalls, everything was decorated in vibrant colours. Saanvi excitedly looked at the balloons, rakhis and chocolates. But Tanay seemed distracted; his eyes were elsewhere.

He suddenly turned to his dad and asked, “Dad, can I break open my piggy bank?”

His dad raised an eyebrow and smiled. “What do you need the money for?”

Tanay hesitated for a moment, then said shyly, “I want to buy something special ... a surprise gift.”

Dad nodded with a chuckle. “Alright. But spend wisely.”

Bang! Crash! went the piggy bank as the coins and notes spilled out. Tanay counted slowly; he had six hundred and twenty rupees.