The Christmas of Shared Smiles

It was Ruhi's last exam today.

- Dr. Ranjana Jaiswal

She was very happy. She was returning home from school with her friends.

Despite the cold, the whole city was full of lights and excitement. Colourful lights sparkled along the streets, and preparations for Christmas could be seen everywhere. Ruhi felt joyful just thinking about it—winter holidays were about to begin.

As soon as she reached home, she threw her bag on the bed and hugged her mother.

"What is the matter, Ruhi? You seem very happy today. Your paper must have gone well," her mother said.

"Yes, Mum! My papers went very well. I will score very good marks this time," Ruhi said.

"That is wonderful," her mother said, gently tapping Ruhi's cheeks.

"Now it is holiday time!", said Ruhi.

Just then, her father entered and asked, "What is happening here?"

Mother said, "Listen, the kitchen supplies are over. I have made a list. Please bring everything from the market." “Papa, I will come with you,” Ruhi said. “You know, on Christmas I will bake a tasty chocolate cake with Mum and cut it with my friends,” she added.

“All right, you may come. There is a big shop in the market where we will find everything we need. We can buy the cake ingredients from there as well. Go get ready Ruhi,” Father said.

“I am ready, Papa. How do I look?” Ruhi asked.

“Very pretty,” her father said with a smile.