Anita's Diwali Gift

Anita ant lived in Nandanvan and was quite hard-working. She spent the day collecting different kinds of food and storing them. But she had the bad habit of eating all of it alone—she would share only if she got something out of it. She bragged about her storage of sweets often in front of the Nandanvan animals.

- Vijay Ghanshyam Khatri

The Diwali celebrations in Nandanvan were in full swing, and all the animals were happy and excited.

But Anita was overly happy. Many of her friends who lived in Kajrivan forest were coming to visit her during the holidays.

Anita was a miser, but she loved receiving expensive gifts from others.

If I look after my guests with great care, I’m sure they will give me big expensive gifts, she thought and decided to buy many sweets of different kinds.

She went to Monty monkey’s sweet shop and said, Monty, I want different kinds of new sweets—ones no one has ever tasted before. Can you make such sweets?”

She handed over a list of sweets to Monty.

Monty said, I don’t have these sweets tight now. But don’t worry! I can get them made for you.”

“Thank you, Monty!” Anita was overjoyed.

Monty asked, Are you buying these sweets for your neighbours and friends in Nandanvane”

Anita was caught off guard. What could she say? Then she thought of something and said, Yes... Yes... Yes... But don’t tell anyone! I want it to be a surprise.”

Monty was convinced. On the day of Diwali, Anita quietly went and bought the sweets she ordered from Monty.

Later, everyone started visiting each other and wishing a happy Diwali. Anita was waiting for her friends.

Her doorbell rang. Excited, she quickly opened the door. But she was shocked.

Lucy cat was at the door. Lucy said, How are you, Anita? I wish you a very happy Diwali!”

Reluctantly, Anita asked her to take a seat. She knew that Lucy loved sweets. And she would eventually ask for some.