One Afternoon

A short story for young children

Crash! Oops! Whack! Whack! Whack! Five-year old Sunny had been punished for smashing an
expensive vase while testing his new bouncy ball. He could not go out to play. Sad and redfaced, he went to his eleven-year old sister who was absorbed in tidying up her things. She gave
him a hug and stroked his hair to make him feel better, but Sunny started crying. Moona felt
irritated because she had very much wanted to straighten her things that day.
She wanted to send him away but didnt. She was a kind sister. She laid him in her lap and tried
to divert his attention towards other things to make him stop crying. You can play with your
toys, Sunny. You dont have to go outside. Sunny wasnt convinced and cried louder. Moona
remained calm and looked around. She had an idea and made Sunny sit up. Lets play Ghar
Ghar. Sunny wailed, but Moona was now determined.
She got up and pulled up Sunnys arms to stand him up. Then she picked up a dupatta and threw
it over his shoulders. She drew herself a thin moustache with a black pen and put on a pair of toy
glasses. Now, she declared. You are Mumy and I am Papa. She collapsed on her bed and
called out in a booming voice, A cup of tea, dear! She looked towards Sunny who looked
amusing standing in the same spot, crying with a dupatta around his neck. Come on, Sunny!
she pleaded. Then she walked up to an untidy pile of toys and scavenged for her tea set. As she
prepared the make-believe tea, she tried to get Sunny interested. Wheres the tea? she said
looking around. Can you see it, Sunny? The green jar with T on it? Sunny quieted and
rummaged in the toys. Oh no! I really want a nice cup of tea! Moona acted worried. Sunny
searched frantically and victoriously pulled out the green plastic jar like a trophy. Yes! Moona
clapped and added an imaginary spoon of tea to the imaginary boiling water.
Now, while the water boils, lets tidy up the kitchen. She pointed to her toy cupboard. These
should go in that cupboard. Sunny jumped up and began filling his spread-out dupatta with the
plastic toys. How clever! Moona praised, leading him to the cupboard and arranging the toys
neatly on the shelves. Sunny was now getting involved. Oh, the tea! Moona said after shutting
the cupboard. Sunny rushed towards the boiling kettle and poured the contents into two plastic
cups. He then brought them out on a tray. What excellent tea, my dear! Moona complimented
in a loud voice.
Now, what shall we do this evening? she continued.
Lets go shopping, Sunny spoke in a feminine voice.
Okay, get my wallet, dear, Moona pointed towards her messy desk.
I cant find it, Sunny said after searching the piles of books.
Oh no! Where can it be? Lets play Detective. Moona suggested.
This sounded very exciting to Sunny who began to follow a stooped Moona around the room,
squinting her eye over an imaginary hand lens. Clues, clues, she whispered, Search those

books.
As Sunny sifted eagerly through the books, Moona picked them up and stacked them on the
shelf. Still no wallet.
Ill take my purse, dont worry, Sunny offered, picking up a little purse from the desk that their
mother had sewn for Moona. It was Moonas favourite purse but she let Sunny have it. Moona
then picked up a lipstick and ran it over Sunnys lips and slipped some of her bangles over his
tiny wrists.
Oh, yes! Lets go. Locking their arms, they paraded down to the pile of clothes in the corner.
Lets play Dukan Dukan, Moona said, seating herself behind the pile of clothes.
Come, Baji, Come! Look at the beautiful designs! she shouted.
Sunny pretended to look around the stall.
How much is this? he asked, picking up one of Moonas frocks.
Baji, 500.
500! NO, NO. I will only give 100. The colour will fade, I know.
What are you saying, Baji! Only 100? This is a very nice frock.
NO, NO. Only 100. Sunny waved his hand and started walking away, clinging to the strap of
his purse.
Baji! Baji! Moona called out. Ok, 100 for you.
Sunny returned to the stall and began sifting his purse. Moona stuffed her empty school bag with
all the clothes.
Take these also Baji, absolutely free!
You will have to take them back if the colours fade. Sunny said sternly.
Yes Baji! Of course, Baji!
Sunny returned with his shopping and Moona took her place on the bed.
Oho! What a lot of shopping, dear! Come and take some rest.
Water, Sunny fanned himself with his dupatta.
As he emptied the imaginary glass his sister had brought him, Moona quickly folded the clothes
and stacked them in the cupboard.
Everything is so expensive! Sunny resumed after catching his breath.
Oh really, dear! Moona was now sorting her dresser.
At that time their mother entered with some milk. She smiled when she saw Sunny and Moona
dressed up like that. What a neat room, she said happily. Sunny helped me, Moona replied.
Really! Mumy went up to Sunny and kissed him. Then, Sunny and Moona had their milk while
Mumy opened the cupboards to admire them from the inside.