“Mother, do you know what today’s date is?”

I didn’t reply, to be honest I was not even listening to my daughter. I was busy in getting her ready for the school. Yet somehow I knew what she wanted to know.

“Mother do you know today is the twenty-fourth of December and tomorrow is our day off?” I was trying to comb her hair but she would not let me do that. She wanted me to talk and dragged me into the conversation.

“Why?” I tried to be as terse as I could.

“Becau…….se, tomorrow is Merry Christmas.” She paused expecting a response from me.

“Hmmmm……” is all I uttred.

Not one to give up easily, she continued, “Do you know what I am going to ask as a gift from Santa?” This time she did not stop for my response, instead she continued, “A Barbie Playhouse just like the one that Anita has.”

 That was when I realized my mistake. I should not have taken her to Madam’s house. Last Sunday, I took her along with me to the house where I work as a housekeeper and let her to play for some time with Madam’s daughter. Which is where she saw different toys and as is natural amongst children, she developed a liking for those toys and was now hoping to own at least one such toy. Being the a child of poor parents it was best that she remained ignorant to the luxuries of a life we could not dream of living. Unfortunately while playing with my employers daughter, she witnessed the luxurious and perhaps the brighter side of childhood and it was all was my mistake.

“I will write a letter to Santa about my wish and…………” I slapped her on her beautiful innocent face and told her that there is no Santa out there; no one is going to fulfill her wishes. She was taken aback and a steady rivulet of tears flowed from her eyes, I didn’t console her because life is cruel and she should understand that as early as possible. Good for her and good for me.

*******

“Ho… Ho… Ho…. My dear little princess Anita, your Santa has come with your gifts. Ho… Ho… Ho…” My master dressed as Santa was all set to celebrate Christmas with his daughter Anita on the next day. Anita’s friends were invited to the house and I, as always was busy in household chores with Madam. My daughter Radha was also invited but I did not let her attend the party. These parties were not meant for her.

“So Anita let me search your gift…….” Master acted well as Santa. He loved his daughter very much. “And here it is…….” he gave her a big gift wrapped box. Anita was very happy to have it. Anita had eagerly waited for her gift and when she finally had it in her hands, she opened it quickly to see what Santa got her this time. When she opened the wrapping she was disappointed with what she had received and threw the gift out of the window.

“That is not what I had wished for.” Anita cried and ran in her room.

Master was left red faced; and left the room.

*******

Radha was writing the letter to Santa while sitting in the park outside the house where her mother worked. Her mother had told her not to go anywhere other than the park till she came back. Radha had this queer belief that Santa would never disappoint her; these letters were the only mode of conversation with Santa.

She kept on writing the letter until she saw something which was beyond her expectation. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief; she wondered if she was dreaming or what she saw was reality. Santa was coming down from the house where her mother worked. She ran towards him. He was a bit sad but when Radha approached him, he instantly beamed with happiness as if  he was waiting to see  her.

“You are Santa aren’t you?” Radha could not suppress her excitement and was awestruck.

“Yes my child. Tell me what your wish is?” She gave him the letter which he read patiently and then took her with him. In the bushes lay a half wrapped, half opened big box. Radha rushed towards the box and filled with joy to have finally got her Barbie house which she had longed for.

“Well now I have to leave because other children are waiting for me as eagerly.” Santa said.

“Dear Santa but you forgot to fulfill my second wish.”

Santa was thinking of what to say, when Radha’s mother came out from house. She saw her Master with Radha and was surprised.

“Mother, see I got my gift from Santa.” Said a happy contended Radha.

“So Radha’s mother; tell me why do you not believe in Santa? See I am right here standing in front of you. Never ever scold my child again because Santa can never see any child in tears.” Radha’s mother kept on smiling gratefully at the kindness of her Master. He truly was a great man.

“Now I must go and attend to other children.” Santa waved his hands and kept on walking towards the house singing and dancing.

“Madam is calling you for some work.” Radha’s mother turned back to see the person who called her and was surprised. Master was there standing right in front of his house in his normal clothes. She was dumbstruck perplexed thinking of the person with whom she was talking a few minutes back. Was he the real SANTA. She turned back to have a last glimpse of Santa, but he had vanished; may be to indeed fulfill some other child's wish.