His mother explained to him, "Manas, it's not easy to take care of animals, it is a huge responsibility. Keeping the house clean and looking after the pet animal at the same time can be challenging. I may not be able to help you. Will you be able to handle it all by yourself?"
Manas didn't like his mother's response at all.
"Mom! Regardless, I want a pet, he insisted.
A few days passed. One day, Manas began asking for a pet again, when the doorbell rang. As his mother opened the door, a cute white kitten walked in. His mother was momentarily startled, but then carefully observed the kitten. It had a loving gaze and looked like a well-kept pet.
His mother left the door open for the kitten to leave, but it stayed inside. Manas came out of his room upon hearing his mother's voice.
"So... did you order the kitten online?" he asked excitedly.
"No, Manas, I didn't order this kitten online. Besides, kittens can't be ordered online!" his mother laughed and said.
"Then where did this adorable white kitten come from?"
"I opened the door when the doorbell rang. It was the postman. But this kitten appeared out of nowhere and entered the house while the door was open."
Manas looked at the kitten affectionately and said, "Wow! Mom, you didn't listen to me, but nonetheless, my wish has been granted."
"It must belong to someone. Its caretaker will come looking for it and take it back, so you better not get attached to it. I'll post a message in the 'Neighbourhood Watch' community group about it," his mother said.
"Mom, let me play with it for a bit in the meantime," Manas pleaded.
This story is from the December First 2024 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December First 2024 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Return Gift
\"Dingo, it's been a long time since we've had a nice party.
Moving to the MOON
In the forest town of Hoshiarpur, there was a mischievous bear named Dabbu.
Tea and the Lizard
Parth's father loved tea and enjoyed several cups throughout the day.
Shera Breaks a Bad Habit
It was December, and a cold wave settled upon Chandanvan. Prime Minister Shera discovered that his once-luxurious velvet quilt was now stained with mildew after being stored in the damp basement.
MANAS AND THE LOST KITTEN
After the half-yearly exams had ended, Manas began to feel bored at home. He insisted that he wanted a pet to keep him company.
The Ghost on the Hill
It had rained a lot in Champakvan that year. There were floods, and Cheeku rabbit and Jumpy monkey's homes had been washed away.
FINDERS, KEEPERS
Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...
A Dog Named DOT
Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...
TARUN'S TALE
\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...
