""KEEPING A PROMISE""

Shruti was studying for her B.A. exam which she was going to answer privately after having absented herself from the last one on account of illness.she was a diligent student and had planned her studies very methodically.

She awaited her brother Vinay's arrival from school that evening,because he had promised to bring her on the way home an important book ,History of India by Ishwari Prasanta. Her cousin was also studying for the same exam and they often shared books.Vinay ,as he entered the house ,looked shabby any full of dust afler the games at school,and her first question was ,Have you brought the book ?Vianay faltered ,remembered ,felt ashamed ,mumbled something and moved away quickly,feeling very guilty,

He had not kept his promise .He was feeling very bad because he was fond of his sister and especially after her recent illness, he had tried to be kind and considerate to her .Sruti noted that he had not kept his word and as she had been looking forward to the book all day long she lost her temper.she also recalled that earlier ,one day ,he had forgotten to bring her some medicine that she had needed urgently .A scene followed between brother and sister and their mother had to intervene to bring peace to the household .

Mother was worried about Vinay .He was becoming thoughtless and conceited and she wondered why ,at fifteen,he was so careless and even self-certred.

Ahalya Chari