Father

"Papa, what have you brought for me?" said his 4 year old son, quickly getting down from the chair and running towards his father.

Ashish placed his office bag on the sofa and took his son in his arms, "What do you want my darling?" he asked.
"mmm...a tricycle" he replied with a distinct glow in his eyes.

"The school has sent a notice" said Vinita appearing from the kitchen with a glass of water. "Fee for this quarter needs to be paid by 6th" she said.
"O! I missed that completely....How much?" He asked getting curious.
"Thirty two thousand five hundred" she replied.

"Hmm" muttered Ashish moving towards the bedroom.
"Have you thought about how we would be celebrating his birthday?" Vinita asked following him.

"No idea, with EMIs, rent and his fee to pay within this month, I would hardly have any money to spare"
"He has been waiting so eagerly for his birthday, infact he is counting days and inviting his friends on his own. Let's not break his heart"

"We will discuss" replied Ashish as lines emerged on his forehead and worry in his mind. 'Perhaps I could borrow some money from friends, but next month too will be tough, insurance premium for two policies have to be paid' he thought as his mobile phone rang from inside the shirt pocket.

He pulled out his phone, "Hello, papa how are you?"
"O, I am fine, had a word with your little one in the afternoon, it seems you are planning for a grand birthday celebration this time, is it?"

"Let alone grand, It seems I will hardly have any money to celebrate at all, many expenses have accumulated this month" replied Ashish sounding disappointed.

"Dont break his heart son, perhaps I could help you, I have around thirty thousand rupees that I don't need right away, I will send it across to you, return it to me when you can, afterall what urgency could a retired man have?" Said father reassuringly.

After a brief discussion, Ashish agreed to the offer.
"Ok beta, bye for now" father put the phone down and turning to his wife he said, "Listen, I know it is urgent for both of us but perhaps we should delay buying the orthopadic mattresses by a month or so, I am sure we can manage somehow....and yes, don't tell Ashish about this" ●