Mr. Tetchy finds Christmas cheer

Whatchamacallit town transforms during Christmas as Riya's act of kindness brings the community together in joy.

Whatchamacallit was a town just like any other. The people were happy and at times sad, just like in any other town. They went about their work not bothering about others. The children were the same too. They went to school, played on the streets, did their homework and went to sleep.

But, during the Christmas season, everything changed. Then, everyone became animated and happy.

At the edge of Whatchamacallit lived a man named Mr. Tetchy. Well, that was not his real name, but that’s what the townspeople called him. The truth was no one knew his name. He kept to himself and people assumed he was tetchy.

With Christmas drawing near, a meeting was held. The president called the meeting to order and asked for suggestions. Mrs. Perumal jumped up and said, “This year I think Mr. Sachin should make the biryani. Last year we got the biryani from Delicious Biryani in the city and it was very bad.”

Everyone said, “Yes. Yes. Mr. Sachin’s biryani is by far the best.” The motion was passed and Mr. Sachin glowed with pride. He was bursting with happiness and did not listen to the rest of the meeting. There were suggestions for snacks and juice and also dessert. The people began to discuss the fun and games.

Twelve-year-old Riya got up to make a suggestion. But the adults were busy shouting, talking, and laughing. They were making such a big noise that no one heard or even saw her. So, she stood on a chair and shouted. But, even then, she went unheard. In anger, she jumped off the chair and stalked out of the meeting.

She kicked a pebble down the road, muttering to herself. “Silly people, I will never tell them my brilliant idea. I am sure the entertainment will flop...” she walked on muttering to herself.. She worked herself up to a great rage and gave the pebble one big kick. The sound of shattering glass snapped her out of her angry trance. She had wandered far and was outside Mr. Tetchy’s house. And, it was his window pane that she had broken.