Gunshot on a birthday

Ravi revved the engine of his Tata Sumo, and maneuvered it out to the ramp, out of the kerb and into the lane. He had nodded his head only for the half-a-million bucks it offered him per annum. He worked in a Solar Cell panel factory, which assembles cells made up of special grade silicon and joins them with silver. Ruthless usage of Fossil fuels hiked the demand for the cells, which prompted Ravi to apply the post of assembling engineer in the office.

The factory was situated a good 15 km from his house and that prompted Ravi to leave his bed even before the Sun did, and travel the ever-active highway, NH 7, for about an hour or so, to reach his workplace. Ravi was a happily married man, with a cute little daughter, Neetu. It was her birthday today. He had to get her something that would remind her of Papa. Ravi enjoyed his ride home as far as he got till the toll gate, where the city limits started.

Overaged buses plewed smoke driven by nasty drivers who honked the horns mercilessly, caring nothing for the oldies living nearby. It was a daily hullabaloo Ravi went through as he waded his way through the incessant traffic, unevenly placed, hardly leaving any gap between. He pulled to a stop in a shop nearby,and got out. A beggarwoman asked for alms. Dismissing her contemptuously, Ravi entered the shop.

Looking for an apt gift for his Neetu, he rolled his eyes over the items in the shop. The racks, with varied items filled the shop. Enjoying the air condition of the shop, he had a variety of items to choose from. Barbie Dolls, Beyblades, Pokemon merchandise and how could he forget the Power Rangers? He spent half an hour in the shop, and came out finally, with a greeting card, that sung,"Happy Birthday To You."when it was opened. He chose a barbie with a cute tiara and a chessboard, to teach Neetu how to play chess.

As he turned the key in the lock of his car, he found the cellphone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hello Papa, Neetu here..."

"Yes dear...Papa will be home in another Ten minutes right?"

"Papa something here is scaring me. Please do come here, I really.....", broke off Neetu as plain static filled the receiver.

He was bewildered. Ravi thought he heard a gunshot. Guessing the worst, Ravi shifted gears, pressed the throttle and whizzed past the traffic, slamming the brakes occasionally.

He had fear closing in on him, when his hand was about to knock the door.

"What would have happened to Neetu, and the others....are they safe? and how did the gunshot fit into place? Was Neetu hurt? Was she alive?"

Ravi's mind was working overtime and his blood was racing top speed.

He clicked the knob and entered.

"BLAST!", came a shot from the first floor.

Ravi raced the stairs, taking three at a time and entered the hall.

There was Neetu, in a cute White frock, with her make up beautifully done by her mother. A circle of happy friends surrounded her. Beside her, was a table laden with gifts.

"BLAST", a boy pricked a balloon and glitters drenched Neetu, followed by a clatter of claps.

Nothing but the joy of seeing Neetu safe and sound could have made him jump and run towards her. A silent crowd watched the union of the father and his daughter as Ravi handed the gift wrapped parcel to Neetu.

"Sorry Papa...There was a problem with the line."

"And Neetu, what for were you scared kiddo?"

"A BIG dog Papa...Really BIG. Sharma uncle brought him to our house today and he started barking at me!",saying this, Neetu started crying.

"No Neetu, no crying OK? and what was the gunshot???",asked Ravi tentatively.

"Gunshot Papa?", asked a confused Neetu

"It was the balloon uncle!!!!" shouted a kiddo with a toothy grin

People started laughing, as more joined in. Ravi didn't mind them . All he needed was Neetu to be hale and hearty.

Cursing his own stupidity, Ravi took Neetu in his arms and hugged her.