Christmas Eve

24th December 1994


Niagara Falls - United States of America.


He.


My little stubby fingers tightened their grip around the rough texture of a navy blue woollen jacket. Even though the biting frost froze me I was irritated of the layers of woollen sweaters piled on me. I clasped my glove covered fingers around the railing and stared at the frozen waterfall in amusement.


"Juno sonny, we must get to the hotel dear! Soon it's gonna strike twelve and it's Christmas and Santa's gonna visit you my boy!" Nanny tugged at my elbow. My maa or dad were never really next to me. Dad was busy in office and Maa always had strange aunties who had their hair fluffed on their head and have atrocious make up piled on their face.





I pushed back the plastic rimmed glass on my nose bridge and looked at my sixty year old nanny, when I was small I almost thought she had been my mother; cause she taught me to walk, talk, bathe and she used to take me to potty. She still stands in front of the washroom whenever I have to pee.


"Na Nuno! So what if it's Christmas! And there's nothing like Santa!" I grumbled and sat on the icy path. Santa? People called him a fuzzy father who loved every child as his own. But then my own parents don't love me! What do you expect from an imaginary character called Santa! I used to believe in him till I got teased by my friends for doing so. I never received letters nor any gifts...


He didn't exist... and I didn't find any reason to celebrate the day of an imaginary character!


My Nuno shook her head and started coughing. "Nuno!" I jumped and hugged her tight till her cough went. "Am growing old sonny! This cold will kill me one day." My eyes widened, without my Nuno I would die. Waving at the crystal falls I walked back home with my little hand buried in Nuno's large warm hands.


"Nuno, what are these lights for?" I pointed at the tiny bulbs in various colours of golden and red sprinkling the town in shades of molten gold and red. It almost looked like as if sparkles were alive. "Ah my son, these lights are for decoration for Christmas!" she stopped short as I scowled at the mention of Christmas.


"Juno boy! Why are you so angry with Christmas?" Nuno tugged my elbow harder. I gnashed my little white teeth and looked at the aged woman beside me. She was bestowed with beautiful blue eyes, the lines of age barely did anything to hide her beauty. For me she was my mother, and loving I called her Nuno, for it rhymed with my name - Juno.


I shrugged her hand away and trotted towards the pedestrian walk. "Nuno! They say that Santa does everything! He keeps kids happy! But I am so sad! I need someone to love me... but he never visited me! He doesn't give me gifts! He doesn't send me letters! All these are just false Nuno!" I threw a chunk of ice on the road, before my Nuno could say something or I could throw another chunk of ice, a small voice interrupted me.


I turned around to find a chubby cute girl sitting on the bare ice. Her feet had wet socks, her chubby fingers didn't have any gloves at all. Her hair  was left open and her clothes were slightly tattered. However she seemed ignorant of that. A brown  teddy was tucked under her tiny arms and her fluffy cheeks were bright red in the cold.


Yet she was barely perturbed. She kept on humming a tune and focused her gaze on keeping the milk glass and plate of cookies on the iced road. Her shrill voice reached my ears and I frowned at the little song she was singing "Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle All The Way..."


"Nuno..." I tugged at the skirt towards the little girl on the road. It was so cold! She could die! I hopped over the grey road, little footprints left behind on snow and stood next to the girl. Her large coffee brown eyes stared at me and her song silenced at once. Her face showed hunger of many hours and her eyes bore fear on seeing my Nuno. "I am sorry." her meek voice stated and she got up from the road and walked towards the other end with the glass of milk and plastic plate of cookies.


She


I felt a warm presence around me... had Santa come? I turned aside to see a bigger boy looking at me. His intense black eyes pierced into mine. He had a big monkey cap on his face. He was almost stuffed in clothes but he looked scary. Was I sitting in the wrong place? Paa told me to not enter the house. For the past one month I had been living in a hut on his house's garden. Today I came in front and was setting food for Santa that I saw this strange boy and a huge granny staring at me. Was I sitting at his place?


I mumbled a sorry and collected my things and walked home. Where Maa lived, but there was another Paa there. I was confused. There that Paa hated me, here this Maa hated me. But I would manage to set the food in Maa's home, she wouldn't drive me out like Paa... and at least I would get some place.


"Wait!" the boy's voice halted me. I saw him coming my way, he was a big boy. I got scared. I started running back home. But he was always right behind me. I was very scared. Will he hit me like Paa? Will that lady take away the food I have for Santa?


My heart melted with the name Santa Pa... he was the only person who loved. I would never freeze on Christmas night, even if I slept on the snow. Somehow I would be snuggled in my hut with a strange red blanket. I knew the blanket was not of Paa's house.


My Santa was my everything. Maa tried to get it off my head that there is no Santa. But I know he is there. He loves me... simple.


I was out of my reverie when he called me again. My feet stumbled in the cold and I fell on the snow, the cut from my knees and palms didn't bother me as much as the strewn cookies and spilt milk. I had to sneak it out of Papa's house before he caught me.


Tears filled my eyes and I huddled myself into a ball before that boy would hit me.


He


To my surprise the little baby started running away from me! I knew I was looking ugly and fat in this monkey cap! But Nuno asked me to wear the sweaters and cap! I wanted to ask her, talk to her as to why she is in the cold, but she started running away!


I drew in a gasp as she stumbled and fell flat on the floor. She could get hurt! Nuno always tells me to be careful while running in snow... the cookies have fallen on the road and the milk is spilt all over. She looked at me with fear in her eyes and tears developed in those huge brown eyes. I scratched my head and tried to say something when the tiny girl broke into sobs. She huddled her chubby face in her soft palms and sobbed uncontrollably.


I ran towards her and held her little arm in my palm. She tugged her elbow away ""Plish don't hit me, I am sorry... I didn't want to sit in your area or disturb you. I am sorry... I just wanted to give these to Santa Pa... but... they fell. I am sorry..." she brought her knees closer to her chest, shaking uncontrollably.


I slapped my forehead. I didn't want to hit her ! She was freezing so I decided to give her my muffler. "Look, I know I look scary but I am not scary!" I said in my defence and she looked at me. Perhaps she was confused by this monkey cap boy so I removed my caps and a few jackets.

She


My crying stopped as I looked at the boy before me. He looked scary in the cap. But then his voice softened. He removed the muffler, monkey cap and various jackets and sweaters till he was simply in a cardigan and trousers. I didn't miss his teeth chattering though.


His granny was standing with her hand on her hips and looking at us. I looked at the little boy. His jet black hair disheveled, he had a cute face. His black orbs shone in moonlight and he was thin and not fluffy like I thought him to be in those layers of sweaters.


He crouched near me and took my bleeding palms in his "Does it hurt?" he asked. I bit my lips and nodded. He pouted and looked at his granny for help. "It won't hurt anymore." he smiled enclasped my little palm amidst his warm stubby fingers. I closed my eyes in the warmth of the heat that radiated from him.


"But... the milk and cookies for Santa Pa?" I asked in the quietest manner when he gasped. "Oh no! You have fever! Nuno.. we must help her!" He stood up like an army man and folded his arms across his chest.



Within a few minutes I was tucked in his sweaters and monkey cap. I never felt so warm. His granny fussed over me while he fought with her to put more layers of sweaters on me - leaving him with just a jacket on.



"Where does your papa and maa stay?" he asked, his squeaky voice cutting out the bitter memories from my tiny head. I bit my lips and plopped on the road. I was engulfed into his Nuno's protective warmth and instantly hugged her. It was strange. I never felt such warmth before.



The little boy walked left right, I was amused with how good he looked, not like that scary grizzly bear. "Oh... by the way... I am Arjun, Arjun Singh, you?" he held out his little hand. I placed my chubby palm in his "Shakshi..." I muttered.



"Oh Shakshi... you are Indian?" he bobbed his head in a funny manner. I nodded in return. His granny asked me little questions about my family.


I didn't know them, my Maa lived with another Papa and my Papa lived with another Maa, none wanted me after my birth and they made it very evident. Thus I never really had a surname. I often called myself Shakshi Claus, because I was Santa's daughter.


He was the only person who loved me ever so truly. "But if Santa loves you why doesn't he give you a happy life!" Arjun , the grumpy boy muttered angrily. "He loves me that's why I am his daughter! Every Chrishmash he comes and covers me with a red blankie! He writes to me! I know he is with me! My Shanta loves me! Understand!" I stood up in my defence then bit my tongue and plopped back on granny's lap as he stared at me.


Within a few minutes I started tearing up, the boy who was helping me - I was being rude to him. No... Santa would be disappointed on me. He has always wished the best for me.


I heard the granny sigh as she called up someone. Her soft blue eyes locked with mine and she kissed my cheeks affectionately as I hugged her tightly. "Nani..." I said softly. "It means grandmother..." Arjun told her and she looked at me with a wave of attachment.


She decided to take me home with them. I was going to be living with Nani. It was strange, my life changed within a few minutes - I was all ready to go with strangers, well my heart said that they would look after me.


He


I held Shakshi's chubby hand and walked towards the hotel. When asked Nuno sighed that her parent's don't love her and she's all alone in this world. Thus I found it inevitable and utmost natural to have her coming with us.


She looked like a baby polar bear in my jackets and monkey cap. Settling inside our room Nuno helped Shakshi out of all the clothes and gave her a fresh pair of my shorts and shirt. She almost disappeared under my clothes.


This was the only Christmas eve when I felt happy. I got a new playmate. Though my angst against the celebration didn't fade much. I smiled for Miss. Polar Bear. When I noticed her face slightly dull. Crawling next to her on the sofa I asked her what bothered her.


She rubbed her beady eyes and looked at me with hesitance "I dropped Santa Pa's milk and choco chip cookiesh!" she murmured and fumbled with her stubby fingers. Saying so she picked up a pencil and paper and wrote to her "Santa"



Dear Pa,



I love you. I am happi. Arj... she paused and looked at me "How do you spell your name?" "A-R-J-U-N." I said Arjun and Nani help me. I am sorry, lost milk and cookee... fell down. I am fine. I love you Pa. Let Maa and Papa be happi, let the world be happi, and let Arjun and Nani be happi. Love you.



Your child,



Sakshi.



"Oh... you are Sakshi! Not Shakshi..." I said and then smiled a little as she asked for everyone except herself. She nodded " I am Shakshi! Not Shakshi!" she waved her hands animatedly. I chuckled and bid her goodnight as Nuno tucked me in bed. Sakshi slept on the sofa, her gaze at me. There was something about this girl - there was something about this night.


It was not too long, after the lights were switched off that I heard muffled sobs. I got up to find her crouching at the end of the sofa, chewing a piece of my shirt's sleeve (the one she is wearing) in tension. On seeing me she crawled towards me and rubbed her tears away. "Scared?" I asked. She nodded, as I put forth a hand she flung her tiny arms around me and hugged me tightly. I was shocked yet happy with the sudden warmth around me. "Don't leave me Arjun..." she mumbled and I hugged her tighter.


Settling on the sofa next to her I soothed the little cuts on her palms and shushed her. A feeling like Guardian rose in me. She cuddled into me and murmured something.


Thank you Santa. I stared at her. "Why do you believe in him, people don't say that he is real!" I debated when she placed her palm on my chest. "He is, believe in him. And what our hearts say, only that is real!" she hugged me tighter and dozed off...


The little throb in my heart said that perhaps he was real, but then... I didn't know when sleep came over me...


She


I got up at the crack of dawn and chuckled seeing Arjun's open mouth. I shut his mouth with my palm, in case any fly gets into his mouth. I looked at the mahogany side table and squealed slightly at an extra paper on it. I slid off his hug and hobbled towards the paper from Santa. It was his letter! Tears reached in my eyes and I controlled my sobs of happiness.


It was a miracle, people say he never comes, people call him a fake thing. But then our life itself isn't real! It is all imaginary! Time isn't real! We can never see it or touch it. Belief is the only real thing. I barely cared for what people said. I loved my angel above and now there was another one - Arjun and Nani.


I heard a gasp behind me as Arjun had a little letter in his hand. His eyes were glassy and he seemed confused. "Santa gave me a letter..." he muttered in disbelief. I crawled back to him as he lifted me up on the sofa. "When you slept what did you think?" I asked him. He frowned and confided "I said to myself that he was real..." he muttered.


3rd Person


The contents of the two letters were never ever revealed for anyone except the two children. Arjun's eyes swelled with tears as he received the warmth of his parents from the letter. The words of concern, appreciation, love and blessings played repeatedly in his heart. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he felt loved.


His gaze turned towards the little wet kiss that Sakshi planted on his cheeks. "It's Chrishmash morning Arjun! We mustn't cry... Santa Pa loves you... he loves all children, just that everyone doesn't believe in him..." Sakshi pouted.


"Maybe all that matters is that we believe in him.." Arjun muttered...


The day flew in smiles and laughs. Nanny was amazed to see her sonnny basking in delight. Though she wasn't a believer of all this, she believed in her sonny's happiness. Sakshi herself had come as a bundle of delight in their lives.


She blessed the little sweetheart from the bottom of her heart.


At night she was amused to find little Sakshi curled around Arjun, her head over his chest and he embracing her in sheer innocence. They looked like two angels together.


He


After a long time I found happiness and true joy, a wave of protectiveness swept over me as she rest her tiny head on my chest, her arms tightly locked around me. I combed her hair a little and hugged her tighter. She was my best friend, my confidante, everything. Even though I met her yesterday, she became family for me. I knew that this Christmas apart from true spirits and joy I found responsibility.


She


I found myself to be cocooned in his embrace and smiled, he was the "bestestestest" friend I ever had. Throughout the day he never left my hand. I was gifted with an angel in disguise. I closed my eyes and let sleep overtake me.

~*~

24th December 2004


New York City - United States of America


She


I stretched my arms a little and smiled at the familiar warmth. There was Arjun, sleeping in all Taekwondo position, yet his hand never left mine - even in sleep. I pulled his cheeks a little as he slept open mouthed. My fingers burned as his prickly stubble touched my fingertips. "Shut your mouth!" I yelled cheekily and tried to run away from the sofa but he flipped me the very next instant!


The next thing I knew was being mercilessly tickled by Arjun! I couldn't escape this 18 year old lad! I tried to kick him but he held my knee. "Miss Sakshi Claus! I can predict each and every move!" he growled at me.


I pouted and sat up, setting my shirt straight. "Yeah yeah, show your growls to me! All your love goes to Chandni and Pia, can't even wish me a morning with a smile!" I pouted, to find him sitting on the sofa with a grim look on his face. I knew I touched his wrong nerve and bit my lips in tension. He stood up and ruffled his hair - looking cute.


But then he stormed off, without sparing me a second glance! "I am a certified idiot!" I scrambled towards my hidden letter and kissed it again. Of course it was my letter to Santa and my mood was supposed to alleviated, but then upsetting Arjun was not in my quota. I looked up thinking if Santa Pa could help me. But then he would help me once I start resolving the situation.


I brushed and ran downstairs to find him working at the Christmas tree, ignoring me effectively.


He


A small smile crept up on my lips as I saw boxes of coloured candies, balls, lights, glitter wraps looked at me. I was waiting for Sakshi to come down, but today I would start without her. How dare she say that I love someone else! How dare she say I feel nothing for her! She has been my responsibility for the past 10 years, and she doesn't hesitate to devalue our friendship in two minutes! This 16 year old Sakshi certainly needed to learn a lesson.


I deviated my mind and ran my fingers over the little angels, a mistletoe, the little gift boxes and the tinier drums. I had bought a packet of fake snow as well, because she wanted it last year.


I checked my pocket and sighed in relief as I found my letter bundle there. Even though Santa and I spoke once a year - his love for me filled me with the warmth that my parents couldn't give in the past eighteen years. It was almost as if I was being brought up by Nuno and Christmas Dad. A sad feeling swept over me as Nuno had passed away earlier this year - leaving a void in my heart.


Leaving Sakshi absolutely alone.  Nuno had adopted her, my parents hadn't had the big heart to accept a lost baby. Two years of legal struggle and Sakshi was ours - forever. I never told anyone about my relation with Christmas dad, most were skeptics and the others scoffed at me. Thus I let this sacred son and father relationship remain a secret.


That reminded me that I must stay upset with her. Clearing off my other thoughts I grazed my knuckles on the little northern star and knew where to hang it. I lifted the remaining part of the tree and placed it at the base of the fixed Christmas tree - leading to a total 15 foot tree to be standing before us.


A small smile crept up my lips as I straightened the branches of the tree and unraveled it.


As I was busy fiddling in separating the last branch Sakshi settled her palm over mine and helped me to sort it out. I turned ignorant to her and picked up the crate of decorations, as I placed them near the tree and stretched my back I felt two arms around my chest as she back hugged me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I turned behind my anger dissolved to see her teary face.


"Jun! You, Nani and Santa Pa; you guys are my family... Nani left me and now if you stop speaking then I will die and go to Santa Pa forever!" She choked on her words and I gritted at her angrily. Cupping her cheeks I wiped the tears away. "Stop crying Sakshi, just remember you, Nuno and Santa mean everything for me! How come did you think that you are nothing for me and that Chandni or Sia..."


"Pia" she corrected in a small voice.


"Whatever Jia, Pia, Tia... I would take them to be more important than you! You are my best friend and I love you the most! Never ever repeat  this behaviour in front of me" I glared at her and she nodded. I sighed looking at her teary face. "Listen, I don't think Santa will visit us this year..." I said gravely.


She looked at me, horrified. "WHY!!!!" I tried to control my laughter "Why should Santa get a heart attack by looking at you teary face!" I raised my eyebrows at her and ducked the flying pillow on my side.


"ARJUN!" She yelled... and the day passed in slight chuckles as she and I decorated the Christmas tree. It looked beautiful and gorgeous. There were very few things that looked so splendid.


I placed her carefully on my shoulder as she tried to place the star right on top. Finally I swung her down, she was still comfortably settled in my arms, swinging left to right. "Will you step down or I shall throw you?" I teased her when she gave me a solemn face. "You wouldn't let me fall down..." she spoke. I tightened my grip on her and whispered back "Never."


Suddenly I found an adorable shade of red pass on her cheeks. This was new. She got off from my arms and ran her fingers through her hair. "Come let's go and buy some stuff!" She smiled cheekily and danced a little in the air when I nodded.


"By the way, I should  look good you know, Nicholas dear would want me to wear the red dress I wore last Christmas!" Sakshi chuckled while the little flowers dropped from my palms.


My face whipped towards her and I took slow measured steps towards her. "Who is he?" the little words left my mouth and the giggles from Sakshi stopped seeing my intent face. Her stomach did a weird double flip... it's happening ever since a long time - but of course it's acidity.


"He is a dear person of mine." Sakshi teased me further, she knew that I had this soft spot towards her with a streak of possessiveness. She always loved my little jealous side, but instead of any of the snarls of glares from her best friend, I took in a deep sigh.


I cupped her cheeks tenderly and spoke "This is not the age for all this Sakshi. If he keeps you happy then it means the most for me, but if he ever crosses his line - I won't spare him." my voice sounded low and almost mute. My heart squeezed at the thought that she perhaps loved someone else... but wasn't she too young? No I would guard her till she turned old enough.


I walked away from her, hiding the little tear which had formed and concentrated on tying the shoe lace. Sakshi's heart shattered to a million pieces then and there itself. She tried to say something but found herself at a loss of words. She chided herself for doing such a silly prank. "But why would Pa hurt me? Pa loves me more than you na..." she said softly while tying my shoelaces.


I frowned and then smiled... of course! Santa Claus was also known as Saint Nicholas!


I shrugged my head at her immature prank, "Don't repeat this again." I muttered and walked away with Sakshi holding my hand. She hugged me tightly and pulled my cheeks much to my annoyance "You know you look very cute when you are angry!" she chuckled, trying to bring in a lighter mood.


"If you only recognised how much it hurt, for the next three years I don't want you to be talking or roaming around with any guy..." I grit out while she wrapped her arm around mine. Pressing a little kiss on my wrist she smiled at me, her little white coat made her look like a polar bear in the snow "There hasn't, isn't and won't be any guy in my life apart from you and Santa Pa! But you promise me that!" she was shushed as I looked ahead.


"In my life you are the first and last lady to walk in and let me tell you one thing, I am just yours and I wish you to be just mine..." my voice turned husky and her eyes widened. Her cheeks turned red once again and she looked down "What did all that mean..." she mumbled.


I bit my cheek at my slip and ruffled her hair "Time will make you understand... just grow up" I said mentally while to her I asked her to get some glue and socket for the lights.


As she left I fished my phone out of my pocket which said Dad.


"Yes." I said. "You are staying with her for the whole night?" a sharp voice snarled at him.


I noticed a few decorations to be slipping off the tree. I kept the phone on speaker and settled the little pieces.


"Yes, not just tonight but this whole week, as I have been doing for the past few years." I shouted back the usual dialogue. "You do know we have a reputation which you can't stake from an illegitimate girl! You are a big man now Arjun and she is not tiny baby. A boy and a girl in one room isn't a good image for me. Especially if that man is my son!" he glared back.


"Dad! Don't say a word against Sakshi! It's not her fault that she was born in this world. There isn't another woman who is as lovely as her. And as far as reputation is concerned - don't worry, no one knows I am here and to answer your associates tell them your son is off to party with one of his friends. And let me clear your things, just because we are teens and staying in the same room it doesn't mean that we don't have any morals and ethics! It's about the clarity of heart Dad..." I yelled back, fuming in anger.


"You are naive Arjun! What if she sleeps with you to get claim in our family? You have to think of her roots Arjun! Her parents, both were married to different people and had her - she is nothing but an illegitimate child! A product of a shameful disgusting affair! If you have any other thoughts about her, apart from friendship let me warn you my doors are closed! In fact you should cut off your friendship with her! She is a bad influence, what if she is like her mother? " Singh spoke over the phone.


"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH DAD! Sakshi was just six when she stayed with Nuno! After that Nuno and I have brought her up, she has the same values as us and dare you point at her birth, this poor girl doesn't even know that she's a product of an affair! And it clearly does not make a difference for me, we all love her and believe in her. I don't know why you are so narrow minded! She's my best friend and the shadow of warmth that I never had from mum or you!" I cringed in disgust of my father's thoughts...


"Listen Dad, I do love you... but you two have been anything except parents for me. I will come home on New Year for a few minutes." I said and cancelled a call when a muffled sob alerted me.


Sakshi!


She stared at me as if I was a ghost. Her face had paled and she gripped on the counter tightly. "Arjun... t..this?" her throat rasped out and I looked at her face.


Oh shoot!


She


I felt the earth beneath my feet slip away. I had heard that my parents abandoned me because they couldn't support me but in my wildest dreams I could never imagine myself to be a product of an extramarital affair! The bile rose up into my throat and I felt burn in my chest.


"You knew!" I looked at his face but could hardly accuse him, for he had his reasons to hide them from me. Arjun was next to in the blink of an eye and hugged me tight "I am sorry Sakshi for hiding, but listen you don't have to feel ashamed of yourself or your existence okay. You are Santa Pa's daughter... don't you believe that eh? You are Nuno's grandchild... you believe that right na, sweety please don't cry..." He shushed me and gathered me into his affectionate hug.


I nodded at what he told. I was Santa's daughter - this disgusting affair... this was never a part of me. I held on to the lapels of his jacket and wrapped my arms around his neck, biting my lips to stop a sob from coming out.


I was shattered to know my existence, but my love for Nani and Pa was much more... my love for the Christmas was much more... I couldn't let the shameful acts of my parents cast a shadow on it.


I swallowed a lump, we skipped lunch that day... as the sky painted itself in hues of twilight I rested my head on his lap while he fondled with the strands of my hair. "You wanna keep Santa hungry tonight?" he mused and I nodded no...


"So won't we buy something?" he chuckled and touched my tear stained cheeks slightly.


I nodded and held on to him as he intertwined my still tiny hand with his large warm one. He kissed the back of my palm and whistled an unfamiliar tune as we walked towards the local store.


For a strange reason I felt strange tingles in my spine as he held me. He was possessive towards me and it increased as years passed by. I rubbed his knuckles subconsciously and heated up as he shot a look towards me. Yet that was nothing more than a mere flicker in my heart. He was my best friend. That's what mattered the most.


"Yes my dears! How may Old Joe help you?" Joe smiled, revealing his heart warming smile - the crooked tooth and bald patch on his head really didn't make much difference.


"Idaho potatoes and vegetable oil" Arjun started "Sour Cream, Spring Onion, Tomatoes" I continued, we both smiled as we knew what was cooking up today. "And yes, liquid cheese and salsa." Arjun smirked at me - this was the best dish I could make.


"Aha... excellent, what about cakes and other things?" Old Joe scurried off to get the things for us - only for us he used to get the items himself while Arjun and I stood near the counter, attending any customer if they came by chance. Ever since we shifted to New York - around past seven years, we have been regulars at Old Joe's.


"Plum cake! Not too much of sweet stuff as Arjun doesn't like it that much, but yes chocolate chip cookies and the best full cream milk available!" Sakshi cheered while Old Joe chuckled and nodded.


"Plus some fruit juice Joe! Wait I'll go and speak to him..." Arjun smiled and followed Joe. I smiled at the retreating back of my best friend. I winked at Santa above for blessing us with each other. I noticed Joe cough at me and I knew it was a signal for me to pick up the Arjun's favourite chocolate - Hershey's from the counter. I smiled and placed the cash, putting the chocolate in my pocket and humming like an unsuspecting individual.


He


"Joe! Hey... got some..." I started to find Joe had me a strawberry cheesecake ice cream container. "Here my boy!" he chuckled. I smiled a little goofily and thanked him. "So she really knows your tastes and distastes eh boy?" Joe passed me a very knowing look "Indeed Joe! By the way don't I know everything about her? I can even predict when she does what... in fact I can tell you what all she would exactly do for her entire lifetime!" I smiled in pride when Joe squinted his eyes and passed me the ingredients.


"So Boy... you have plans for lifetime eh? Good Good... it's difficult to find such blessed talisman of love..." Joe winked at me, making me turn as red as the salsa dressing. I cleared my throat when Joe walked off "Merry Christmas my boy!" He smiled and I scratched my head.


As we walked back home I found Sakshi happy all of a sudden, she tried her best to smile and look as if she never knew of her past. I could see through her smiles and let her be so.


She was smiling - that's what mattered... for me it was more beautiful than the stars above, the blanket of white snow, the reflection of the golden nights... everything.

She


I ran back home, trying to forget everything about my biological parents, slipping out of the white coat I took a quick bath and settled into my usual pyjamas. Arjun had begun to slice the potatoes as french fries while I chopped the spring onions and tomatoes. Ever since I tasted this dish at NYF (New York Fries) I decided to make them at home itself.


I noticed him smuggle something into the fridge and tried to open it but then itself he caught my hands "Not so fast miss!" he chuckled and I shoved him on his chest!


After placing the fries I poured in the salsa, cheese and tomatoes. I added scoops of cream and then some spring onion. I looked at him anxiously as he took in a bite of the french fries. "Lovely Sakshi! This is better than NYF!" He smiled and hugged me tightly making me jump and squeal in delight.


After the filling dinner he surprised me with juice and ice cream while I surprised not only him but myself the minute I realised that the chocolate had melted in my hand! I pouted and raised the melted chocolate on my hand to him.


He laughed out and licked the chocolate off my fingers and pulled my cheeks. I just stood smiling like an idiot.


Soon enough we put off every light and stood near the Christmas tree... The house was bathed in darkness and Arjun stared at me, his breathing told me that he was near me. He gently touched the switch of the lights and the Christmas tree came alive in colours of gold and red.


I hugged Arjun tightly, for his warmth around me made the lights look lovelier.

He


I drew in a gasp as she hugged me suddenly when I switched on the lights, the tree looked heavenly. I wished Christmas Dad mentally and looked at how the house was now bathed with a golden glow. I turned to see her in my arms, staring at the tree. We both enjoyed the sudden silence that we were enveloped in.


I noticed the tinge of rouge on her youthful cheeks and the reddened lips which curved into a cute smile - it almost reminded me of when she was six.


She smiled and placed a wet kiss on my cheek - she had been doing this for the past ten years... but now it felt different. It felt beautiful. I rubbed my nose against hers and we both settled on the sofa.


Our letters and milk and cookies had been placed near the bed of the Christmas tree. We washed our mouths and settled on the sofa. I placed a pillow on the side of the couch while she lay right beside me. I spooned her tightly, while she squirmed like a little worm. "I feel ticklish!" she chuckled and I laughed with her.


We never had any awkwardness amidst us, from her days in schools to my sudden appearance of stubble, from her menstrual cycles to my underwear - in fact I still remember the day she refused to wear a bra because she felt she was yet a child and Nuno and I had taken the responsibility to make her understand. She turned red and buried her face in her palms when she realised the difference between herself and me.


In fact she had seen me changing once and noticed the slight smattering of hair that had developed on my chest. She shrieked and started crying

Flashback

"Arjun! We must go to hospital! You have grown hair on all wrong parts!" Sakshi hit her head with her palm.


"Sakshi! It's natural!" I tried to tell her but she nodded negative. She stood in front of the mirror and removed her shirt, wearing a sports bra she was shouting at me "See! I have no hair on my chest!" She pouted and I closed my eyes.


"Mad! I just have little! And see you are a girl and I am a boy... so physical difference you see!" I tried to explain and first of all put the shirt on her. She pouted and said "So... we piss differently and you don't wear sports bra... what else, and why are you red? We have been together since forever !" She grimaced at my red face.


I put on my shirt wrapped an arm around her neck, well we had a long discussion on fore.

Flashback ends

She realised I was a boy and she a girl... but that barely made a difference in our friendship - it only brought us closer. For sometimes her maternal comforting hugs and my introvert-ness... it just complimented each other. And we could never stop thanking Santa above.


For today we forgot all assignments, homework, college or high school. Her back touched my chest and stomach and I buried my face near the crook of her neck. I could feel her smiling even though I couldn't see her. She smiled and turned around, wrapping her arms around my waist. I rested my forehead on hers and our faces broke into a smile.


"Merry Christmas Arjun!" she whispered and rubbed her nose against mine.


"Merry Christmas Sakshi!" I whispered and rubbed my nose with hers.


Looking at the sky above we wished him together "Merry Christmas Santa!"


She buried her face in the crook of my neck and I embraced her tightly, I didn't care if world called it inappropriate or too intimate. For us it was a sign of pure unadulterated friendship.


We both slept with anticipation in our hearts - waiting for our Santa dear to visit us.