MIRROR

"Congratulations!" Said the tall mirror.
"Thanks, but you....?" He checked himself from what he was about to say.
"Your novel has won a prestigious award today...., but still you are
not happy."
"No, no!......I am very happy. It's a lucky day for us today. My work
has been rewarded, and my wife has been sworn in as a minister."
"Then why are you so off colour?"
"What nonsense are you talking?" he said in a sharp tone. "There will
be a party at our place today. We will feed the poor of the whole city
as well. This is how we celebrate a happy event."
"You are hiding something," Said the mirror with the faint appearance
of a ironical smile on its lips. "May I....remind you of something?"
"Start barking," he growled.
"Today, in the morning, when you saw your son and your servant,
Chhotu, sitting together on the sofa, each feeding the other with his
hand, you had flared up in a fiery rage. Chhotu's cheeks still bear
the print of your fingers."
"Rubbish!" He laughed mirthlessly. "Can such a small matter make one
sad? Now stop yapping. I have an awful lot to do...; guests will start
coming any time."
"Chhotu!..........Ramdeen!" Starting at the mirror, he cried. "Take
the mirror away this instant and dump it in the storeroom. Put my
enlarged photograph up here instead to create a decorative effect.
This must be done before the guests begin to arrive.