Story: Train Constrain

- Vakula

Anand had first seen the toy train on display in 'Toy Collections', his favourite toy shop. The toy train was beautiful with a metal body and a perfect glossy finish! But its price tag made his heart sink. Rs.500 - a huge amount for him! He could not afford such a huge amount even in his wildest dreams! Anand walked away from the toy shop dejectedly.

Anand sat in his room, considering the options of buying his favourite toy. Suddenly the doorbell rang. It was the post- man. 'Letter for you, young man!' he announced cheerfully and thrust a pink cover into Anand's hand. Anand tore open the cover and gasped in surprise. Inside was a gift voucher worth Rs.500 and a card that read 'Happy Birthday dear Anand!' - It was from his dearest friend who had sent the gift voucher well in advance so that Anand could make use of it for his birthday which was due the following month.

Anand ran to his mother, showed her the card and the voucher. The next instant he was out of the door with the voucher in his hand, stopping only to shout 'I am going to 'Toy Collections', ma!'

He reached the store in a jiffy Alas! The train was not there on display! He went inside and asked the shop keeper.

‘Sorry, my boy! It is sold out. We do not have any in stock. Yep, that train is a hot cake, really!’ exclaimed the shopkeeper. Anand was grief stricken. He dragged himself home. His mother noticed his sullen mood. ‘Come, let's go to a park. You seem a little bored today!’ she said. At the park, ma did her best to cheer him up by making him play the fun games.

At one such fun game ticket counter, the staff at the counter was delighted to see them. ‘Congrats!’ she exclaimed. 'You are our 1000th customer today. Every thousandth customer gets a gift from us. Here is your gift...' and she held up a toy train with a metal body and a perfect glossy finish!