A stitch in time

Oh, how I hate sewing !'' exclaimed Rashmi, jabbing the needle into a piece of cloth. Mummy had insisted that she and Rohan, her elder br...

Oh, how I hate sewing !8221; exclaimed Rashmi, jabbing the needle into a piece of cloth. Mummy had insisted that she and Rohan, her elder brother both learn the basics of stitching during this summer vacation. Ten-year Rohan, equally good in studies and sports, proved to be quite an efficient needleman8217; but Rashmi couldn8217;t even put the thread into the tiny eye.8220;I8217;ll help you,8221; offered Rohan and in a few days, Rashmi began to get along quite well with needle and thread.

One day, Rashmi8217;s tooth became loose and fell off. As on previous occasions, she washed it and put it under her pillow. She knew that the tooth-fairy would take it and give her a coin in exchange. Late at night, Rashmi was woken up by a strange, thin sound. She switched on the light. Lying on her pillow was a large butterfly with delicate silvery wings8230; no wait8230;. she rubbed her eyes. She could hardly believe it 8211; it was a little fairy who was sobbing piteously.

8220;I am the Silver Tooth Fairy,8221; sobbed the tiny creature. 8220;I can8217;t fly back to Fairyland because my wings have got torn.8221;

8220;I know exactly what to do,8221; said Rashmi excitedly. 8220;I8217;ve just learnt to stitch. I8217;ll mend your wings.8221; Fetching her finest needle and a silk thread, she patched up the tear with neat stitches.

Silver Fairy was overjoyed, 8220;Thank you. Is there anything I can do for you?8221;

8220;Could you show me Fairyland?8221; asked Rashmi.

8220;Certainly. Just close your eyes,8221; answered Silver Fairy.

Rashmi shut her eyes and when she opened them, there she was in lovely magical fairyland. The grass was covered with colourful Gems and Poppins. Chocolates grew on bushes, while the bigger trees were hung with cakes and pastries. A little stream full of orange juice flowed by and there was a fountain from where ice-cream gushed out. Other fairies came out to play and they had a wonderful picnic, plucking whatever they wanted from the trees.

Soon it was time for Rashmi to go back. 8220;Close your eyes and count till ten8221;, said the fairies. When Rashmi opened her eyes, she found herself in her snug bed. 8220;Was I dreaming?8221; she thought. But when she put her hands under her pillow, the tooth was gone and in its place was a shining coin. And in the pocket of her nightsuit were the two large chocolates that she had brought for Rohan.

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Now, wasn8217;t it a good thing that Rashmi had learnt to sew ?!