April fool banaya…

Nowdays everyone owns a (or several) mobile phone. But many years back when there were no mobile phones, and in small towns even landline phone was a matter of excitement and pride, Punita’s house was echoing with excited clamour.

“Wow! We have our own phone now. Now we don’t have to run to Mrs. Singh’s house whenever bhaiya calls.” Punita said beaming with happiness.

Whenever the telephone blared, Punita used to run and pick up the phone. She always wanted to answer the phone.

That night, darkness was spread everywhere due to power cut. Suddenly phone rang and as usual Punita ran towards the Telephone desk. “Hello!” She picked up the receiver and said excitedly but heard the dial tone only. Confused, she put the receiver back when she heard a chuckle.

“April Fool banaaya…” Nisha, her cousin sang and burst into guffaws. Punita chased her sister in mock anger though she could not help smiling.

Actually there was a system “Pick the receiver. Dial three particular numbers and put the receiver back. The phone would ring automatically.” Obviously, Nisha did the same and in excitement Punita forgot that was first April.