Chapter 336 - Where is my gift?
"What are you doing?" Preethi asked out loud when she saw Adam sneaking around early in the morning.
Adam literally jumped almost dropping the box in his hand.
"You scared me!!" Adam exclaimed laying one of his hands over his heart.
"What's in the box? Why are you being so secretive in the morning?" Preethi asked frowning.
"Shh.." Adam gestured to her to keep quiet by keeping his index finger over his lips.
It was really tough surprising this pair of mother and son since they were vigilant even in their sleep. He made sure Preethi was in deep sleep when he got out of bed, but she still was able to catch him. The same is actually true for Akil.
Even he was a light sleeper. Smallest of noise, he wakes up. He learned it the hard way when he accidentally ended up getting caught teasing Preethi thinking the little guy must be asleep.
Preethi laughed her a.s.s off at his expense that day.
Adam stealthy opened the doors to Akil's room with Preethi hot on his trails looking curiously at him.
Adam went in and Akil opened his eyes as expected.
Hey kid. You are just 11 years old.. can you maybe not be soo freaking vigilant even in your sleep at your own house! Adam grumbled in his head but did not say anything.
"Good morning, Adam!" Akil mumbled rubbing his hands over his eyes and yawned out.
"Morning buddy.." Adam said smiling back at him.
"What is that?" Akil asked curiously looking at the box Adam was holding.
But before he could answer, a soft barking sound was heard from inside the box.
Akil's eyes widened when he heard it while he looked up at Adam with expectant eyes. Just with the way the little guy was looking at Adam, you could guess how eager he was to see what was inside the box.
"This is for you, bud. Welcome to the family!" Adam beamed stretching the box to Akil.
Akil scrambled from his place. Any sign of sleep had already left him completely. His hands shook with excitement as he approached the box Adam had kept on his bed.
Just as he touched the top, the box shook on its own. But instead of being scared, Akil's excitement grew.
Akil did not waste any more time as he opened the box and the first thing he saw was a furry blob of flesh curled up in the box on one corner. Just as Akil reached out his hands to touch them, a pair of black eyes stared back at him and another bark was heard.
Inside was a pup.. a golden retriever. It looked barely a few months old.
Akil stared back at the black eyes incredibly. He did not know what to do for a second. he was instantly fascinated.
Akil had always been a lonely kid growing up. But he was also a very quiet and sensible kid. SO, he never complained about it to anyone. He always wanted to have a pet he can play with at home growing up. Whenever he saw his friends talk about taking their pets for a walk or play at a park, he couldn't help but be envious of them.
His greatest wish was, of course, to have a brother or a cute little sister. But seeing his mother and father fight all the time, he never had to courage to ask. But he did ask for a pet once to his father. But he was rejected straight away saying they did not have the time to look after one.
And he cannot ask Preethi after coming to his grandparents' place. After all, Preethi had her hands full with just work and him. And later he forgot all about it.
But all these years after, seeing the little guy staring back at him.. he was really scared he was dreaming of something.
"Do you like him? I thought you might like the company when I or your mother is not around. But then again, you should also look after him, of course. I can help.. but he will be your responsibility when I am not around!" Adam said smiling.
Next second, he did not know what the little guy was thinking, Akil suddenly pounced on him circling his arms around Adam's neck almost toppling him over.
Adam let out a chuckle patting on Akil's back.
"I take it you like your gift.."
"Of course," Akil beamed back pulling away from Adam. After that, he carefully took out the pup from inside the box. The puppy was very well behaved too. It did not struggle but instead curled up against his arms and snuggled closer.
"I will take very good care of him.." Akil vowed. He had reached the age where he knew what to do. And he was a responsible kid. So, Adam can be relieved to leave him with something like this..
"You have a name for him?" Adam asked smiling.
"Let's call him Hiccup!!" Akil answered without thinking.
Adam was not that surprised. After all, the little guy was the biggest fan of the cartoon. He had seen them so many times that even he can recite the dialogues to them let alone Akil.
"Okay, go on. Take him out.. I had prepared everything he needs in the other room." Adam gestured to Akil.
Akil readily obeyed. But before going away, he did not forget to give Adam another hug.
Preethi just stood behind and watched the whole process. She realized how charming just a little bit of attention and care can be. Be it, kids or a.d.u.l.ts, they don't need much.. just that bit of care and attention can go a long way. Because it shows they matter.
"What is it?" Adam asked seeing her weird expression.
Preethi looked at him with her hands resting on her h.i.p.s and asked with a serious stern expression, "Where is my gift??"
Adam did not know whether to laugh or cry at that.
"I thought I was your gift!!" Adam answered confidently pecking at her lips beaming at her.
He really liked this kind of morning. It was fulfilling in more than one way.