Halloween Day

John and Paula were two Anglo Indian siblings. They had no one other than themselves for company! But it was not thus a year back. Then they had a father –David, a mother-Amanda and their little sister Anne. Yes! David and his family had been the residents of Goa since 80s .David’s father was a fisherman. As years rolled by David prospered in fishing .But destiny had something else in store for him.
David had developed a nasty habit of playing cards and betting with money. His wayward life and extra boozing made him a vulnerable person .In no matter of time he was owing half the street money. To appease that he started taking money from the money lenders…Unrest followed one after the other in that family.
It was Halloweens Day that year. The streets were rampant with eerie looking masks and lots of noises. John, Paula and Anne went out in disguise to scare their friends and to make merry.
But the very next day that street woke up to find the shocking sight of three dead bodies in David`s house .One was David himself. Other two Amanda and the little Anne!! Yes it was some food poisoning or rather the food was poisoned by David and fed to his dear family without their knowledge.
The inability to meet the dire consequences of his liabilities, led David to take this drastic step. But by some quirk of fate and the timely help, the two elder children John and Paula escaped death`s trap.
Since that incident no one made any close contact with those children. They considered John and Paula as doomed children. But on hearing this sob story the government intervened and paid the children a small amount. The church took the responsibility of looking after the two children.
The preparations for Halloween day started way prior to October 31st. The eerie looking masks were sold on the streets and the merry making and jubilance caught on with the passing of days. But now, unlike the previous Halloween day, this year no one contacted John and Paula.
Halloween Day broke with a sunny look. ``Happy Halloween Day” shrieks and merry making followed.
Paula and John wore a pumpkin shaped mask and wandered about their house .The passing by children refused to come to them and the two children were reluctant too to mingle with the others fearing castigation. So Paula and John sat woebegone in front of their house and sulked…………….
By evening they noticed a little girl with a ghastly mask approaching them. Without taking the mask out she stretched her hand to them and said ``why are you both sitting here? Come to my courtyard. “``No! “John said taking out his mask. “No one likes us. They would segregate us when once they find out who we are”. ``what is this? No one would do anything .Just come with me “the little girl again insisted. But even after so many cajoling too Paula and John did not oblige to go with her .So the little girl became very pensive .Then after a few moments she said`` Ok then I shall play with you two here.”
Seeing `three` children playing merrily some street urchins got interested and joined them slowly. Soon the others followed suit. John and Paula enjoyed the loud shouting and laughter and forgot all their previous worries and apprehensions.
By night everyone started to disperse off. Paula and John thanked the little girl profusely for making their day so special. ``Thanks little girl for making it all happen. What is your name and where do you stay?” Paula asked her .Then she said ``I am Marlene. Dr.Sebastian and Shirley`s daughter. I stay near that post office over there. House number 3.Come over once”`` Oh sure! “Paula was brimming with joy ``we know your house Marlene .I think we have met two or three times too before. “Paula said smiling.
``Ok friends, let me now rush home. Momma must be wondering where I am. I have to remove this nasty mask and take a bath. This is sticking to me like a plaster.” with that Marlene rushed towards her house.
It was getting late and so Paula and John retired to their rooms after a light dinner, thinking how happy they had been, thanks to that little girl Marlene.
John lay thinking and so turned and tossed .Sleep evaded him. So he slowly got up and went to Paula`s room and knocked. `Paula, are you awake? “Paula answered him immediately. `Come in John “she called. John came in and sat near Paula and told her ` `Paula let us buy a cake and visit Marlene tomorrow. We owe her at least that. ”Sure John. “Paula agreed happily.
By 10`0’ clock next day they walked to Marlene`s house with a cake.. Marlene`s father Dr Sebastian was a known doctor around there. His wife was Shirley Sebastian. Marlene was their only daughter. On reaching the doctor`s house they rang the bell and waited. The doctor`s wife Shirley opened the door. But seeing John and Paula, her smile changed to a scowl. ``what are you two doing here?” She shouted. `Aunty we came to give this cake to Marlene. Yesterday she came to our house and made us so happy. ”saying thus John extended the cake parcel to Shirley.
``Go away children. What nonsense are you talking .Marlene is at her uncle`s house in Mumbai, since last month. Besides she was down with typhoid. It would be another fortnight before she comes here.” Saying thus Shirley closed the door on their face. Remember, they were supposed to be jinxed.
John and Paula stood rooted there aghast. Then who was the little girl who said she was Marlene and played and made their Halloween`s Day so wonderful?......!!!!!!
Probably it was their little dead sister Anne`s soul, who came to make them happy on this particular Day……A live, friendly` Halloween` indeed!!!