648 words
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Ayan needs money. I was mulling about it the entire day. Its no point sympathising him with bare words if i am not able to help him in any way possible. I began straining my head for the best alternatives of ataining money. I could arrange 5 lakhs from bhaiya and my savings, but that is too less. I can borrow from bank but then i dont have any credit worthiness. My heart smouldered with every breath i took. I can't see him failing. He has already suffered much after his brother's death and his family looked up to him. If i could melt all the stars and collect its sparkle on the tip of a nib, i would love to spray it on him making his soul twinkle forever. If he needed the last drop of blood from my body, i would love to bathe him with that. If he asked for my knowledge, i would have tutored him until death. But alas. He needed money. The only thing which i dont have and that is enough for being worthless.

A idea hooked inside me head. I woke up from my atupor. Maybe Dad can help me out. This was the last and most abhoring alternative to help Ayan. Creepingly I went inside his room and said politely. "Dad, i need your help."

He stopped reading the book and looked up at me. "What happened dear? What do you want?" He said requesting me have a seat beside him. He is often softspoken, exclusively to me.

I hesitated a little and spitted out breathlessly, "Dad, i need money. It is urgent and i promise to return it."

"Why will you return? I have always financed your stupid excursion trips and will continue doing so. Tell me the amount." Dad said hinding a smile. This was muh easier than i thought. My mind rejoiced.

"20 lakhs" i said in bold voice, confident enought that he will give me.

Dad slammed the book and flung it hard on the table. His cataclysmic eyes looked a bit confused. I lowered my gaze and crossed my fingers tightly. He wiped his glasses and said nonchalantly, "no need to go on trips. Its total waste of money."

I was dissapointed. A couple of minutes earlier he promised me any amount that i wished and now he is backing out. His contradictory statements made my head dizzy. I didn't knew what to hide and what to reveal. I had only one thing in mind. I need money. "It is not for my trip but for Ayan. He needs money for his project and there is no one to help him. I am just trying to be a good friend and help a person in distress as taught by my father long time back." I spoke at length without a pause and regretted after saying it. This was audacious.

He looked up at the ceiling for a while then stood upright. "20 lakhs, yeah." He paused for a moment and turning back to me he continued. "I dont have it in cash right now. I need to mortgage your jwellery to raise the money. I will transfer it to your account in 2-3 days." Dad agreed. My jaws dropped. I was planning to cajole him with variety of good phrases and vocabulary. Here i won effortlessly. My dad is a superhero. I was overjoyed. I hugged him tightly and retreated back to the door.

"Farha" his voice bold and commanding me to stop. I turned back facing him. "Remember, truth can do what flattery can't. Helping a person is always a noble deed but hiding the truth is fallacious. Hope you get the message." He said thoughtfully but with a smile. My father never missed a chance to moralise.

I nodded in agreement and said. "Ayan will return it to you, I promise."
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*Will money be a stumbling block for Ayan's and Farha's friendship?*
*Hey readers, I hope you are overlooking the errors and enjoying the story. Do comment and vote, please.*