The Genie
Words 100
“Dadu, what did you get from the haat*?” His grandchildren crowded him.
Snehlata cracked another areca nut and spoke through a paan* stuffed mouth, “More junk for this junkyard.”
Ignoring her, he held up his treasure.
“What is it?” Rina wondered.
“I know!” Deep’s eyes sparkled. “That’s Humpty Dumpty. They put him together again!”
“No.” Dadu coughed. “It’s Aladdin’s lamp.”
“Rubbish!”
“Didu’s right,” Rina spoke hesitantly, “it doesn’t look…”
“They fooled us all these years.” Dadu spoke in hushed tones.
“Call the Genie Dadu,” Deep urged.
“Genie!” Dadu coughed. “Bring my inhaler!”
Snehlata held out the inhaler. “Dinner is served.”
***
*Haat: Local market in rural areas in India
*Paan: a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut among other ingredients such as tobacco. It is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects and prevalent in India since the 3rd Century A.D.
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and Sandra Crooks for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
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