Dona Gets A Surprise..!

Jacob was quite happy nowadays.. He has got a small job at a company despite his growing age.. He saw his wife Annie coming back to her normal self too.. Their family had been in a tough time lately.. Annie was fuming over little things and he was frightened her health would worsen..

He loved Annie.. They had suffered many things together in life.. They had been married for 30 years now.. And had been together the entire time, knowing each other and respecting each other's feelings..

Juliet was Annie's younger sister.. He was quite fond of her and had taken care of her like a sister.. They were furious when one day straight from highschool she came with Lawrence telling she was pregnant and wanted to get married.. Lawrence did not have any job at that time and even after their marriage he did not appear interested to go for work.. Instead he remained in the room writing or reading... Gradually he took on his responsibilities and everyone started a liking to him .. He was a lively man who made everyone around him happy... There was a strange aura and charm on him..

He was starting to work hard for his baby .. They were all a happy family back then waiting for the child.. They had all decided to bring up the baby together..

That day was the most horrific day for all of them... Juliet was young, and hence had many complications during her delivery.. But what happened after the child was born was a series of tragedy..

Jacob was not superstitious like his wife.. He never believed in bad omen or ill luck.. But nobody could really come over the shock they got on that day.. Even he started believing slightly that the child was unlucky..

He also felt sad over the little baby.. It was deaf and dumb and they were not expecting a child like this.. No one was happy at her birth... Annie had promised her sister.. that she will take of her child... And so they took her home ..

Bella was never a nuisance to them.. It was like she never existed.. Annie's hatred towards the girl increased day by day and after Dona was born, she ignored Bella completely...

Jacob had tried a few times to make Annie understand, but seeing Bella's arrogance he decided not to involve..

These days he had seen the girl suffer too much.. She was willing to provide a helping hand to the family and was working really hard.. But Annie's attitude towards the girl never changed..

He saw Bella everywhere, on the streets, on stores, on shops, doing everyone sort of job and he was really moved.. He wanted to talk to her and thank her but he did not wish to anger his wife..

It was a warm sunny day.. The clouds which were veiling the dark blue sky had finally retreated to allow the sunlight blaze on the green grass making them more beautiful.. Jacob was early from work.. He was sitting on the hall reading a newspaper and was startled when he heard a bell outside.. He opened the door to receive a courier.. It was addressed to Dona Jacob..

The parcel was quite heavy.. He noticed it was send by Thompson publications..

"Dona..." He called out.. "You have got a parcel"..

Dona came running towards the door.. Annie too followed her..

Jacob saw Dona opening the courier.. She had a confused and surprised expression..

He handed over Jacob a book titled 'The Pebbles' ..

Below it was written , 'Dona Jacob'...

There was a cheque worth a lot of money along with it.. Jacob had never seen such a huge sum before his eyes..

There was a letter attached to it too.. It was handwritten and the letters were appreciably beautiful.

Dear Ms.Dona,

Congratulations on your first book.. It comprises all the stories you have given us.. You would be excited to know that your bunch of stories had been a huge hit.. People are expecting more of such work and we are providing the initial amount of this first publication as well as the original copy of your book to you.. Hope you will write more of such brilliant works soon.

David,

Thompson Publications.

Dona shook her head..

"But I haven't...", she scratched her forehead until it pained..

"Congrats Dona baby.. ", interrupted Annie.. She pulled away Annie from the hall to her bedroom.

"I know who might have written this.. Dona dear, Bella had once asked a favour if she could publish a few of her stories.. I think it is this.. You know her.. she is very unlucky.. She know it herself better than any other person.. She have placed your name so that it will get a success.. " Annie started explaining,

"But mom, how can I.." Dona couldnt understand her mother at all.

"Just think you are doing a favour to that ill-luck ridden girl.. It's only because of your name in it that it atleast got published..! See how much money we can earn from this.. Don't feel anything bad about it, just think you are helping someone since you are too smart and good at everything.."

Dona was still not sure, but she could only agree with whatever her mother have to say..

Jacob was not happy.. He had just seen Bella hiding behind the curtains and watching everything.. He felt her smile, and rejoice over whatever was happening.. And Jacob was sane enough to know that his daughter would have never written something like it, he knew his daughter very well.. And he also knew who could write it..

He knew things were now getting out of his hand..