Santa's Secret

In the midst of winter christmas bliss and carrols, a little munchin was jumping up and down at the corner of the hall looking at the Santa who was giving out gifts and dancing with the rhythm of music.

His eyes wide open in amusement and his hands grasping at the side of his pant in anticipation while the other kids open the gifts from santa , secretly hoping that it will be him getting the gifts and hugs from that strange looking fat man with protuding belly . He clearly knew that Santa is not real as they portray in movies and stories but as a four year old kid he still want to believe in those beautiful lies and warm feelings . Under the facade of a jolly kid , Lukas Mcbroom is dying for love . he don't want to have the feeling that no one cares .

But his father , Robert Mcbroom is another story. He is a retired army officer and teaches physical Education in an university.

No matter what Lukas do to get his attention he overlook him .

Same goes for his mother , Meera Acharya .

She is a successful doctor and she always manage to get busy.

One thing is for sure in Mcbroom household, both of the parents have no time for their son .

*************

As the santa was reaching his side , he was feeling giddy in his stomach. He was jumping in joy waiting eagerly for his turn

Brimming with smile Santa give a big present wrapped in red and golden colour to Lukas as he got his turn for the gift. His cute bangs all over the face because of the wind from the big window behind him .

' here you go buddy..

Merry Christmas ! '

He muttered a small thank you shyly...

Something tugged in Aayan's heart as he listen to the sweet little voice of the cute fellow. As he look at the little guy with cute tuxedo and smart hair , Aayan could not help but curve his lips.

As he watch the last kid opening the present , suddenly a grumpy kid ran over and push the little munchin .

'Give me that present , you ugly monkey ! '

The grumpy kid shouted snatching the present.

Lukas lost his footing and fell out of the window which was cut low. He was overwhelmed with fear that he shouted so loudly and started chanting his prayers.

'...I will never disturb my parents anymore when i feel scared and i will not steal cookies from Nana . God please let me live... i will be a big boy and i will stop being a crybaby from now onwards...' Lukas started sobbing loudly but he slowly realised that he is not falling down from the building at all !

Lukas slowly open his eyes and saw that he was in the arms of Santa . And they both are hanging out of the fourteenth flour of the building. He was so relieved to know that he did not die so he happily hug Santa's neck and started wailing loudly .

' Santaaaa .....'

Aayan felt so right having the cute munchin in his arm . His lips curved into a slight smile.

He was so helpless having a crying fellow in his arms . Cuddling so perfectly in between his fake port belly and him.

he climb back into the hall again. He was contended to save a kid even though he could not save his own ....

His eyes drooped low and hug the little fellow tightly.

'sshh..!! don't cry anymore. Didn't you promise god that you'll not be a crybaby huh?? '

Aayan lightly patted his head as the little fellow watch his demeanor curiously.

As the cute little guy stop crying Aayan slow turned to walk away but Lukas pulled his trousers .

Aayan turned back and asked

'What is wrong ? ' gently..

Lukas shyly open his palm and show his hands to Santa. His gift is already snatched . But it is first time celebrating Christmas so he really wants a present wrapped in beautiful colours.

Aayan quickly understand what he meant but he gave away all the gifts .

He bent down to the little munchin and grab his cute little hands

' Oooh my cute baby.. What is your name? '

'Luke.... Lukas Mcbroom.. '

Lukas spoke meekly.

'Lukas is a beautiful name but I am so sorry Lukas i ran out of gifts..'

Aayan felt terrible as he saw the those hopeful eyes droop as he said those words.

he could do anything to make him happy.

'But you know what ... I have a special gift for you !!! '

he pinched his cheeks lightly.

As Lukas heard him , his mood instantly became better . He was jumping up and down in happiness.

Aayan was satisfied seeing his cute gesture . he laugh tapping his head lightly.

Aayan took a silver chain with a bright shiny star pendant at the middle. and put it in his hands

' Tadaaaaa

Here is your gift , a pole star pendant '

'A pole star ? '

his big curious eyes wide open looking at the pendant .

' Yes, just like the north pole star shows direction to the sailor , this pendant has a compass to show you direction if you get lost. It also has a tiny knife to cut free when in trouble and a key to open many types of locks easily....'

Aayan explains the mechanism to Lukas sliding back and forth the pendant.

he actually made this pendant chain for his son but unfoturnately he never got the chance to see the daylight. If he was present now than he will be of similar age with Lukas.

Lukas murmured a soft 'Thank you Santa..' He could imagine them being really good friends... As he watch the little munchin playing with the pendant his eyes was full of melancholy.

' Are you like a superman Santa? how could you jump such large distance so fast to save me ?? You are really strong Santa . I want to be just like you '

Lukas jumped into his arms.

It was really a huge distance that Aayan covered while saving him and even the adults will be awed if they saw it.

' My cute munchin, that will be our little secret and yes, i am your Superman . '

He winks and he laughed softly . he did not want to spoil his fantasies.

But little did he know that Lukas already knew he is just a normal human like him who is very fit and active and he might actually be like his father . But he chose to remain silent and enjoy the moment while it last .

It was beautiful moment seeking comfort through each other with beautiful lies