The Cactus

By Aastha Mahida, 20

My father is very fond of plants and so we have many plants at our home.
Once while visiting a nursery my eyes caught sight on some unique plant species from the family Cactaceae; commonly known as cactus. There were many different species in the nursery but I couldn’t take my eyes off the cactus. I had to get them. I called up father and told him that I want to have one of these. He replied, “We do have cactus, we don’t need anymore. Besides it is said that having a cactus in the home brings bad fortune.” I replied annoyingly, “ Oh come on papaji, you aren’t someone who believes in all these superstitions. I know you.” He was at work so he calmly replied, “Okay beta, let me come home, and then we’ll decide.” The line was cut and I again started staring at the cactus with high hopes to take it along with me. I soon realized it was 5:00 pm and I had to reach home. On the way home all I could think was how to convince papaji to get me the cactus. I reached home, helped mummy with some chores, and later sat down pondering about the day. In an hour or so papaji arrived and I purposely ran down with a glass of water and served it to him. He drank the water and told me to get some stuff that he had bought. I went to the vehicle and just on the mat floor I saw two little plastic cups with a very beautiful cactus. Yes, papaji had bought me two uniquely different colored cactus. I saw them, jumped, and shouted, “Papaji, thank you. I love you so much.” Lately, whispering to the cactus, “And I love you even more.”