20.Short Story : CROWD OR PEOPLE

Write a short story on the basis of the beginning lines given below.

Outline: Mr Sharma left the office early. He had promised to take his family out. When he reached home

Ans.                                                                   CROWD OR PEOPLE

Mr Sharma left office early. He had promised to take his family out. When he reached home he found a crowd of people gathered outside his house. Not only his immediate neighbours but residents living at the fag end of the lane had gathered there. He was confused and worried. What had happened there? The presence of two policemen and an inspector compounded his anxiety and worry. All bad thoughts started vexing his mind. He composed himself and came to the main gate. Geeta, his wife was in tears. The children also started weeping bitterly. After seeing his wife and children, Mr Sharma was relieved a bit. After all, his wife and children were safe and sound. Gaining a little confidence, he asked his wife in a low voice, “What’s happened?” Geeta sobbed and started narrating the whole story. Mr Sharma had promised to take his wife and children out. So, Mrs Sharma was busy getting herself and her two children dressed up before her husband returned from the office. Suddenly, the door-bell rang. A middle-aged person stood outside with a packed bundle in his hand. Mrs Sharma thought he was a courier. She received the bundle and went inside to take a pen to put her signature on the receipt. The man rushed to close the gate and appeared in the drawing room. He held a knife in his hand. Mrs Sharma was frightened and shocked beyond words. The children started weeping. The man assured that he would do no harm to her and the children if they kept quiet. He asked for the keys and grabbed them when she handed them over to him. The whole operation lasted for not more than ten minutes. There were thirty thousand rupees in cash. Ornaments worth two lakh rupees were inside the safe. The man thanked Mrs Sharma for her decent behaviour and returned the keys and her mobile phone to her. After some time the police came and asked Mr Sharma if he had doubts about someone in particular. Mr Sharma had no clue. After writing an FIR, the police left the Sharma family to their fate. Mr Sharma thanked the people for showing their concern and sympathy for them. He consoled his wife that God should be thanked that there was no harm done to her and her children. He was not worried about the money as he was expecting a promotion and a decent raise in his salary the next month.

Download the above Story in PDF (Printable)

Need our help or have some question