“Shit! Ok. A bet is a bet! Let’s go in.” Jack grumbled.
“Hi young lady. Can we get a coffee here?” Jack started with one of his standard pitches.
Nirmala looked up – a man and a woman in business attire. “Cream and sugar, Sir?”
“The creamier and sweeter the better, Honey. Maybe we could get a cherry also?” Jack threw the last part in for a laugh. He heard Norma snicker.
“Cherry? We don’t have cherries, Sir.” Nirmala replied getting out 2 cups.
“Well maybe we’ll get a cherry later,” Jack grinned then noticed the cupcake with the candle. “What’s the cupcake for?”
Nirmala looked at the older man, “It’s my birthday cake.”
“Oh, how old are you?” Norma asked.
“19”
“Why such a small birthday cake?” Norma wondered.
“I’m not allowed to celebrate.” Nirmala pouted.
“That’s a real shame,” said Jack. “By the way, what’s your name?”
“Nirmala, Sir.”
“Nirmala? What kind of name is that?”
“It’s Indian, Sir. It means Pure. Do you like it?” Nirmala, glad for some attention, responded cheerfully.
“Pure?” Jack grinned. “Nirmala is a de-light-ful name. Pure. I like that.”
Nirmala was so taken with these nice, friendly visitors that she soon divulged her whole story. Nirmala’s naivete amazed them.
Kind-heartedly, Jack offered to give her a birthday party at her home. Nirmala shyly said no until Norma explained how innocent it was; just some cake, maybe some computer games. Nirmala perked up on mention of computer games and said yes. |