The Christmas Gift: A Short Story by Bindu Unnikrishnan

The Christmas Gift

“When hearts beat in unison, no distance is too great, no dream too far.”

By Bindu Unnikrishnan

The universe has a way of revealing its plans when the time is right. Bells chime to be heard by hearts longing for one another, fragrances emanate from invisible flowers seen only by blooming souls, and hearts perform a silent tango to music only they can hear.

The love story of Ryan and Meena was unlike anything anyone had ever read. Their connection transcended the ordinary.It was a bond woven by destiny, strengthened by faith, and deepened by sacrifice. Though living thousands of miles apart, they had never met in person, choosing instead to communicate through heartfelt letters, chats and telephone calls.Their messages were not just filled with warmth, but with unspoken promise. Promise to stand by each other through thick and thin, remaining completely devoted and loyal, despite the distractions and temptations of the world.Destiny had brought them together through social networking sites. However, their bond grew stronger each passing day. They knew a little more about each other each day.Despite not being in physical proximity, their relationship only blossomed over time.

Ryan, an orphan with dreams bigger than his circumstances, worked tirelessly as a chef-in-training, hoping to someday own a restaurant where he could blend passion with purpose: to help children living in orphanages and encourage them to dream big.

Meena, a gifted writer capable of touching strangers’ hearts with her words, nurtured a desire to study creative writing at Oxford—a dream as luminous as it was distant.

Christmas was approaching and one could feel the festivities and decorations everywhere that brought a charm of its own.So was the season of gifting and sharing.Meena decided to send Ryan a gift that would reflect her understanding of his hopes and struggles. After much thought, she made an extraordinary decision: she would use her meager savings and take a loan to rent a small but charming space in Ryan's city—a place where he could lay the foundations of his dream restaurant. The cost was steep, not just in terms of money but also in sacrifice, as it meant deferring her Oxford aspirations by at least five years. Yet, in her heart, she knew it was worth it.

Meanwhile, Ryan, unaware of Meena's plans, had his own idea for the perfect gift. He knew of Meena's dreams and how much Oxford meant to her. Over the last year, he had been saving every spare penny, skipping meals, and working even longer shifts, just to set aside enough to cover the first installment of her tuition. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He had no family, but in Meena, he saw a soul worth giving everything to.

On Christmas Eve, both of them were in for a surprise .Meena's letter arrived at Ryan's doorstep, and Ryan's parcel reached Meena's. Each opened their gift with trembling hands, their hearts pounding in unison despite the miles between them.

Meena's letter to Ryan read:

"Dearest Ryan,

I know your dream is to open a place where your culinary art can come alive and bring warmth to others, just as your heart has brought warmth to mine. Enclosed is the deed for a small café space I found in your city. It isn’t grand, but it’s yours to make extraordinary. I may have delayed my own dream, but nothing matters more than seeing you fulfill yours. Merry Christmas, my twin flame.

With all my love,

Meena"

Ryan's note to Meena read:

"My dearest Meena,

Your words have been my light in the darkest of times. Oxford deserves you as much as you deserve it. I’ve enclosed a cheque to help you take the first step toward that dream. I know it’s only a beginning, but I believe in you. Your dream is mine now too. Merry Christmas, my soulmate.

Forever yours,

Ryan"

Both sat down, tears streaming, realizing the profound depth of their bond. In giving to one another, they had sacrificed their most cherished dreams, only to receive a gift far greater, the knowledge that they were truly loved.

The universe had conspired once again to remind them of a timeless truth—that the spirit of giving does not diminish.It multiplies, filling hearts with a warmth that no material possession ever could.

That Christmas, Ryan and Meena discovered what it meant to be each other’s home, each other’s dream, and each other’s greatest gift.

About the Author

Bindu Unnikrishnan is a writer and poet who has co-authored over 50 anthologies and literary magazines.Her debut book on poetry named ‘ My treasure trove of emotions ‘ won praise for it's lyrical portrayal of diverse human emotions.Her work vividly captures emotions, deeply resonating with readers and elegantly revealing her vulnerabilities and strengths. She details her feelings intricately, leaving a lasting impact.

She is a teacher, a writer, a marathoner, and beauty pageant winner. With outstanding academic achievements and two decades of teaching experience, she inspires her students to think outside the box . Her celebrated poetry explores profound thoughts and emotions. As an avid sports enthusiast, she embraces challenges and excels in marathons. In 2023, she earned the titles of 'Beauty with Brains,' 'Beauty with Purpose,' and the prestigious 'Mrs. Maharashtra 2023 (Elite),' showcasing her grace and intellect. Above all, she is a dreamer who believes in pursuing one's goals. Her journey demonstrates limitless potential and motivates others to chase their dreams with unwavering dedication.