“How long will you be grazing that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling take her medicine?” It as a shout from Priya, my wife.  

I tossed the newspaper in my hand and rushed to the scene. My only daughter  Angel looked like a frightened kitten. Tears were welling up in her eyes rolling down her rosy cheeks. In front of her was a bowl filled to its brim with the black medical mixture. 

Angel is a nice child, quite intelligent for her age. She particularly detested all kinds of medicines especially this mixture. My mother  and my wife Priya are purely orthodox, believing only Ayurvedic medicines can cure our child!

I had no other option. I know how difficult it is to convince my Angel. Many a time I have failed in my attempts to answer her logical questions and coax her do something. 

Somehow I cleared my throat and picked up the bowl, hoping that something can be done.  

“Angel, Darling, Why don’t you take this good coffee? It’s good for your health. Just for your dad’s sake, take this dear. I shall give you sweet candy. And, if you don’t, both your mom and grandma will shout at me.”

I could sense my wife’s angry murmur behind my back.  Angel seemed to soften a little. I saw her wiping the tears with the back of her hands which means there is a little success on my side. 

“I know dad, it isn’t  coffee, it is the medicine. I will drink a little. But how an drink the whole thing?”

“Sweetie, you should drink the hole. Then only your health will be alright.  Please…come on” 

“OK dad, I will do it. But, you should…” There was a doubtful hesitation from her side.

“Good Darling, I shall give you whatever you ask for” I dared to promise all the heavens to make her drink the medicine. 

“Promise?”

“Promise, I shall give you if it is possible” I tried to defend myself  since I know the logic of my Angel.

I wiped her tears. I covered the soft palm of my child to confirm the deal.