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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781542910651 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | CreateSpace Publishing |
| Publication date: | 02/14/2017 |
| Series: | Ring , #1 |
| Pages: | 152 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.08(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.33(d) |
Read an Excerpt
THE RING OF TRUTH
By Medha Upadhyay
AuthorHouse LLC
Copyright © 2014 Medha UpadhyayAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4918-6672-6
CHAPTER 1
A New Home
Padang. Indonesia. Yeah. That's where we are. I still think moving from Delhi was a super bad idea. I mean, we don't have any friends here. Even Mom and Dad don't. But they keep acting like it doesn't matter. Oh yeah, why did we have to move? I keep forgetting. Oh, I just remembered. Dad's job.
I know I sound crabby and babyish, but there's nothing I can do. I will never become an environmental engineer! Can you imagine moving every six months? I cannot believe that we have to do that. Dad's new promotion means that we have to keep moving so he can study the Pacific Ocean from different viewpoints.
I feel so homesick! I just do not like this place. Well, except for Jade Megawati Sukarnoputri, my neighbor. Jade and her brother, Jason, are really nice. Plus, they're our age.
A loud crash interrupted my writing. As usual, my brother, Rohan, was fooling around.
"Rohan! What are you doing? Why aren't you getting ready?" I called out, my pen poised in midair.
Well, at least I have my own room now.
"I AM getting ready!" he called out angrily. "And what loud noise are you talking about?" he added guiltily.
I gave a sigh of irritation and turned back to my journal. It was a farewell and good-luck gift from my grandmother, who lived very close to our old home in Delhi.
Right now we are getting ready to go to the 2010 Padang Fair. From the way Mom talks about it, you'd think that it was worth its weight in gold.
"Ria! Rohan! Come on!" Mom called from the front door of our new house.
"Coming!" Rohan called.
"Coming!" I echoed, quickly shutting my journal and stuffing it into my backpack. This was easier said than done. I was still struggling with the zipper when Mom appeared in the doorway, holding two bulging bags.
"Ria, what's taking so long?" she asked.
"I can't make all my stuff fit in my bag," I said sheepishly. She set down the bags in her hands, expertly mashed down my stuff, and quickly pulled the zipper shut. "Thanks," I said, relieved.
"You're welcome," she said. "Now come on. Dad and Rohan are waiting in the car." I heaved up my backpack and followed Mom out of the house, marveling once more at the elegance of our new home. Outside our house, I paused on the front lawn for a minute to enjoy the beautiful view.
In the car, I found a few minutes to record my last thoughts as Mom ran back to grab some water bottles.
I hope the fair is really as exciting as Mom makes it sound. There's nothing I love more than a good shopping trip.
And it was true.
Oh my God! I am so tired! This is probably the most drama I've ever had in one day. First things first. The fair was awesome! It wasn't quite like what Mom said, but it was about as close as it could get. There were so many people selling things that it wasn't long before I found something I liked. It was a blue jewelry box with a cute, red pig on top. I thought it would match beautifully with the rest of my bedroom. Rohan got a statue of a falcon.
Then we had the picnic lunch that Mom had packed (sandwiches).
Afterward, we went on to the accessories section, where we saw headbands, hair accessories, and caps. From this section, we all got caps with the same designs, just different colors. Finally, at five thirty, I was tuckered out and ready to head home.
But Mom had just one more surprise up her sleeve. She led us toward a makeshift stage that a large audience had gathered around. I looked up at Dad and saw on his face the same confusion I felt. Things weren't much better with Rohan. And then I saw someone who didn't look confused at all. That someone was Jade. "Jade!" I called. Finally, somebody who could tell me what was going on around here, as Mom didn't seem to be in too much of a hurry to clue us in.
Jade looked back with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. "Hurry, guys! There's space next to us!" she beckoned from her front row seat
Once we sat down, I immediately asked Jade what was happening. "You mean you don't know about the Minangkabau traditional performance?!" Jade asked.
"Well, I have to admit, I'm clueless." I answered.
But before Jade could explain about the performance, it started. At first, it seemed kind of boring, with just men with bright-blue musical instruments. But the music was undoubtedly beautiful. Soon, though, the fun began when women dressed in red and gold with baskets on their heads entered. Their graceful dancing left us awestruck. After their short performance, women wearing pink, red, and black started dancing. Though it was short, I enjoyed it too.
Then I saw something strange: two men dressed in what looked like black karate uniforms. Soon I figured out that they were mock fighting. I still don't understand why they had to dance/fight on enormous flower petals. I guess it was some sort of tradition. Then it was over, and we headed back home. Although I didn't understand all of it, the performance was truly spectacular and breathtaking.
My thoughts were clouded with the bright colors, musical instruments, and dances I had seen. But I had more pressing matters to think about. Tomorrow was my first day of school, and I was determined to get a good night's sleep so I would be fresh. Since Jade and I had only met a few times, we hadn't had much time to talk about school, but I knew that she was in Ms. Yoso's class. Jade said that Ms. Yoso was strict, but I still wanted to be in that class, because Jade was in it. With these thoughts, I fell asleep.
When Mom woke me up at seven thirty, my first thought was that I was going to be late. But I relaxed when I remembered that my new school started at eight thirty, not eight. I got ready in record time, with ten minutes to spare, before Dad had the car ready and going. We all piled into the car and reached the school in about twenty minutes.
When we got there, I saw Jade and Jason get off the bus and wave to us. Then they headed to their classrooms. We, on the contrary, went to the office to see which classroom Rohan and I were going to be in. The principal sent a volunteer to take us to our classes. My classroom was first, and imagine my surprise when I saw Jade sitting right next to the window! After that happy surprise, I thought life was taking a turn for the better.
But then again, who said life is predictable?
CHAPTER 2Adventures
Oh my god!
Outside our car's window, I glimpsed the tip of a roller coaster rising above the park. The rest of it was hidden behind a maze of buildings and rides. The view was gone in a flash, leaving me to wonder if I had really seen it. However, when we rounded the next bend, my worst fears were confirmed.
"There it is!" Rohan cried, his nose jammed against the car window as he tried to catch a glimpse of the famous roller coaster. When I was done gaping at the terrifying roller coaster, I turned back to the brochure I had been reading.
Water World is a modern, exciting, and safe place for everyone to have fun and enjoy themselves. Whether you're an experienced swimmer or someone with no aquatic experience, this is the place for you! Pools with varying depths will help everybody find a place where they are comfortable. We also offer many unique rides that will assist in making this trip an experience that you won't forget!
When the brochure had first come in the mail, I was sure that this was the best way to celebrate my brother's upcoming birthday. Back in Delhi, I had always enjoyed swimming, and I saw no reason for that to change. After many hours of pleading, persuading, bargaining, and begging, Mom and Dad had finally agreed to take us there.
But when they said "unique rides," I hadn't been thinking of this disaster! This was totally ...
... umm
... umm
... freaky!
I was beginning to think that going to Water World might not have been the best idea. (You would have agreed if you had seen that roller coaster!) I hoped that the imposing ride wouldn't ruin my day.
Other than that horrifying roller coaster, Water World seemed like a nice place. I saw many water slides, diving boards, and sprinklers. Since we were already wearing our swimming suits under our clothes, we didn't have to change. We simply peeled off our clothes and slipped into the water.
Dad and Rohan decided to ride the roller coaster, so Mom and I were left alone. After goofing around a bit, I saw another terrifying sight.
Mom's back was turned, so she didn't see what I saw. But many other people did. And nobody wanted to be flattened by the psycho stroller, so they were all running toward our end of the pool. Apparently, some mother had turned her head for, like, a second, and while she wasn't looking, her stroller had rolled away. Now it was about to fall into the pool.
I know that you're probably thinking, Go save the baby, you lazy girl! But the truth is that I'm not really much of a hero.
But it's not like I'd ever had the chance before.
CHAPTER 3Hero
I wasn't really all that surprised to find myself swimming to the stroller. But the crowd sure was!
By the time I got there, the stroller was already deep in the water. I quickly found the buckle and opened it. Then I grabbed the baby and tried to heave her out of the water. But something was wrong.
Her foot was stuck. There was a second buckle that I hadn't noticed in my haste.
Already the baby was growing heavier, and I could feel her slipping from my hands.
And then she was gone. Through a pounding headache, I saw the baby's mother cradling her. Suddenly, Mom was there, hugging me as she half dragged me out of the pool.
Outside, an anxious crowd was staring at me in awe and respect.
"Are you okay? Are you cold? Here sit down. Do you want your jacket?" And so went Mom's questions, until they were interrupted.
"Mom, I have to go to the bathroom," whined Rohan.
"Okay, Rohan, I'll help you find the bathroom. Ria, don't go anywhere, okay?" she said anxiously. "Dad will watch you."
I cast an amused glance toward Dad, who was tapping away at his cell phone screen.
As soon as Mom left, I was surrounded by congratulations. Many people shook my hand and praised me for my bravery. However, one well-wisher stood out from the rest.
"How are you? Are you okay?" asked an old lady, enveloping my hand in hers.
"Yes," I mumbled drowsily.
But then she said something that left me wide awake. "Use it well," she whispered, and then she melted into the crowd.
"Use what well?" I called out after her, but it was too late.
I was still pondering this question when Dad came up to me and said, "Come on, let's go."
As I stood, something clattered to the floor.
"What was that?" Dad asked.
I was looking around the floor, trying to find what had fallen, when I saw something amazing. There was a beautiful ring lying between my feet. And all the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fell into place. So that's what the old lady had been talking about!
"Oh, it's just a present from a well-wisher," I remarked, casually slipping the ring onto my finger. Dad shot me a questioning glance, but remained silent. I pretended to be very interested in the cotton candy vendors while confusing thoughts whirled around my head.
"Use it well," she had said. But how do you use a ring? Was she even referring to the ring? She could have been talking about something totally different. But what? Around and around my thoughts went, without ever reaching a sensible conclusion.
But I never could have imagined the truth.
CHAPTER 4Settling
Fifth grade in Indonesia wasn't much different from fifth grade in Delhi. Except Jade, of course. And Jade's friends, Sarah and Mia, were just as nice as Jade.
They showed me around my new school. Though it was small and simple, I loved it. With its beautiful flowers and friendly people, I was instantly happy to be attending it.
But now I was running away from it because I didn't want to miss the sale at Peace Out, a cool new shop that sells everything from clothes to friendship bracelets.
When I slipped inside the store, I saw a large banner announcing, "FREE RAFFLE TICKET WITH EVERY PURCHASE!"
"Cool!" Mia exclaimed.
"We'd better hurry up," Jade cautioned, pointing at the lines that were already starting to form.
We quickly headed to the accessories section. I wanted to buy a new necklace. While wandering through the aisles, I marveled at how different the jewelry was from what I could buy in Delhi. I saw many beautiful things, but finally settled on a silver chain with a peace-sign pendant.
After we had paid the clerk, she handed each of us one raffle ticket. "It is a chance to win four free passes to a new magic show next Saturday," she said.
When we had finally gotten away from the crowded cashiers, Sarah said, "I have to go to the bathroom."
"Me, too," Jade said.
While Sarah and Jade were in the bathroom, I slipped into a bathroom stall and locked the door.
I just love this new necklace! The shop was giving a free raffle ticket to every customer. The raffle tickets are for four free passes to a magic show on Saturday. 131356 FZ is my ticket. Ugh. Thirteen is unlucky, and fifty-six isn't that great either. And I don't think I was wishing for an F.
I would have kept writing, but I heard the announcement that the drawing would happen in ten minutes.
"So, are all you guys here for the drawing?" an employee asked the gathering crowd.
"Yeah!" the crowd said.
"I can't hear you!" he said, cupping a hand around his ear.
"Yeah!" the crowd thundered back
"Okay, okay." He made a big show of reaching into a bowl, pulling out a piece of paper, and unfolding it.
Finally, he cleared his throat dramatically and said, "One ... three ... one ..."
He took a break to see how his audience was doing. We were all on the edge of our seats (not that we had any seats; we were standing), so he continued.
"Eight ... five ... six ... F ... Z."
He probably said some more stuff, but I wasn't listening. 131856FZ? How could I have missed it by one number?
It's not such a big deal, I told myself
Just as I was turning to go, I heard the employee say, "Actually, that was a three!"
My heart stopped.
Could it be?
No, I told myself. You know your number wasn't picked, so don't lie to yourself.
But then ... "Here it is again, folks. One ... three ... one ... three ... five ... six ... F ... Z! Now, who's our lucky winner? Please report to the front desk to pick up your prize!"
Now I knew that I wasn't making it up.
Ignoring a "No Running" sign, I sprinted to the front desk and arrived there panting. With as much dignity as I could muster, I said, "I believe that I am the winner of the raffle." I quickly pulled out my ticket and placed it on the desk as proof.
"Well! You're quite a lucky young lady, aren't you?" he said, holding out four slips of paper. Upon taking a closer look, I realized that they were the free passes.
"Thank you," I said politely.
When I got home, I immediately told Mom my good news.
"Wow! That's great!" she exclaimed. "We can definitely go."
I hurried upstairs with my backpack. When I got to the hallway in front of my bedroom, I saw an obstacle course in front of me. We had not finished unpacking, and Mom had opened boxes while we were at school. She said Rohan and I had to put the things away after doing our homework. There were stacks of books and games and toys and many other things.
I carefully stepped between and over piles and made it to my room without knocking anything over.
CHAPTER 5The Devil Attacks
Click! A key turned in the lock, announcing Dad's arrival. Since I was excited to ask about the magic show, I quickly ran to greet him. Dad stepped in, bringing the cool afternoon air with him.
"Dinner's ready!" Mom called. "You're just in time too!" she said to Dad.
"Mmm ... smells good," Dad replied happily.
"Hi, Daddy!" Rohan said, bounding down the stairs.
"Daddy, how would you like to go to a magic show on Saturday?" I asked, unable to keep the question in any longer.
"Well, that depends on the ticket prices. And of course on Mom."
"But it's free!" I replied. Then I enjoyed the surprised look on his face.
"For free? That sounds great! How did you find out about this?"
"Hey!" Rohan said. "Nobody ever told me we're going!"
"Well, now you know," I answered, smirking.
Throughout dinner, conversation revolved around the magic show. Dad said that I was lucky to have won the raffle. "I have never won anything in my life!" he exclaimed.
Saturday dawned clear and sunny.
The perfect weather for a perfect day. I love the warm sunshine. I wonder what is bugging me? I have a foreboding feeling, which is quite ironic. This is going to be a great day! I remember the last time I went to a magic show. OMG! Look at the time. I really gotta go.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from THE RING OF TRUTH by Medha Upadhyay. Copyright © 2014 Medha Upadhyay. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 A New Home, 1,Chapter 2 Adventures, 7,
Chapter 3 Hero, 11,
Chapter 4 Settling, 15,
Chapter 5 The Devil Attacks, 19,
Chapter 6 Survival, 23,
Chapter 7 Searching, 29,
Chapter 8 Rescue, 33,
Chapter 9 Revelation, 37,
Chapter 10 The Mess, 41,
Chapter 11 Japan, 43,
Chapter 12 Birthday!, 49,
Chapter 13 The Festival, 53,
Chapter 14 Lost, 59,
Chapter 15 Disaster, 63,
Chapter 16 Evacuation, 65,
Chapter 17 Shelter, 69,
Chapter 18 The Chase, 73,
Chapter 19 The Discovery, 77,
Chapter 20 Smithers, 83,
Chapter 21 Story, 87,
Chapter 22 Running Out of Time, 91,
Chapter 23 The Final Battle, 95,
Epilogue, 99,
About the Author, 101,