Dear Shaila,

               Thank you for your invitation. But I am so sorry, I shall not be able to come. I am feeling pretty bad about it, and I know you will, too. But there is nothing I can do.

               You know that Daddy has not been keeping well for some time. The doctors have advised him complete bed rest and that too at a hill station. So this year we are planning to go to Ooty for a month. We shall live with my aunty who has a house there.

               I do hope you understand. Maybe I shall visit some other time. Thanks a lot, all the same.