Life Lesson

Malu sat on the cosy chair watching the telly. Her favourite cartoon was on. Grandma, who was sitting on the floor next to her, looked up and asked,

“Malu... Why don’t you get my medicine box? It is in the bedroom...”

Grandma having finished her day’s work looked tired and was nursing her sore feet. Malu turned and looked in the direction of the bedroom and said, “Grandma... I can’t...”

Grandpa, put down the book he was reading. “Why can’t you fetch the medicines, Malu?”

“Because, it’s dark in there... I’m scared of darkness...” Malu shuddered.

Grandpa smiled and said, “Come... my child... Hold my hand...”

He led Malu into the dark bed room. Malu was terrified. Grandpa gently pressed her hand and said, “Touch and feel around... Tell me what’s there... Don’t be scared... I’m staying next to you...”

Malu gingerly felt the objects and said, “Here’s the bed... Hmm... The side table... Book... Ha... Grandma’s medicine box...” She grabbed the medicine box. Just then, grandpa switched on the light and gently told her, “Look around, Malu... You find the same things in the room — both in the darkness as well as in light... So, you need not be afraid of darkness...”

Malu smiled and nodded her head, “Grandpa, from now on, I won’t be frightened in the dark...”

Well, Malu had learnt a life lesson that would stay with her forever.

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The Midget and the Owl

“Midget... Midget... Midget...” the boys chorused as they ran behind a puny little boy and Babu was one among them. When they turned the corner of the building Babu spotted his mother standing at the school gate and started running towards her.

“What is this ruckus all about?” Mommy asked him on their way home.

“We were just ragging Madhu... He is very short you know...” Babu added with emphasis “He is the shortest in the class...”

Babu was a seven year old boy with large eyes and black hair, and incidentally was on the taller side.

“Babu, it is rude to laugh at physical differences... Some kids are short and some are tall... It is quite alright to be short...” Mommy said firmly and added, “Remember, these boys may make fun of you tomorrow...”

“Hmm...I am not short...” Babu thought ruefully.

Few months later, Babu brought home the health card from the school. Mommy frowned as she read it. “Babu, we need to take you to an eye doctor...”

The next day Babu went with his parents for eye check-up and ended up wearing a pair of spectacles. Daddy secured his glasses with a cord strap that went around his neck. Now Babu could see his favourite cartoons on television very clearly and he was happy with his new spectacles with bright red frame.

“You look smart, my dear...” Mommy said as she dropped him at the school. However, some boys in his class did not think so. By evening, Babu became the object of ridicule and the boys were making fun of him by chanting “Owl... Owl... Owl...”

Babu was crying by the time he reached home. Mommy sat by his side and said kindly, “Each child is unique and special... As I told you the other day, it is rude to laugh at physical differences... These boys just don’t know that... You look really smart and handsome wearing glasses and you see better with them... That is what matters the most... You are not an owl... So, do not respond, if they call you names... Do not let it upset you... In a few days, they will get bored and stop making fun of you...”

Mommy hugged him tightly and said “Both daddy and mommy love you so much...” Babu was already feeling much better.

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Fruit Basket

Ananda stood in front of his Guru. There was a basket of mangoes at Guru’s feet. Some mangoes were ripe, while most others were raw.

“Ananda, several pupils are complaining that you are calling them names and using bad words. Is that true?” Guru asked gently.

Ananda meekly nodded his head and looked down.

“Very well my child, have a mango...”

Ananda couldn’t believe his ears as he was expecting to be punished.

“Go on... have a mango...” Guru urged with a smile.

Ananda picked a mango from the basket.

“Why have you picked a ripe mango, Ananda?” Guru asked kindly.

“Because ripe ones are sweet and tasty, Sir...” replied Ananda.

“So you won’t choose a raw mango when a ripe fruit is available... Isn’t it?” Guru enquired.

“Yes Sir...” Ananda nodded his head.

“Why do you then use bad words, when you know so many good words? Using bad language does not make you a tough guy... It only shows you in poor light...” Guru looked at him with tenderness and love.

A little while later, Ananda left Guru’s presence carrying a ripe mango and a wonderful message.

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