Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Learning for Life (08/23/04)
TITLE: PRAMOD'S WATCH By Anthony David 08/27/04 |
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Wearing his watch proudly, he entered his class at school. “Hey Pramod! What a nice watch! No one in our class has a watch. You are the first boy to get one. Very fortunate indeed!” cried Vijay. Pramod felt elated. He kept smiling and looking at his brand new watch most of the time.
Even in the Physics class, Pramod continued to sneak looks at his watch every now and then. He would have looked at it for about ten times in the one hour of class.
After the class, Mr. Daniel, the teacher called Pramod aside. He said “ Pramod, Why do you keep looking at your watch when I am teaching? It is a very bad habit. I felt bad. Please don’t repeat it.” Pramod was sad. He felt humiliated. He had always been the blue-eyed-boy of all his teachers.
As he trudged back to his desk, Vijay noticed his mood. “What’s up Pramod?” He asked. “Nothing much. Will explain later,” said Pramod. The next class was about to begin. With a deep sigh, Pramod turned his attention to his books.
* * * * * * *
During the recess as they shared their lunch, they began talking. “ You know what,” said Pramod, “Mr. Daniel was very curt with me today. He told me to stop looking at my watch.”
“I must say Pramod, that I too noticed that. You have been gazing fondly at it too many times in the class.” replied Vijay.
“Was it that obvious? I didn’t know.” Said Pramod gently.
“Don’t forget that we are going to the circus today evening Pramod,” reminded Vijay as they parted.
* * * * * * *
“Look, look at the Lion crouching on the stool”, said Pramod. “What about that daredevil motorcyclist doing the rotations in the globe?” asked Vijay. Both of them kept their eyes glued to the stage as the acts and antics of the artistes continued. They kept their hands to their sides as they laughed their hearts out at the frolics of the clowns.
Finally, it was all over. The large crowd jostled, pushing and pulling as they left huge tent. Somehow, the two friends managed to get out of the tent. Suddenly Pramod felt as if his heart had stopped. He realized that something was missing! His watch. His beloved watch where did it go? “ Vijay, Vijay, I’ve lost my watch.” He shouted. “Oh No,” replied Vijay. “It must have slipped off your hand in the melee at the gate.”
“Oh what shall I do now? My lovely watch is gone. Gone. Lost. What shall I tell Mum?” Cried Pramod.
“Don’t worry Pramod. You can always get another one.” Reassured Vijay. “ Be sure to tell the truth to your mum. She will surely understand.”
* * * * * * *
The dusk was slowly deepening into darkness as Pramod strode on alone towards his home. He prayed silently as he walked, “ Dear Father God! I am confused. I am depressed. I can’t understand why I should lose my watch….”
He thought he heard a voice, a voice speaking with concern. “ My dear child, you became so possessive of your watch. You were so proud because you were the only one in your class to have it. Remember not to love material things my son. They don’t matter. People matter. Love me and love the others, your brothers. This is the lesson you must learn my son.”
“Thank you Lord”, murmured Pramod “Help me to love you and love others too. Let me remember this lesson all my life.”
* * * * * * *
© 2004: Dr.M.A David S Kumar