Published in The Hindu on 19th september 2014
In the morning, before Rimi set out for school, there was confusion always. She could not find her books, uniform, or her colouring box.
Rimi was engaged in a massive search and couldn’t locate
her box of colours or school uniform. Her mom gave her a lecture. The
same one she gave every morning. But, Rimi did not listen to her. Rimi
thought that if she made one big effort every morning, and could find
all that she wanted to, where was the need to keep things in the right
place? Lost in thought, she slipped on one black and one white sock and
left for school.
Mix-up
When
Rimi reached school, she noticed that the other children were pointing
at her and laughing. She had no idea what they found amusing. Assuming
that she looked prettier today, Rimi walked on confidently.
“Do you know that the whole school noticed how pretty I look today?” Rimi asked Neetu, her best friend.
Neetu
had seen Rimi’s strange combination of socks, and said with a smile,
“Of course you are good looking. If you can manage not to be careless,
you will be fantastic.”
Rimi retorted, “What is the difference between careful and careless? You just remove “ful” and add “less.”
Just
then, the art teacher entered the classroom. “Students, get ready for a
drawing competition. Today is “World Environment Day” and that will be
the theme for the competition. You are not allowed to help anyone or ask
for help either. If you do so, you will be disqualified.”
“All the best. I know you will win. You are the best in our class,” said Neetu to Rimi.
Rimi
reached into her bag for her colour box. She felt a shiver run down her
spine. The box was not in her bag. She had forgotten to bring it. Rimi
was on the verge of tears. She remembered her mom advising her to be
orderly and pack her bag well in advance. Dejected, she walked towards
her teacher to submit the drawing without colouring it. Looking at her,
the class burst into laughter.
She did not know why they were laughing. She looked questioningly at Neetu, who pointed at her socks.
When
she returned to her seat, Neetu said, “You are a good student but your
carelessness has caused you so much humiliation today.” Rimi hugged
Neetu and promised her that she would mend her ways.
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