Summer Of Failures

Anil stood out as the best performer in most of the school activities – be it academics, cultural or even sports. His teachers had the best things to share with Anil’s parents. Literally, all the other students and their parents looked up to Anil as an invincible champion. If there was one person who seriously worried about this growing popularity and massive success was Anil’s mother herself. But why?

None in the family understood what went on in Anil’s mother’s mind. Upon prodding, she revealed that Anil must see failure too to understand life better. This shocked many. As long as someone was so immensely successful what was there to even complain- that’s what many relatives and immediate family too thought.

Deep within, Anil’s mother knew the importance of failure. The priceless lessons that failure teaches are incomprehensible to even the best of success. If you did not know how it feels when you fail, then you are indeed missing out on crucial life experiences. Anil’s mother strongly believed that such a journey makes one vulnerable.

One the first day of the summer holidays of fifth standard, Anil’s mother took him for on a walk. During their conversation, she shared a wish with him. She asked him if he would love to play chess and snake-ladder with her. Not one to say No, Anil gave her a huge yes in response.

For the whole of two months of summer, Anil and his mother played chess and snake-ladder game. Since Anil’s mother was a champ in chess there was no way Anil could compete to an extent of winning against her.  He endeavored a lot which itself was appreciative; nevertheless, Anil’s mother ended up winning thanks to her decades of trained and honed expertise.  On the other hand, snake and ladder was quite an entertainment. Even if he tried, Anil saw that not much could be done in certain circumstances. He had to know how to move on optimistically and not get attached either to fall or a superb gain.

By the end of two months, Anil was exhausted. His mother had seen him go through several emotions – one of irritation, a hopeless feeling, and constant missing of success, the experience of facing a formidable opponent et all. He would many a time frown at how unfair everything was and leave the room. Only to come back and continue playing. His mother emphasized that he must be a sport. Anil’s mother saw him feel uneasy as well as uncomfortable. She was glad because he had understood what it is to fail for whatsoever justifiable reasons and most importantly, he was made to realize that life challenges can descend on us anytime. It is us who should know what to take of what has happened to us and propel confidently. Anil’s mother ensured that her son not only focused on results but also learned how to deal with the after-effects of any result – good or bad.

“I am sorry, Anil. Did I spoil your summer?” Anil’s mother asked him on a casual mother-son dinner.

“Not at all. I think I liked it.” He grinned.