The Binoculars

“I want that pair of binoculars we saw at the toy shop!” said little Asha, stomping her feet.

“This is not the time to talk about it.” said her mom. “First you need to finish your math assignment.”

“I will not do my math assignment till you buy me the binoculars.”

“If you don’t practice enough math, how will you get good marks?”

“I always get good marks in math” argued Asha.

“Really?” said her mother. “Then in the math test next week, promise me that you will score a hundred percent. If you do so, I will buy you the pair of binoculars!”

“Wow!” said Asha, excited! “Sure! I promise I will get full marks in the math test next week!”

Asha was in fourth grade. She was a bright student, but never studied as hard as her parents and teachers expected her to. They knew that if she studied harder, she could score much better. But she was too young to be pressurized to study harder! “Anyway, she will have to study much more when she grows up. Why should we take away her childhood from her?” was what her parents firmly believed.

But they had observed that Asha’s attention towards studies was dwindling too! Since the last vacations, her attention was drawn more towards travelling and seeing new places! Her parents and teachers were not sure how to get her mind back on her books.

Her mother took this opportunity to make Asha study. And she was so glad! That day onwards, Asha drowned herself in practicing her math, hoping to get the pair of binoculars as a reward!

And she really scored 24 marks on 25 in the math test. “I am really impressed with Asha’s marks! I can see that she is studying well.” said her teacher, when she met Asha’s mother at the parent’s meeting. “In fact, it is a pleasant surprise to see such a positive change come over her in such a short time!”

Asha’s mother told her teacher about the incentive she had given Asha to study for the test. “I see…” said her teacher, and called out to Asha, who was busy playing with her friends. “Come here Asha! You have done very well in the test. Keep it up! And congratulations! You will be getting your favourite binoculars that your mother promised you!”

“ No! How will I get my prize? Mom had promised me the prize only if I got 25 marks on 25. But I got 24. So I won’t get my prize! said Asha, disappointed.

Her mother and teacher looked at each other, trying to hide their smiles. Then they pretended to make some gestures to each other. Then Asha’s mother told her “Your teacher has convinced me that you have made a lot of progress since the previous test. So you should get your prize.”

“Really?” Asha exclaimed, overjoyed! “Thank you soo much mam!

The next morning, Asha saw a gift box on her table. She knew her mom had really got her the prize!

Asha ran to the kitchen, saying, “And I forgot to say it yesterday…. thank you soo much mom!