THE UNUSUAL WIN

Friends, here is a new children's story. Regards.

Soniya sat still on the dark red and light blue mattress inside the festive pavilion. This 11-year-old girl could not decide on the subject of her drawing. Like her white cotton frock, her mind seemed to have become a blank slate.

The time was 10 am, and the occasion was the ‘sit and draw’ competition for 8- to 12-year-olds. It was organised as part of the annual Durga Puja Festival of Babu Bagan in South Kolkata. And its theme was ‘draw as you please.’ Outside, the weather was sunny with a deep blue autumn sky providing a perfect backdrop.

Struck by a sudden inspiration, she decided to draw a Rohu fish. Yes, she was a food-lover by choice. With quick strokes, she soon drew a satisfactory sample of Rohu. Next, she took up the delicate task of depicting its silver colouring with her oil pastels.

But why was a smaller girl, dressed in a yellow-green frock, who sat on her left eyeing her picture keenly? Was she trying to copy from her picture?

Yes, she was right. Her neighbour had also drawn a similar-looking fish. It was even more frustrating that her fish looked more handsome than Soniya’s. Uff, what a theft in broad daylight!
With her eyes flashing fire and her lips closed into a thin line, Soniya decided to show her expertise by giving her best in colouring her sketch. And, so, when the final drawing was ready, she was almost smiling with satisfaction.

Here she was drawing and painting since she was three years old. So, could any upstart dare to compete with her? As the two-hour mark ended, Soniya submitted her drawing to the presiding panel of judges. As she came back to her seat, she saw that her neighbour had also submitted her drawing and was about to leave.

Just then, with a cute smile, she spoke up, “Didi, what a remarkable painter you are! When I had entered the competition, I was clear in my mind that I would draw “sunset,” my strongest area in drawing. But when I saw your drawing, I was so impressed that I changed my mind and drew a fish instead. What a fine artist you are, Didi! Wish you all the best.”

Saying this, the little girl smiled even more and left the venue.

Soniya was left dumbfounded. In her eyes, her neighbour had been stealing her idea. In the girl’s eyes, she was imitating a better artist. What Irony! And as she left the venue in a reflective mood, she stopped with a jolt!

"My goodness!" she gasped, "I may have won already."

She had seen that her art could inspire others. Now, what better prize could an artist ask for?

(408 words)
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