The boy had a lump in his throat. As parents prepared him for school, the lump grew heavier. No one seemed to notice the three-year old’s moist eyes. Just as the driver arrived, he let out a loud cry. As the commotion grew, the neighbors knew it was school time. As a last resort, he grabbed his toy-gun and pointed into driver’s chest. It didn’t seem to work. With a warm smile the driver held the little boy and off they drove on his bicycle.

Ramu was a good boy, but he didn’t want to go to school.

The six-year old wanted to play outside, so he hid his school bag. His parents found his safes around the house and retrieved the books for homework. They seemed to be a step ahead of him. He pouted and pushed himself to scribble something, and ran out to play for the rest of the evening.

Ramu was a good boy, but he just didn’t like the homework.

Guests at home had just finished their tea and helped themselves to some soump (fennel seeds). The seven-year old craved the forbidden treat. He grabbed a fistful anyway, then ran to hide under a sofa, fearing punishment. As he enjoyed his bounty, his private tutor arrived and waited for him, on the same sofa! The boy never showed up.

Ramu was a good boy, but he liked soump.

There was ruckus at home. The boy waited until it was 6 PM and realized they couldn’t make it to the cinema. Hyperventilation! The usually stoic father took him to task as the neighbors visited to console the boy. Repu veldu le, yekkada pothadi nee cinema! (You could go tomorrow, boy! It would still be running.) The father had been busy at work and didn’t make it on time.

Ramu was a good boy, but he couldn’t handle broken promises; much worse when he missed the popcorn, a pack of chips or a soft drink at the cinema.

The shuttle journey at night was tiresome, but he endured it anyway. At 4 AM, he unlatched his luggage, and deboarded at his stop. After dragging himself into an auto-rickshaw he realized it was not his briefcase. His university admission papers and his 17 years of education certificates were at stake. In an instant he woke up, jumped down, and rushed back towards the shuttle. Thank heavens! The shuttle was still there. In a flash, he ran to his seat, grabbed his briefcase and put the other one back, waking up the entire bus. Some grilling ensued. Yemroo… needena pette? chuddam? Aa.. aa..idi naade, adi kaadu. (What’s going on? Is that yours? Let’s see? Yes.. yes.. this one is; not that).

Ramu was a good boy, but he couldn’t think straight when sleep-deprived.

Ramu grew up to be a Dad. His son was a good boy, but he couldn’t resist gadgets!

Ramu wished he just settled for some soump!