Reflections I : Beat It

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A young boy was walking around in the evening having played his daily dose of Cricket. He was not headed home. Just wandering here and there. A man in his thirties saw the pre-teen and smiled to himself. He was walking the same path. He might have been home-bound after a long day at work. Unperturbed he neglected the young one, walked on and soon overtook him on his way ahead.

The boy didn't like it. Not that he was in a competition, not that he was going that way either. He just didn't like it. He muttered some motivating words to himself, and reminded himself that this man has only walked past him. So he resolved to beat him in a walking contest. He didn't know where the finish line would be. He just wanted to stay ahead.

The boy started walking fast and soon enough, accomplished the first objective. The man noticed the boy trying to walk past him rather hurriedly, but he didn't care. He was thinking about getting to his home and getting some rest. He walked on. Then he noticed the boy looking back at him and he realized the boy was trying to beat him.

Then whatever crossed his mind. He walked faster and caught up with the boy. Then he put his hand on the boy's shoulder. The boy stopped, then the man asked him if he was trying to beat him. The boy was slightly embarrassed about being humbled. He didn't say anything, but the wise man understood. Then he said, "Boy, you will succeed in life. Just don't lose this competitive spirit of yours." Then he smiled at him and walked on towards his home.

For a few moments, the boy stood there wondering what to do next. Then he smiled, filled with some unknown joy. He didn't know why, but he was feeling victorious. Then he too headed home.

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