Once upon a time, there was a young athletic boy hunger for success for whom winning was measured just by winning.

          One day the boy was preparing himself for a running competition in his small village, himself and other two young boys to compete. A large crowd had gathered to witness the sporting spectacle and a wise old man upon hearing of the little boy, had traveled far to bear witness also. The race commenced, looking like a level heat at the finishing line, but sure enough, the boy dug deep and called on his determination, strength, and power. He took the winning line and was first. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy but the wise man remained still and calm, expressing no sentiment. The little boy however felt proud and important.

           A second race was called and two came forward to run with the little boy. The race was started and sure enough, the little boy came through and finished first once again. The crowd was also once again ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man remained still and calm again expressing no sentiment. The little boy, however, felt proud again. Another race, another race! Pleaded the little boy. The wise man stepped forward and presented with two new challengers, an elderly frail lady, and a blind man.

          "What is this?" Quizzed the little boy. "This is not a race "he exclaimed. "Race!" Said the wise man. The race was started and the boy was only the finisher, the other two challengers left standing at the same place. The little boy was ecstatic, he raised his arms in delight. The crowd however was silent, showing no sentiment toward the little boy. "What has happened? Why not do the people join in my success?" He asked the wise. "Race again" replied the old wise man but this time finish together with all three of you " continued the wise old man. The little boy thought a little then stood in the middle of the blind man and the frail old lady and then took the two challengers by the hand. The race began and the little boy walked slowly, ever so slowly, to the finishing line and crossed it.

          The crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man smiled, gently nodding his head. The little boy felt proud and important. Old man, I understand not! Who is the crowd cheering for? Which one of us three?" asked the little boy. The wise old man looked into the little boy's eyes placing his hand on the boy's shoulders and replied softly " little boy, for this race, you have won much more than in any race you have ever run before and for this race, the crowd cheered not for any winner!"

 

By: Shahi Baloch

The writer is a teacher at Bright Future Academy

Turbat Kech Balochistan