Dinner was served and Rita’s daughter Payal scurried over to the dinner table. There were at least a dozen items laid on the table, but Payal’s eyes were set on the vendakkai (Indian Okra) curry. There was an unusual stillness and everyone ate without uttering a word.
It was Payal’s mathematics examination on the following day. Quadratic functions, linear inequalities and surds were to be tested. As she was eating, she was mentally revising some formulae, and stress was written all over her face.
The next morning, Payal got up earlier than usual and got ready for school. She revisited her notes, and told herself, this time she has to ace without careless mistakes.
There was a strange connection between Okra and mathematics that has been running for ages in the Tamil households in India. ‘After all we all grew up eating Okra and we have all secured centum and so would you’, assured Rita. With Okra confidence, she stepped out of the house, all focused and determined to get that centum.
It was early dismissal because of exams and Payal reached home at 2pm. Rita had almost forgotten about her exams and opened the door for her. Payal sniffled quickly, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Rita was shocked. This was the first time ever that Payal had returned with utter disappointment after a math paper.
For almost a week, Payal would not talk, smile or even maintain proper eye contact with anyone. Worried about this Rita wanted to contact her math teacher but she got to know that Payal would get back her grade that very day. Not sure of what would befall, Rita volunteered to pick Payal from school, which Payal blatantly refused.
The clock was ticking and her heart was beating faster. Rita was getting anxious. She wanted to call Payal, but something stopped her. She patiently waited for Payal to return. When the doorbell rang, Rita opened the door and she saw Payal standing with her eyes, all welled up. Not having the courage to ask her for the paper, Rita followed Payal like a shadow.
After some time, when Payal settled to do her homework, Rita slowly entered her room. The paper was just on the table and she took it and saw the grades. Payal had secured 99/100 and Rita’s heart leaped out of joy. Payal was getting all the more annoyed. She just wanted Rita out of the room. She gave her mother a stare and said, your okra promises did no good!
Picture Credit : Internet