The Cry for Food

Ayush was sitting in front of the TV, watching cartoons enthusiastically when his mother came in

- Vivek Chakravarty

She said, "Ayush, you have watched enough TV. Now go and water the plants." 

"Wait, Mom. Such a good show is on, I can't leave it and go," refused Ayush.

"Ayush, you have been watching cartoons for the last hour. If you don't water the plants, they will wither," explained Mom.

"Oh Mom, what could possibly go wrong in just a little while?" asked Ayush and continued watching TV.

After five minutes the electricity went out, and the TV automatically turned off.

Ayush was disappointed.

"Ugh, the electricity had to go when such a good scene was playing," grumbled Ayush with frustration.

"It's a good thing the electricity went out, otherwise you would have spent the whole day watching TV. Now go and water the plants," Mom said.

Ayush reluctantly picked up the watering can and headed outside.

The plants were all feeling the intense summer heat.

The little Rose plant started crying in distress due to the harsh sunlight.

"It's so hot, I'm hungry and thirsty too," she cried.

"Wait, I'll protect you from the sun," said the Peepal tree and moved its branch to provide shade to the rose and gave it a little relief from the scorching heat.

"You saved me from the sun, but I am still hungry and thirsty," she said again.

"Me too," said the nearby Marigold plant distressed.