A WIN-WIN GAME!

"What are we playing today?" Aditi jogged in her spot. She could never stay still. Some called her naughty and unruly, but she considered herself a bundle of energy. As did her friend Manan.

- Sarvamitra

"Snakes and Ladders," Manan grinned and held up the board game. He had carried it in his backpack to the park.

Aditi groaned. If there was one thing Aditi hated, it was sitting still in one spot. Even in school, during class hours, she found excuses return a notebook, visit the restroom, run errands for teachers, volunteer for extra work. Anything that would keep her moving about. Manan was her best friend. How could he not know? But before she could voice her fears, he dispelled it with a 'twist'.

"For each dice roll, the opponent suggests an activity. Any activity."

Now, that was interesting.

"Woohoo! This is going to be such fun. Now is my chance to make you pull monkey faces and do somersaults. No backing, my dear friend," Aditi announced, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Manan was more of an indoor person. If allowed, he would choose a book instead of a cycle ride. Aditi would do the opposite. Though poles apart, they found themselves to be best friends. They made time for each other, keeping aside their preferences. To put her friend, Mr.Goody-Good-Indoorsy-Manan in a spot was her all-time favourite hobby.

Unknown to her, Manan had a hidden agenda. One that would make Aditi want to ditch the game.

"One condition," he added. "We play the game till both of us get tired of it. We can pause and continue the next day. But don't stop until both parties agree." He wanted to be on the safer side. He wanted Aditi to play the game according to his rules.