Asha’s race

Asha sacrifices her chance to win to help an injured girl but gets another reward for her selflessness

Asha loved running. Whenever possible, the 13-year-old girl would run instead of walk. One day, her friend, Sheila, said, “Asha, there’s a race for girls next Sunday with a ₹10,000 prize.

Asha replied eagerly, “I will definitely take part in it!”

Sheila added, “But there’s also a ₹500 entrance fee.”

Asha’s face fell. She had lost her father the previous year, and she knew her mother earned barely enough to make ends meet. But, she was so excited about the race that, when she got home that evening, she asked her mother about the money.

“I don’t know; ₹500 is a lot. What if you don’t win?” her mother asked anxiously.

“Amma, you know I’m a good runner. I will win!” Asha replied confidently. “Please, Amma!”

Her mother knew how much her daughter loved running and didn’t want to disappoint her. So, instead of buying a month’s worth of groceries, she gave the money to Asha. “Best of luck!” she said.