The Progress Prize

Radha studied the whole two hours but could not make head or tail of the chapter on LCM. She closed the book and looked outside the window. It was already evening. She could not qualify her midterm examination in mathematics and she could feel this may happen in her final term exams too. Suddenly she saw her favorite pet Sheena, a German shepherd barked. She forgot all about her math and ran out to play with her. She played with Sheena for two hours and decided to study her math again. But by the time she came back, Radha was tired and hungry. She skipped mathematics that day too.

Another day passed without a formal practice on least common factor for Radha. Her preparatory tests before the final terms have begun. She performed poorly in mathematics. Her class teacher wrote a note for Radha’s father to meet her immediately. Meanwhile, Radha, was upset about losing one of her pet who was sent to her uncle’s house as a gift on their request. Everyone in Radha’s family was concerned about Radha’s final term as mathematics was a primary subject, with her elder brother being the most worried. Radha’s brother asked her about her plan for final term assessment and has she ever thought she may be rewarded this year.

Of hearing about the reward Radha was taken aback. She never thought that she could be rewarded. Her brother told her about the progress prize. Her brother told her to aim for that prize and start a proper study schedule till the term. Radha agreed and started preparing for her final term assessment. The final term assessment arrived; Radha did well in almost all the subject.

After the assessment she continued her schedule but inwardly waited for her result and most for the announcement of the progress prize. The day, finally arrived, the scorecards were distributed. To everyone’s surprise, Radha’s name was announced for that year’s progress prize. Radha was thrilled and thanked her brother. The day and date was announced for the distribution of the prize and Radha was invited with her family to receive her prize.

The prestigious day arrived, when Radha had to receive the progress prize. She arrived with her family and took the first row in the big assembly hall. Her name was called for the progress prize and she was invited on the stage to receive the prize. That was the most memorable day for Radha and most beautiful gift she received. Later, when she came back home she unwrapped her gift, it was a book. Till then, Radha never owned a book. It was her first owned book. It was the start of the most memorable journey, into adventure, knowledge, and thrill in the world of books.