Ravi was sitting worried in his office. There was going to be an audit inspection in his office within a week, and he was keeping a lot of works pending in his branch. He should work like a devil to clear the arrears and come to current work. He was never a person to work like that. That was the reason for his worry.

 ”Mr.Ravi, the manager calls you.” said the office boy.

Ravi knew very well the reason for this call, and he went into the manager’s chamber gingerly. He got his expected scolding in abundance from the manager, for not keeping the works up – to – date. The manager, suddenly realising that scolding him is of no use, came up with a solution himself.

” I have decided to give a week’s leave to you. I can correct the branch  with the help of your colleague, Mr.Kishore. You can return to duty after the inspection is over. You may go now.”

Ravi was relieved now. He entered home with a whistle.

“Priya, get ready. we are going on a picnic to Kolli Hills. We will go trekking and enjoy” he was saying to his 9 year old daughter,   expecting her to jump with joy. But to his surprise, she was looking serious.

“Priya, what’s wrong? Are you not happy to go?”

“No dad. I can’t come with you.” she said, with a decided tone. He was shocked!

“Why dear?”

“I’m having my unit test from tomorrow. This time I have challanged that I will get First Rank in the class, beating Radhika, my rival. I have to work hard to do it dad, and so I have no time to enjoy now. If you want, take mom with you and enjoy. But not me.” She sounded too decisive to convince.

Ravi was sitting there, for the next half an hour, lost completely in thoughts. Then he nodded his head, and started back to his office, ” saying to himself, ” I can convince the manager and join duty again. After all, if Kishore can do it, why can’t I? Why should I compromise my self respect?”

It was a a good start in his journey towards perfection…