Winning isn't everything!

The ambience of the room was a mix of anticipation, keenness and perception. Everyone hushed to their neighbors about whom they thought, would win. The finalists of the show, five kids, aged 5 to 7, had rendered their so-called final performance, and were standing in glossy, showy attires which had no connection to their age, or their hard earned talent.

They had their hands clenched, and  were heaving heavy breaths .They were getting ready either to rejoice their triumph or forfeit their failure, both with tears, as they were told to. Their parents were standing beside the screen, huffing and puffing and praying that their child should be selected as the "Shining Singer" of the season. They were trying to compose themselves and smile, concealing what was inside, and were wishing success to fellow parents, forcefully. Everyone had one common prayer, "My child must be the first!"

The audience cheered and roared as Arpita, the event in-charge, entered the stage, smiling. She held the mike in her hands and looking at the children, stated, "I am going to give each of you, a piece of paper, and inside is the name of the winner. As I signal you, you will open it and read the name written inside, agreed? "Saying so, she walked straightly to the children, gave each of them a folded piece of paper.

The parents were left in a state of agitation when they saw each of the children jumping in joy, and exchanging hugs and kisses between them, after reading the paper. Not leaving much to their musing, Arpita announced, "Today, there are five winners, and all these children stand here as winners because they have come a long way, sacrificed a lot of things, and have understood that fame doesn't come in a stride. Now, they have a cap. I wish them all the best, to add colorful feathers in the future. Congrats, parents, and thank you all!!". She walked back, with a smile on her face, leaving the audience, much to react.

 "What have you done? I could sense that the parents grew outrageous, they even felt offended, but were veiling their anger, am sure you are going to lose your name!!" blasted an angry Arjun to Arpita, behind the screen.

" I know, the parents are worried about the numbers, that their children attain, but the children aren't. They are contented with their performance and are happy for the appreciation. I am not worried about the parents, I care for the children.", Arpita sounded cool. Arjun questioned, "And what do you intend to teach the children? That they can never fail, and just because they made it today, they can anticipate every moment to be a winning moment?"

Arpita replied, "Wanting to win is a weakness, a weakness that can sometime stumble you into a dark tunnel, or alternatively elevate you to a cliff that may tether suddenly, and at this age the "connotation" of winning should neither deter nor detour them from their success stories... and they will learn to cope up with that as they grow up, not now!!"

With a reverence and gratitude building inside for her, and with an inspired mind, when Arjun was about to leave, arpita sounded from behind. "By the way, Arjun, can you point only one, who won your heart?" she asked, winking.

Outside, the audience were still hushing to each other..