`Mamata, please remove your shoes and socks. Put the socks in the laundry bag and shoes on the shoe rack,’ called out Mamata’s mother Meena from the kitchen. Mamata removed her shoes but left them on the carpet and started reading funny jocks.

`Mamata, please go to Ramakrishna general stores and get some bread. Also get some butter and a packet of biscuits’ said Mamata’s father Sudhakar handing her a hundred rupee note. `Don’t forget to bring the three things I have asked for. Make a list if you want.’

`No father, I will remember,’ Mamata said with confidence.

She took out her bicycle and soon she was at Ramakrishna general stores. After finishing her shopping, she quickly reached home and sat down in front of the computer net.

`Thank you Mamata,’ said her father and opened the bag. `But where are the Biscuits? Have you left them at the shop?’ asked her father in an irritated voice. `Oh, I am sorry. I completely forgot about the biscuits,’ Mamata replied.

Mamata is a fine girl and intelligent too. But she does not put her mind fully to whatever she does. She is in a hurry always. Her parents do not like the way Mamata works. They know she is capable of much better results at school. But she does not apply herself fully.

That evening Mamata’s father sat with her mother to talk about Mamata. He was very concerned about Mamata’s half –hearted way of working. And a great plan was made to teach Mamata a lesson.

The next morning when Mamata began to get ready to go to school, she found white shirt on her bed.

`But mother, where is my shirt?’ asked Mamata. It was getting late and she was in a hurry as usual.

`Sorry Mamata, I washed and ironed your shirt but just forget about the skirt.’

`But mother, how could you do it?’ don’t you I have to wear a paper uniform to school?’ asked Mamata with a frown on her face.

At the dining table, Mamata was aghast to see some eggs floating in her plate.

`What is this, mother?’ Mamata could not believe her eyes. She was getting late for school and could not sit and wait for the eggs to be fried.

`O my God. Sorry Mamata, I toasted the bread and buttered it too. But I forget to fry the eggs,’ Mamata’s mother said in an unusual way.

`It’s crazy! Thought Mamata and went to her father’s room.

`Father, I need Rupees 500 to pay my fee at the school.’

Sure Mamata but don’t you think rupees 250 would do?’

`That’s impossible! Rupees 500 means 500, I have to pay the full amount. They don’t accept half amount. It’s not possible,’ Mamata said with disbelief. Her father had never spoken like this before. What had happened to her parents?

`Mamata you can always say that you forgot about the rest of the amount. In any case when your teacher asks you to put in your full effort into your work you only do it half-heartedly. So why can’t you offer them a little less money this month?’ suggested Mamata’s father.

`Oh! So that’s it! Said Mamata `Now I know what you are trying to convey. That’s a good lesson I have learnt today dad,’ said Mamata with a smile.

Her father handed her rupees 500 and father and daughter shook hands. Both had special smile that morning.

`Bye Mamata, have nice day at school,’ her mother called out with a smile.

`Bye, mother,’. Mamata was smiled and she back at her mother.