Number of Letters

It was the summer of 2001, time for vacations at maternal Grandparent’s place.

Every day is spent on games with cousins.

As usual, Arjun and Vijay were present. Both four-year-olds born on dates with a gap of a month. Families have a weird way to compare kids of similar age in various aspects they feel important.

On one such evening, Grandpa Ramesh called them both for a little playtime.

In his casual tone, Grandpa posed them a question, ‘Arjun and Vijay, whom of you both can tell me the number of letters in the English alphabet?’

Vijay who is competitive in nature blurted out, ‘Me. There are 25 letters.’

Grandpa chuckling teased, ‘Buddu(fool). you are wrong.’

Turning towards Arjun, he asked, ‘What’s your answer, Arjun?’

Arjun in his slow nature, spoke out as he counted the letters, ‘W..X..Y..Z..26.’ Carefully, as if rechecking in his mind, said, ‘There are 26 letters, Thaatha(Grandpa).’

Grandpa replied, ‘Wah! You are right. There are 26.’

Vijay who felt cheated exclaimed, ‘But Arjun counted the letters. You didn’t say we can count. He too didn’t know the answer.’

Grandpa corrected, ‘I didn’t say that you shouldn’t count too. You should have counted too.’

Arjun felt relieved as he managed to escape criticism. Vijay ran away hurt being unable to see the point to Grandpa's words.