There was a boy called Subru in Kanmani’s class. The students made fun of his rotund appearance and coined creative nicknames. When the teacher showed the class a globe and asked them what it was, someone yelled, “Subru!” The name “Globe” stuck, much to his dismay.
Unlike boys his age, Subru did not enjoy climbing trees or running races. His mother, Radha Ammal, ran a successful catering business in Maaripuram. This ensured a limitless supply of delectable treats for Subru’s insatiable sweet tooth, adding yet another nickname, “Laddu”. During one Tamil lesson, the class had to compose an essay on their favourite god. Kanmani wrote about Maaripuram’s Mariatha, as did ninety per cent of the students. Subru was the only one to write about Pillaiyar, the elephant-faced god, also known as Ganesha, who had an unapologetic love for sweet treats. When the teacher read out his essay, there were loud guffaws.
Some people have the talent for inviting ridicule upon them, Kanmani thought.
Kanmani smoothened her green silk pavadai and jingled her glass bangles. She was ready to accompany her grandparents to a baby’s cradle ceremony. On this occasion, the parents laid their newborn in a flower-decorated cradle and introduced him to the villagers. The best part…
Source: For children: Can Kanmani and her friends outshine their neighbouring school at sports day?
