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Learning by absorbing

Yesterday was an eye opening day. Event was an unexpected behaviour from a teenager who is crazy about plants; particularly Bonsai.

UTK is more concerned about his plants on getting up than brushing his teeth. He has enriched his library with books on plants, does experiments with plants including grafting, pushing for aerial roots of many plants and so on.

On his school annual fest, he was truly amazed to see the variety of bonsai on display. He wanted to get at least one for home despite resistance from his family members who were already complaining about space taken by plants.

UTK "gently" persuaded to go and buy bonsai from the farm house who had come to the school exhibition. On selecting a particular piece, he asked " How much is this for? and, this one; and this one..."

He narrowed down his choice to two plants. One was at Rs 150 and the other at Rs 500. He was thrilled (as these were quoted at Rs 200 and 750 at the school festival) to find a bargain.

And then, to my utter surprise an alien behaviour started to unfurl. He started with the point that he has spent so much time and effort in locating this farm house and goes on to many more such "justifications". Final one that stumped me was "I am a child and I have to pay this out of my pocket money so please do the best". On this the gentleman said "Give me whatever you like!" UTK is quick on his heels and says Rs 50 (extremely pleased that he has got a discount of 75% on the school festival price) and the deal is done.

But the final stroke was still left.

UTK said, "Now the deal is done, tell me would you have agreed to any lesser price?"

I am still recovering from the shock as to how he learnt all this.

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