Junior Vocab
Arjun's Assembly Story
Meera: "Arjun, why are you sitting so straight and quiet? The teacher isn’t even here yet."
Arjun: "I’m practicing, Meera. I want to read my story perfectly in assembly."
Meera: "It’s just assembly. Chill! Look, I drew a cat eating a samosa on my hand."
Arjun:sleepy." "Don’t distract me! I promised Ma I’ll do my best. I even skipped the extra chutney at breakfast so I don’t feel
Meera: "Skipped chutney? That’s serious. Are you scared you’ll forget the words?"
Arjun: "A little. But mostly I just really, really want to mean every line when I say it."
Meera: "You mean like when Thatha does the Diwali prayer and his eyes look shiny and serious?"
Arjun: "Yes! Like that. He’s not joking or pretending. He’s… I don’t know the word."
Teacher Aunty: "Good morning, you two. Arjun, you look very earnest about your story today."
Meera: "Earnest? Like Thatha at prayer time?"
Teacher Aunty: "Exactly. When you’re earnest, you’re serious in a true way, because it really matters to you."
Arjun: "I am earnest, Miss. I practiced all week, even when my cousins were watching cartoons."
Meera: "Okay, Mr. Earnest. I’ll stop drawing on your hand. Want me to hold your paper so it doesn’t shake?"
Arjun: "Yes, please. If you help me, I’ll bring you extra chutney in my dabba tomorrow."
Meera: "Deal. I’ll be your most earnest helper in the whole school."