Barter System in the 21st Century

 

Today’s generation leaves you amazed at how they think and get their things done. My friend Amrita’s son Ayushman whom we fondly call Koko is 5 years old. A week back Amrita dropped in at my place along with her son for a quick catch up and to give back my box through which I sent some sweet dish. I guess, as I am growing old, I have started behaving like the Indian moms who fight to get back their Tupperware’s and any kitchen utensils. I ordered chicken nuggets for the little one and gave him a few. Koko informed, he has never eaten this before and wanted to know where I ordered it from, since it was non spicy and as per his liking. Once he finished eating, he wanted to know if any additional toys have been added to my collection, since I had ordered the nuggets from McDonald’s; from where I usually order happy meals for their toy. I informed him that he could check my bookshelves for the toys that I have displayed and informed him, that there has not been a happy meal ordered for a very long time.

Koko happily went and rummaged through my collection which majorly consists of Minions. He picked up a few and came with them and stated how cool it looks etc. As my friend and I started catching up the little one kept interrupting us asking for a pen or pencil. His mother asked why he wanted that, for which he informed he needs to write on top of the box which was returned to me. Amrita informed Koko on how it’s difficult to write with a pen or pencil on a plastic box, for which he asked if there is a marker. I told him as an alternative option, I will give him a pencil and a post-it where he can write what he wants.

He sat down on the chair and started writing and asked how to spell my name. I started spelling it out to him, for which he asked me to slow down. He said he has just started writing and he can’t write so quickly. I spelled it out slowly and then got into a deep conversation. After several interference by Koko (he wanted to spell out a lot of big words), he finished writing on the post-it. He stuck it on the box and asked me to read it aloud. He also gave me his chocolate and informed that this is one of his favorite chocolate and he is gifting me this too. I realized the little imp wanted something from me and hence the handwritten post which went ‘Hi Purnima today I have given chocolate to you so can I get something’

Amrita and I burst out laughing at what he was upto. I knew what he wanted from my collection. But I asked what he wanted for which he started acting like he was thinking what to ask. I told him he can go through my collection and see what he wants. He happily went and picked up a stuffed toy and came with a grin showing it to me. I laughed and said he can have it and with a happy grin he showed his mom the toy, for which Amrita asked what has she told him on getting stuff from others. The spontaneous response to that question was he asked before taking it; as he was taught by his mom.  Koko’s mission was accomplished, and we could see he was so happy with the outcome.

Amazed with how a five-year-old thinks.