Gopal said, "Ma, give me the remote... I'm going to watch the World Cup!"
"Of course not! I am watching this new program," said Mum.
"And don't forget... today is the final part of the game show. We simply can't miss it," reminded Grandma.
"Then when can I watch the match?" demanded Gopal.
Mum didn't answer. She held the remote control in an iron grip and Grandma sat protectively beside it.
Gopal walked out. In the playground, he saw all his friends sitting on the compound wall.
"Aren't you guys watching the World Cup?" asked Gopal.
"Who's letting us watch TV?" Shermi asked with a scowl.
Avneesh nodded his head. "I want to watch cartoons but I can't... Dad watches news all the time! It's soooo boring!"
"And when I want to see my program, Mum sends me off to do my homework," Mina squealed.
Gopal chewed his lips thoughtfully. "I have a really great idea... What we have to do is bring them out of the house!"
And he explained his plan carefully. The others nodded their heads in approval.
The first phase of the plan set into action. As soon as he went to his house, Gopal pulled out a packet of noodles. Mum looked up and raised her eyebrows. "Noodles again? These days all that you kids eat is junk food!" she said.
Gopal smiled smugly*. Mum was right on track. "Oh come on, Ma! We are really strong and we can play for hours... we have that much stamina!" he said proudly.
Mum laughed loudly. "When I was a kid, I played for much longer than you do!" Grandma nodded her head.
"But you would have played games like hopscotch and skipping," said Gopal. "Now why don't you come with us and play a game of football?"
