The New Year was just round the corner. For so many days, Rohit had been thinking about his New Year’s resolution. He wanted some unique resolution—something no other friend could even imagine. He suddenly recalled his last year’s resolution. He had taken an oath to study regularly and follow his time table strictly. His parents were very happy at his declaration. For seven days he kept on following his self-framed rules. But after that he found it boring and convinced himself that promises are promises. 

After three months, he had his annual examination. When the result came, he was shocked to see his grade. It was quite embarrassing for his parents as well. Had he followed his resolution, he would have passed the examination with flying colours. But now nothing could be done.

Rohit had, of course, realized that promises are to be kept. And he knew that it required a lot of discipline and strength to keep up one’s word. 

For the last 2 hours, Rohit had been thinking about his resolution. He began writing on a piece of paper. He wrote many resolutions one after the other and struck off all in the same order. Nothing was unique and mind blowing. No resolution was selected though there was now a heap of papers balls making the room look dirty. Suddenly Mom appeared from nowhere.

She looked at the scattered paper balls and asked, “Rohit, what is this all about?”

“Mom, I am thinking about my New Year’s resolution. I want to make it unique but I am nowhere near it.”

“Do you remember your last year’s resolution?” Mom asked, “What is the fun in making a resolution if one can’t follow?”

“I am sorry, Mom. It won’t happen like that this time. I had realized my mistake after the result was out. Moreover, this year, I began doing my regular study when the school started. So, this year you won’t be disappointed by my performance.”

Mom was happy at this. She said, “That is good. But, before you do anything, lift all these waste papers and drop in the dustbin. Keep your room tidy.”

“I will do that, Mom. Please help me in my predicament. I want to outshine all my friends with my choice”, Rohit pleaded.

Mom smiled, “Rohit, I am going to the kitchen. But after breakfast I will think over it.”

After breakfast, Mom whispered something in Rohit’s ear and his eyes sparked. He hugged his mother tight and said, “You are brilliant, Mom.” Mom was equally happy that Rohit had liked her idea. Rohit rushed to his room. He expressed his happiness by jumping on his bed and dancing alone.

Finally came January 1. Rohit with a beaming smile reached the children’s park where all his friends were already present. Everyone wished each other a happy New Year and shook hands. The agenda of this get together was to talk about their New Year’s resolutions. Every one was ready for this.

Rohit began, “Friends, last year also we came here and shared our resolutions. I don’t know whether you followed that. As far as I am concerned, I couldn’t do that for more than seven days. So, we will not discuss the past. Let’s forget that. Let’s start afresh. Let’s commit something and adhere to that. What do you say?”

Everyone shouted, “That’s good. Lets not talk about past.” It only confirmed that like Rohit, they also had not kept their word.

Neha got up and said, “I have taken a resolution to be a helping hand to my mother. I will keep my room neat and clean and help mom in the kitchen on all days except on examination days.”

Shavik said, “I will utilize my pocket money properly. My relatives keep on visiting us and invariably give me money. I will use that money to buy my notebooks and other small stationery items instead of spending on fast food.”

Raghu began, “I have made a vow to be punctual. Never ever shall I reach my school late.”

Shreya said, “I have decided to cut down on my T.V. time and use that time to study more.”

Now was the turn of Rohit. He said, “I have decided to help a poor child in his studies.”

Every one was amazed at this resolution. They all wanted to know the details. So Rohit explained, “We have a maid servant. She has been doing our household work for many years. 

“This coming April, her son will join a school. He would need stationery items, a bag, a lunch box and so many other things. Of course, his mom can get him all that but it will be sponsored by my mom. Our maid servant can’t afford to get him the right school. So, I have decided to take care of his studies at my home. After my school, his mom will bring him to my home for one hour daily and I will teach him before I take up my home work. It will be fun. He can play with my toys also. He will get the best education without worrying about a good school and it will give me happiness.”

Everybody got on their feet and clapped endlessly for Rohit. 

Neha asked, “Wow! How did you get this idea?”

Rohit said, “Honestly, this is not my idea. My mom thought of this. She left the execution part to me. I made this detailed plan on how I am going to do this. And since I am doing this from my heart without any expectations, I will follow it without break.”

Shavik said, “Good yaar. But you have 3 months to start that. So, you will keep on waiting till April?”

Rohit said, “No dear. These three months I will focus on my studies, something which I did not do last year.”

Shreya said, “So you will take care of your last year’s resolution as well. Very smart.”

They all laughed and went to their home with a zeal to remain committed to their resolutions.