Eidul Azha was around the corner and Rayan was excitedly waiting for the sacrificial cow to arrive. He kept asking his dad to get him at the earliest. Finally, they bought a beautiful brown and white cow, which he named “Woodie.”

Woodie loved eating green leafy vegetables and was very playful. Rayan would wake up early every morning to feed her and clean her shed. He also enjoyed taking Woodie for short walks around their neighbourhood, showing her off to his friends and neighbours.

But sadly, his excitement lasted hardly two days. On the third day, he neglected his cow. He didn’t compromise on his playtime or gadget time for Woodie. The cow was left hungry and had no clean water to drink.

When dad came home in the evening, he noticed that the cow seemed quite upset. She stood in dirt with unclean water, and no food in her trough. Rayan’s father immediately changed his clothes and cleaned the shed; then provided her with food and water.

Then dad called Rayan and said, “Rayan, it seems you are not taking care of Woodie now. You don’t change her water, nor fill her trough with fresh fodder.”

“It’s not so, dad. It’s just that I have been too busy with my cricket match,” Rayan stammered, while feeling a bit ashamed.

His dad thought Rayan would be careful next time. But it wasn’t the case. Two more days passed in the same way. Rayan remained in his room the whole day playing games or went out with his friends. He did not give Woodie fresh fodder and water, nor did he take her out for a walk in the evenings. Woodie felt lonely, and soon she got very sick, and even when Rayan’s dad gave her fresh fodder in the evening, she didn’t eat.

Rayan’s father immediately called the veterinarian. The vet administered fluids and injections to Woodie and instructed the family to take good care of the cow.

“This cow needs care and attention more than medicines,” remarked the vet.

“Thank you, doctor, we shall be care­ful about it,” replied Rayan and his dad.

This time, Rayan really felt ashamed of himself and sorry for Woodie. He cried and cried.

“I am so sorry, dad, for not taking good care of Woodie. She is sick because of my carelessness. I shall now take good care of her,” he said while sobbing.

Rayan now gave all his time and attention to Woodie. He fed her, gave her a bath and also took her out in the evenings to make her socialise with other animals. Woodie got healthy as she received love and care. Rayan’s parents were extremely happy.

On Eidul Azha, Rayan was sad when Woodie was sacrificed, but he would cherish the memories of their time together forever.

Rayan still remembers Woodie and the lesson he learned while taking care of her. Since then, Rayan has been responsible and takes good care of his loved ones.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 15th, 2024