A Game of Chance Summary
Eid fair was held every year in Rashid's village. For the celebration of Eid, there was only one day but the fair lasted for several days. This used to be a good opportunity for shopkeepers and merchants as they were able to sell their goods. So they used to come to the fair from far and wide. This fair used to have all kinds of items from small to big.
Rashid's uncle took him to the fair along with Bhaiya who used to work with him at home. It was a crowded place so uncle was directing them to accompany him to the fair. On the way, his friends met him who wanted to be with him for some time.
Chacha asks Rashid if he would like to go to the fair with Bhaiya in his absence. It was Rashid's choice to see this fair so he was happy for it. The uncle instructed him not to buy anything from the fair nor to go too far. Rashid promised to follow the words and wait for her to return.
Rashid went to each store with brother. He had many things he wanted to buy, but he was waiting for his uncle to return. Then they reached a shop called Lucky Shop. The shopkeeper was an understated man who was neither too young nor too old. If he was not very active he was not lazy. He was expecting visitors at his shop to try his luck. Some disks numbered 1 to 10 were lying on the table. People could pick up any 6 disks, add their number and match their total number to an article marked with the same number. If they were able to do so, the article could be theirs.
An old man came there, who gave 50 paise to choose 6 disks. He added the numbers printed on them and counted a total of 15.. The shopkeeper gave him the article that 15. It was a beautiful watch. Paid him 15 rupees. The old man became happy and went away.
Then a young boy who was slightly older than Rashid came there to try his luck. He was able to get a comb of 25 paise. The shopkeeper had a neutral reaction that he was neither happy nor sad and bought the comb back from him for 25 paise. The boy tried again and was successful in taking a 3-rupee fountain pen. The next test brought him a table lamp worth more than Rs 10. The boy was very happy to get such a good deal of his money and went away smiling.
Seeing all this, Rashid was fascinated and now wanted to try his luck. He looked at Bhaiya and he also encouraged her. He also paid 50 paise and took 6 discs. He felt as if his luck was not as good as he was able to get only two pencils. He tried again and found a bottle of ink which again cost very little. The shopkeeper bought him for 25 paise. After this, Rashid took another chance for the third time. But this time his luck did not support him again.
He continued his trial in hopes of winning a big prize. He paid 50 paise for each test and was able to receive a small amount each time. In the end he was left with only 25 paise. For this the shopkeeper showed his kindness and offered him to either try once again or settle his account. He chose to play again and also lost his 25 paise.
The people standing there were noticing them. Some people were laughing at his bad luck. Nobody showed sympathy to him. Finally, he and his brother went to the place where his uncle had left him and asked him to wait for him. After some time, his uncle reached there and found him upset. He asked Rashid what was the matter? Why was he sad?
Rashid did not respond. Bhaiya told him the whole matter. Uncle was very neutral on this issue. He was neither angry nor sad. He gave a smile and gently stroked his back to show affection. He also took her to shopping and bought her a beautiful umbrella, biscuits, sweets and some other small gifts. After this they came back home.
On the way back, his uncle tells him that Lucky Shoppe has fooled him. Rashid denied this and said that it was his bad luck. But the uncle explained to him that it was not a matter of luck or misfortune. Rashid said that he saw an old man getting a watch and a young boy getting two to three expensive items. The uncle then told him that they were his (shopkeeper's) friends and were cheating people. They were playing to attract people. To try my luck. So that they get the money from the customers that they got. He advises her to forget the whole affair and not to talk about any of her bad luck or stupidity.
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