The boys would listen and nod their heads, but within minutes would be at it again. Parvati punished them. Shiva scolded them. But nothing had any effect. Shiva and Parvati were at their wits' end. It seemed their quiet afternoon together was not to be.

Suddenly Shiva had an idea. Calling both the boys to him he said, 'Let's have a race. Both of you run right around the Universe once. Let's see who can run faster.' That will give us peace and quiet for a while at least, thought Shiva to himself. Parvati smiled. She thought it was a clever way to keep the children occupied.

Kartikkeya jumped at the idea of a race. 'Yes,let's have a race,' he agreed enthusiastically. He loved physical action of any sort. Besides, he was sure he could outrun his slow, lumbering brother.

The boys lined up, and at Parvati's signal the race began. Kartikkeya ran like the wind, looking to neither left nor right. He blazed around the Universe like a comet, leaving a trail of fire behind, so swift was he. He was sure he had left Ganesh far far behind. Kartikkeya smiled with satisfaction. He did enjoy winning.

Almost before the hour was over, Kartikkeya had circled the Universe and was back home on Mount Kailash. He was sure he had won the race - there was no sign of Ganesh even in the far distance.

Kartikkeya entered his house tired and breathless, but smiling triumphantly. 'I've won,' he cried to his parents. 'I'm sure Ganesh the slowcoach wouldn't even have reached the halfway mark yet!'

'Did someone call my name?' asked a voice, and in ambled Ganesh from the kitchen where he had just polished off a plate of laddoos. 'So you're back at last, brother,' he said, smiling at Kartikkeya. 'You took a long time!'

A Trip Around the Universe cont'd... 
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