Story 5: Tamatar Tinku’s Terrible Tantrum

In the heart of Sabzi Nagar, under a tamarind tree, lived the one and only Tamatar Tinku—round, red, and extremely dramatic.

One fine afternoon, the sun was shining just right, the birds were chirping, and the sabzis were busy playing Pakdam Pakdai. Everyone, except Tinku.

He was sprawled on a banana leaf, fuming.

“I’m not playing! I’m TOO squishy for games!”

he declared, arms crossed and lip trembling.

Bindi Bai raised an eyebrow. “You were perfectly fine yesterday when you were chasing Bhutta Bhaiyya with a spoon!”

“That was yesterday! Today my feelings are fragile!”

he sniffled, flopping over like a soap opera actor.

Mithu Mango flew down with a chuckle. “Arey Tinku, what happened now? Did someone call you a cherry again?”

“WORSE,” said Tinku dramatically. “Chiku Chacha said I go SPLAT too easily. Can you believe that? Me? Splattable? I am sensitive, not splattable!”

Just then, Aloo Amma rolled over with her calming voice. “Tinku beta, being soft is not a weakness. Even the softest sabzi can make the biggest impact.”

“That’s right,” added Bindi Bai. “Without tomatoes, where would pav bhaji or rajma be?”

Tinku’s eyes widened. “That’s true…”

“Tandoori chutney?” added Bhutta Bhaiyya.

“Pizza sauce?” squeaked Mithu.

Tinku slowly stood up, puffed his squishy little chest, and announced:

“You’re RIGHT! I’m not just a tomato. I’m the STAR of the kitchen!”

Suddenly, a loud SPLAT was heard.

Everyone gasped.

Tinku had slipped on a banana peel and landed in a soft pile of spinach.

There was silence. Then…

Tinku sat up, grinned, and shouted:

“See? Even when I fall, I land with flavour!”

Everyone burst into laughter, and Tinku joined the game, tantrum forgotten, drama and all.

Moral: Being soft doesn't make you weak. It makes you special and sometimes, the star of the show!