Missing Girl

Thirteen years old Holly was a petite and a charming girl with rich parents. She stayed in South Carolina for her schooling while her parents travelled around the world for business.

Holly’s parents had recently bought a villa and Holly was going to visit it for the first time in school summer holidays. Apparently, the villa was her birthday gift.

Holly packed her bags and waited for the chauffer to arrive. She heard her cell phone ring.

“Hello…” the sound said on the other side.

“O hi Mom...” Holly said, recognising her mother’s voice. “What? But you promised you would join me this time.”

“What will I do there alone?”

“They will be with me but you promised.”

Holly listened to her mother talk for 3 minutes.

“Fine. Bye…”

Mary, Holly’s maid came to the room.

“Miss, the car is ready to take us to the airport.”

“This time it’s gonna be just us Mary. Mom and dad are not joining us this time as well.”

Holly stood up and walked towards the door with heavy legs and frowned face. Mary didn’t say anything. She quietly picked up the bags and followed.

It was a long flight but Holly was very much used to it. It had been more than four months that see hadn’t seen her parents.

“They would make promises every time and turn back.” Holly thought.

As Holly reached the airport, all she wanted to do was get to her bed and sleep for long hours. Two guys were already standing at the entrance to greet Holly.

All of them got into the Mercedes and left. Holly had never been to this place before. She looked though the windows and she could see very few people. It was very green with a lot of trees and small lakes. She liked what she saw and opened up the windows.

“It is such a fresh smell.” Holly said.

“Yes Ma’am. This is one of the few places where the population is really less. Nature has not been much disturbed here. “One of the guys said.

“How far is the Villa from here?” Holly asked.

“We are about to reach Ma’am. It wouldn’t take more than 10 minutes.”

As the car reached near the Villa, the trees became denser. As Holly looked ahead, she saw a giant gate opening up for them and there were huge tress on both the sides.

The car kept moving until it reached the entrance of the Villa which took around ten minutes. Holly was lost in the view where she could only see trees, gardens and flowers. Then she heard a sound at a distance which she tried to locate.

“What is that sound?”

“That’s a peacock Ma‘am” The guy said.

“A peacock! I have never seen one in the city.” Holly exclaimed.

“This Villa is more than 500 years old. Very few people know about this place. “The guy informed.

“Who owned this Villa before?”

“A family stayed here around 10 years back. They stayed here for around a month and then moved to New York. The Villa was locked ever since.”

“Wow! This is antique.” Holly said.

“There are around 53 rooms in the villa. Not all are in use. There are so many stories and secrets this Villa holds. You will truly enjoy it here.”

They all entered the hall. There were six maids waiting to greet Holly. All bowed as they saw her enter.

“Ma‘am we shall leave now. You need rest. You can let any of the maids know if you need anything anytime. Sarla, the chief maid will take you to your room.”

“Ok...” Holly said as she looked around the giant walls and the historic work on the walls.

Holly was shown her room which looked very old and mystifying. Sarla, who led her to the room said, “This is the one of the best rooms in the Villa. It is said that when the Villa was constructed, this room was exclusively made for the owner’s daughter. The local people say that the daughter Suri was very beautiful but one day as she was roaming about in the Villa, she got lost and no one did ever find her ever. “

“What happened to her?” Holly asked.

“No one knows ma‘am.”

“That is sad.” Holly said.

“We don’t know if the story is true. But if you love stories and mysteries, you will have it all here. Please have some rest m ‘am. There is the switch. If you need something you can directly call us by pressing on to it. ”

“Thanks Sarla...”

Sarla closed the door as she left the room. Holly looked at the large room and couldn’t be more fascinated. She looked through the glass window and could see the splendid and beautiful grass garden with plants and trees. She could also see a small lake at a distance and some animals that she had never seen before drinking water of it.

“Wow! Everything is so massive and extraordinary. Seems like an illusion.”

Holly lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling which looked handcrafted. She lost herself in the details of the work and in few minutes, she was off to sleep.

A thud at the window woke Holly. She opened her eyes and looked through the window. There was no one.

She drank some water from the table top glass and went for the switch. Then thought not to.

Holly walked towards the door and reached for the doorknob. The door was open and she looked to the doorway. She heard some sound coming off from the hall that was on the left she came from. When she looked into the other direction, it looked quiet and still. Holly decided to walk in to the darkness.

There were several doors on the left and the right that looked like ordinary rooms. Holly went ahead.

“I want to know where this pathway goes.” She thought.

As Holly walked for few more minutes, she heard a sound from one of the rooms. She turned and silently moved near the doors to identify the sound source.

She heard it again and she turned to the other room. Yes, this is it.

For a moment she thought of going back to her room but something told her to uncover the mystery.

Holly held the door knob.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Now...” She said and turned the knob to the right and it opened.

It was a small area which could hardly allow an adult to lie down straight and was covered with dirt and spider webs.

“I wonder what this room was used for. “

She heard the sound again. She turned to look in the direction but it was only a wall. Holly moved closer to the wall. It was brilliantly decorated with paintings and a large decorated mirror.

She touched the mirror and was taken aback.
Her fingers went through it.

Holly came close to the mirror once again and touch it. This time she put in her whole hand which sank into the mirror.

“This should take me somewhere.”

Holly, slowly put in only her head in to the mirror to check the other side. What she saw astounded her. It was a deep beautiful garden with flowers and dense trees, birds flying above, sound of the water flowing.

“This is beautiful.”

Without another thought, Holly went all the way through the mirror entirely.

“Wow”

Holly walked through the trees staring at the beautiful sky and the nature. Then suddenly she heard the same sound again. Only this time it was clearer.

"It sounds like a cry." Holly thought.

Holly looked around trying to find the source.

At a distance she saw a girl in a white dress sitting under a tree, her face covered in her laps.

Holly went near her.

"Hello..."

The girl continued crying.

"Why are you crying?"

The strange girl looked above. Holly was surprised to see the girl’s eyes all red. It seemed she had been crying for a long time.

"What happened?" Holly asked again.

"What are you doing here? Go away." the girl said "You shouldn't be here or they will cage you as well."

"What? What are you talking about?" Holly asked.

“The Dwarfs.” The girl said sobbing.

Holly sat beside the girl trying to calm her down.

"What happened? Why are you crying? What are these Dwarfs you are talking about?” Holly asked. “Come along. I can take you from here."

“You cannot. They won’t let you.”

“Can you be more elaborate?”

The girl cleared “I was the daughter of Samuel Richards who constructed this Villa.” The girl said.

“Oh! You are the girl who was missing and were never found!”

“Yes. One day as I was strolling in the garden, I somehow went little far to the dense forest area. I was about to return back when I saw a huge tree. It was too giant for a tree. I went near it and I saw a small door, around 2-3 foot in height. I was too excited and I opened the door. It was too dark inside but I wanted to know who stayed in there. I crawled through it to find myself in a room full of small and large mirrors. They looked beautiful. As I browsed through them, I found a small hand mirror with beautiful carved frames. I thought I could gift it to my mother on her birthday, the next day. I took it and left the tree. I came back to my room and wrapped it delightfully for the next day. “

The girl wiped off the tears from her face.

“That night when I was asleep, I heard some sound from the window. I went near it and there was no one to see. I opened the door and they pulled me...” The girl hid her face in her laps once again.

“Who were they?” Holly asked.

“They were the dwarfs who stayed in the tree. They made mirrors. I stole their mirror and they caged me here.” The girl wept as she said.

“Then why didn’t you give it back to them?”

“I couldn’t. They won’t listen. They were too angry to listen. “

“Where do they stay?”

“They stay in the huge tree in the dense forest. They make mirrors the whole day and leave at night to deliver it to their chief.”

“Ok. I’m gonna go talk to them today. I will take you out from here.”

The girl looked at Holly with snivelling eyes which showed some hope now.

“I will see you later.” Said Holly and left.

That night, when all were asleep, Holly woke up and left the house through her window. She took a torch with her.

Cold breeze were blowing. Holly could see the tree tops where the branches danced along with the wind. The only source of light was the moon.

Holly gathered all of her strength and walked ahead. There were weird sounds that she could hear but she decided not to get distracted by them and focus ahead.

Holly entered the dense forest area. It was darker now with huge trees blocking the moon light. Holly turned her torch in all direction to find the tree that girl talked about. She walked for several minutes and she heard a voice.

Holly turned towards the direction of the voice and moved ahead. What she saw ahead was an enormous huge and massive tree. She could hear voices from within.

Holly swallowed her fear, took a deep breath. This time, she decided she would knock on the door.

Knock knock...

The voice that she could hear from inside suddenly subsided. She could now only hear the wind.

Holly knocked again. No sound.

She slowly opened the door and it was dark.

“Hello...”

No answer.

“I’m Holly. I came from the Villa. I want to talk to you about the girl you caged.”

Then she heard a thud in the darkness. Holly backed away 2-3 foots.

As she looked, she saw an ugly looking short guy walk out of the small hole of the tree. He looked angry.

Holly wanted to shout in fear but she stood stern.

“How do you know about that girl?”

“I met her and I know she stole your mirror but she is very sorry for that. I can give you a mirror... hmmm... may be more than one. “

“Why would you do that?”

“See. All I want is to save that girl. She has been crying for such a long time. Don’t you think she have been punished enough?”

The dwarf was now angry.

“You humans think we are weak and vulnerable. You will stole anything and we won’t fight. You are so wrong. That human took our mirror; the mirror we made. She had to be punished. ” The dwarf looked sideways. “And it’s important that it wasn’t only the mirror we lost that day. Because of that girl, we lost our brother!”

And he stopped.

Holly stayed there looking at the dwarf for a while.

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Both of us didn’t know that. But how can a mirror kill your brother? “Holly said.

“It’s none of your business. Just leave this place or else we’ll have to cage you too.” The dwarf said in anger.

Holly looked at the dwarf and she could see its eyes shining in the moonlight. He approached her for a step or two when she heard a voice.

“Stop Durmas.”

Holly looked behind and she saw another dwarf. It didn’t come out of the tree but from the darknes behind.

Holly heart was beating now since she was unsure whether she was safe anymore.

The dwarf turned around to look at the other dwarf and bowed. It seemed that it was someone important who joined in.

“Little girl. You are not supposed to be here at this time of the night. “He said.

“As you say that I’m as desperate to get to my place and get into my bed to safety. But that girl is dying there. I want someone to help her out. “Holly pleaded.

“She is suffering for the loss that she gave us. We work for our chief by delivering him mirrors. The mirror that she took was special. Our chief got angry when he found a mirror missing and immediately beheaded his brother who had been there to deliver the mirrors. She has to be punished. “He said.

“But it seems she has been punished more than she deserved. “ Holly said.

“What do you mean?”

“By being caged here for all these years, she has missed being with her family, her friends, life complete life. Even if you let her free, she has got nowhere to go with her whole family shattered after she went missing.”

The dwarfs were staring at Holly.

“You have taken everything from her right from her right to laughter to the right to being with her parents who loved her more than her life. All for a mistake she did that she never realised.”

“Let go of the girl.” The elder dwarf said. “She has had enough.”

Holly was surprised and happy at the same time.

“Thank you Sir.” Holy said.

The dwarf went to the girl with Holly and freed her. After a rigorous two nights, Holly came back to the house all tired while the girl was overwhelmed.

The girl whose name was Agatha, was made to go through several sessions with doctors and counsellors to make her herself. A week later Holly’s parents joined her and she told her the entire story. Though they didn’t believe her, they accepted that Agatha could stay with them and give Holly a company.
Holly found a new friend and a sister in Agatha who erased Holly’s loneliness. Both of them had a new task in hand - finding Agatha’s lost family.

No School, No Work!

Brian was a sloppy and a lazy boy of nine years. He wouldn’t listen to his parents or teachers, wouldn’t do his homework and his parents would be upset with his regular complaints from School.

One Sunday,

“Brian, can you take the thrash out?” Brian’s mother called from the kitchen while Brian was still lying on his bed with his comic book.

With no reply from Brian, his mother came over to check on him.

“Brian! Didn’t you hear me?” His mother asked in anger.

“Mom... I don’t want to.”Brian said and turned over to the other side.

“So you did hear me. How can you be so lazy and careless Brian? Your exams are coming in 3 weeks and you are reading
comic? What are you going to go with your life?” His mother reproached.

Brian turned to look at his mother.

“Okay okay... I will take the trash can out.”Brian said getting up sluggishly.

Brian’s mother could only get angry on his reaction and went back to the kitchen.

That night, Brian’s mother didn’t have dinner.

“What happened, dear?” Brian’s father asked.

“I am very concerned with Brian’s behavior. His activities are deteriorating every day. He talks with no respect, nor does he care for anyone.”Brian’s mother said, worried. “He doesn’t help in the house, nor is he interested in his studies. What are we going to do?”

Brian’s father thought for a while and then said, “He needs to be given his own dose of actions. I have given him enough advices and warnings but it seems he will learn the hard way only.” His father said thoughtfully.

“What are you thinking?”Brian’s mother asked looking at his father.

His father looked back with a smirk on his face.

The next day,

Brian woke up when the sunlight touched his face through the window. He stretched himself and looked outside. He could see high traffic on the road and children playing in the garden.

“What time is it?” Brian thought and took his watch from the table to check the time.

“Oh! I’m late!”Brian shouted.

“Mom, I’m late for school... They are not going to let me in today. Where are you?” Brian yelled looking for his towel around.

When Brian got no response, he went into the bathroom.

This was the first time that Brian had prepared himself for School without any help. When Brian was dressed in his school uniform, he came to the kitchen looking for his mother.

“Mom! Where are you? Mom!”Brian called but when he got no response, he got nervous and started looking for his mother all around the house.

Finally when Brian came to the drawing room, he saw both of his parents sitting on the couch watching movie.
“Is it Sunday? “Brian asked surprised.

“Hi Sweetie... Come over and join us. It’s a good movie.”Brian’s mother said.

“What are you guys doing? I’m supposed to be in school right now. Where’s my breakfast?” Brian asked.

“Take it easy son. We discussed and we found that you were right for everything. We have decided to be just like you. We are leaving all our responsibilities and duties behind.”Brian’s father replied.

“So you won’t go to work today?”Brian asked disturbed.

“Today? I’m not going ever!”

“And I’m off my duties as well. You won’t be pressurized to go to school, or to sleep on time, or to eat your vegetables, NOTHING! Be your own boss.” Brian’s mother said popping up popcorn into her mouth.

“But... But...” Brian tried to question but then thought not to and went back to his room.

He was amazed at his parent’s behavior but on the other side was tempted by the days without rules. He could do anything he wanted to; without anyone to scold or punish him.

That complete day Brian spent playing video games and reading comic books.

A day passed by and there was no change at his parent’s end.

The next day, Alen, Brian’s school friends called him on phone.

“Hey Brian, when are you joining school? “Alen asked.

“Well... I’m on a break right now. I’m planning next month.”Brian informed.

“Well, Ms. Rachel informed us in the class that if you don’t join School back tomorrow, your name would be removed from the school. And you know what? They are taking us all to the amusement park next week. You will be missing that. “Alen informed.

Brian was quiet for a while.

“I want to go to the amusement park.” He thought.

“I will be joining you guys to the park.” Brian said on phone.

He went to the living room where his mother was reading a magazine.

Brian stood there for sometime unspoken and then went back to his room. The new rule less life was getting tough on him. No school was fun in the beginning but with that he was missing all the fun and friends. He wasn’t enjoying staying the room, and was bored of having to make his food. Brian wished that he gets his old life back but was guilty since he had now realized what important role his parents had in his life.

The next morning when Brian’s parents woke up to check on Brian, he wasn’t in his room.

“I guess the plan worked. “Brian’s father said in excitement. “But we’ll have to wait another two days. I will call his teacher to ask if he’s in school. “

Brian had left for school on time without waking anyone. He had made his breakfast.

When Brian came back from school, he went to his room, changed, made sandwiches for lunch and did his homework before leaving to play.

A week later,
“Brian, we have something to tell you. “Brian’s father said.

“What dad?” Brian asked.

“You will not be going to school from next month.”He said.

“Why?”Brian asked worried.

“Because your father isn’t working anymore and doesn’t make money to pay your fees.”Brian’s mother informed.

Brian’s eyes were all teary.

“What happened? Isn’t that you wished for? No school, no homework! “Brian’s father said.

“Please don’t do that. I know I have been a bad boy. But I have changed. I got an ‘A’ for my English test yesterday and they all applauded in the class. I don’t want to leave school.” Brian said sobbing.

“How long Brian? In a week, you will get back to being your original self.”His mother said. “Your shoes will be all over the place, your toys will be everywhere, no responsibilities, no studies, complains from school, the embarrassing parents’ teachers meeting...”

“That won’t happen again. I promise Mom...”Brian said “Dad, please go back to work. I would be responsible.”

“Do you swear to it Brian?”Brian’s father asked.

“I promise dad.” Brian replied still tearful.

Brian’s parents looked back at each other and nodded.

“Okay Brian. It will all get back to normal again but this would be your one last chance. “Brian’s father said.
When Brian left, his parents gave out a relieving breath.

“I need to meet his teacher. She has helped us a lot in tracking Brian’s progress in school.”He said.

That day onwards, there was no scolding or shouting on Brian. He acted as a responsible boy who studied well and managed his part of the work at house. It all made life easy for his parents and Brian. The only regret Brian had been that he hadn’t helped himself sooner.

The Woodcutter

Once upon a time, in a small village, lived a woodcutter named Salim. He was very poor and stayed in a little hut with his wife.

The money he made by selling woods was hardly enough for their daily living.

The usual schedule of Salim included him reaching the forest early in the morning so he could select and cut enough trees before it was hot.

He would then come back to his hut and rest for a while before he could go to the market with the woods to sell them off. Most of the money made by him after selling the woods was spent in buying provisions for dinner.

One day, Salim left his hut as usual. He cut down a tree which took twice the time he takes.

“This is a unfortunate day! I selected the wrong and hard tree which took most of my time.“

Salim stacked the woods he had cut and moved ahead with his axe in hand.

“Just one more tree and I’m good to go. It’s already late and I need to hurry back. “ Salim thought.

After some searching Salim went near a tall glorious tree.

“This looks perfect and won’t take much time.”

With that, Salim put up his axe and hit hard on the trunk of the tree. When he pulled his axe back to hit it again, he heard a voice.

“Please don’t cut down this tree!“

Salim looked above to find a bird sitting on one of the branches of the tree.

“Don’t disturb me foolish bird. I’m trying to make my living. “ Salim said.

“By cutting off this tree, you will be destroying my abode. Please do not do that. “ The bird said.

“You will have to find another residence bird. Right now, I’m not in a position to stop my work. I’m already late and you are disturbing me. “

“I see you disturbed with your living and I can help you with that. “

Salim looked at the bird curious and asked, “How?”

“I’m a magical bird. I come here in the woods once a year to revive my powers through this tree. If you promise to now cut this down, I will make you rich so you will never have to work again. “ The bird explained.

Salim thought for a while and then said, “I will listen to you but if you don’t succeed in that, I will surely cut this tree down.”

The bird continued, “Go back to your hut and look in to the fireplace. Remove all the waste and down you will find a pot. Open it up and you will find treasure which will make you rich. “

Salim was exited and as was about to turn back, the bird said,” Wait. Before you do that, you will have to promise me a thing.”

“What is that glorious bird?”Salim asked.

“You will have to promise that you will come back to meet me this day of every year. “

“I have spent most of my time in this forest dear bird. I will surely come back to see you and thank you for what you did for me. “ Said he and left.

Salim was almost running on his way to home. When his wife saw Salim so tired and sweaty she got worried.

“What happened to you?”She asked. “Where are the woods?”

“We won’t need them. Come help me with a task. “ Salim said and reached the fireplace.

He removed all the ashes while his wife kept staring surprisingly.

“What are you doing?”She asked.

Salim said nothing and continued with his work. And finally after removing all the ashes, he could see a brass pot there.
It took all his strength to get the pot out. When he finally did, his wife was surprised and Salim was laughing with happiness.

Salim opened up the pot and both of them were astounded to see what it was filled with. It contained silver, gold and diamond jewellery and utensils.

“How did it get there Salim?”Salim’s wife asked and he narrated the complete story with her.

By the end both were speechless and kept staring at the jewellery.
In few days, Salim and his wife were living in a big and beautiful house with house maids and mens to help with.
They were now one of the riches people in the village.

Salim was thankful for what they got that the following day he visited the tree to thank the bird but it was no longer there.

“I will make sure that I come back here next year to thank the bird. “ And Salim left.

An year passed and this time Salim entered the forest on the carriage followed by six workers. As they neared the tree, Salim asked the carriage to stop as he didn’t want others to know their secrets.
He walked the distance to the tree and called the bird.

The bird came out of its need and sat on a branch.

“I see that you are a happier man now. “The bird said.

“It’s all because of you dear bird. I’m not sure how to thank you for all this. “ Salim said.

“You don’t need to kind man. Just make sure that you come and meet me every year. That would stand for your thankfulness. “The bird said.

The bird wished good luck to Salim and flew back while Salim returned to his house on the carriage; this time with no sweat or tiredness.
He remembered the days when he worked in the sun to get some woods. The days when no one would buy his wood and they had to sleep hungry.

Four years passed and with money and luxury came pride and arrogance. Salim would sit around the house all day and only instruct his workers to do his tasks.

The hardworking Salim was changed to a high profile bug tummy man.

One day, as Salim and his wife were having lavish dinner, his wife said, “You are to visit the woods tomorrow to meet the bird. “

“The bird, right. I think I won’t be go this time. “ Salim said.

“Why not?”Asked his wife.

“Tomorrow I’m visiting a land that I’m planning to buy. “ Salim said.

Few days passed and soon the family started to lose the money. The land that they were planning to buy was bought by someone else at a higher price.
The food stored were all spoiled and rotten. Somehow the money kept being spent on unknown items. To pay for the workers, Salim had to take debts. Soon all of them left.

Eventually, they had to sell the house to pay all the debts. And in the end they came back to the hut where they stayed previously.

Salim regretted and his wife blamed him for all the loss. Salim, once again became wood cutter and waited for the day that he could see the bird again.
Salim couldn’t sleep the night before he was to meet the bird.

He got up early and reached the woods. He had even forgotten to get his axe this time.
As he reached the tree, Salim shouted, “Bird, O Bird where are you! I had been waiting only for you. “

As soon as he said that, the bird flew again to sit on a branch of the tree.

“It is so comforting and peaceful to see you once again dear bird.”Salim said.

“I do not think you thought that way last year. “ The bird replied.

“Dear bird, please forgive me. I was taken aback by my pride and ego. Now I have learnt the lesson. Please help me. I cannot live like this forever. ”

“You learnt the lesson after you lost everything. The reason I asked you to meet me every year was, by coming to these trees, you will remember your roots and the luxury won’t take over you. There is nothing I can do for you. You should leave. “ The bird said.

“Please help me dear bird. I cannot live as a wood cutter forever. “ Salim said with teary eyes.

“Okay. But you will have to make the same promise once again to meet me on this day every year. “The bird said.

“I will do that. I will do that birdie. “ Salim replied.

“Then go home and search through your cupboard, you will find something there that will help you save your life. “ Said the bird and it flew away.

Salim walked back home smiling and informed his wife of his meet with the bird. Both of them searched the cupboard and in one of the corners behind the clothes, they found two gold necklaces.

Salim and his wife were taken aback when they saw how little they had this time. But instead of pointing out, they decided to make a living with the jewellery.
Salim sold off the jewellery and bought a grocery shop with the amount of money he got from them.
Though this time they weren’t living luxurious, but the grocery shop gave enough money to make a decent life that Salim wanted.

Also Salim made it a point that he visited the woods to meet the bird and sometimes with his wife.

The Change

“Michelle, Don’t go too far dear.” Jessica called to her eight years old daughter who ran out of the house.

Jessica and Mark Young, both worked for an NGO who were dedicated to protecting the nature.
They lived in a beautiful house that looked more like a greenhouse with plants in and out of the house, at a distance from the city.

Living in the greens was not new to Michelle who had actually grown up with animals and plants.
On vacations when her friends visited amusement parks, Michelle was taken to the zoo or a wild life safari.

Michelle ran all the way from between the trail that divided the garden area in various parts to the large banyan tree she loved to visit mostly because she could use the falling strings as swings.

“Hello tree.” Michelle called to the giant banyan tree which offered several hands to hang on.

“Yesterday while I told dad about you, he said your seeds are not sown. Did you know that? Birds might have dropped you from above on another tree or plants through which you grow up. Isn’t that amazing?” Michelle informed as she walked around the tree touching each of the vines.

Suddenly Michelle’s attention was grabbed by something unusual. She moved closer to a small plant that stood in between many others below the giant tree.

Michelle touched a leaf of the plant to look at its underside. There she saw a green oval shaped object that had glued itself to the leaf.

As had her parents told her, nature gives you surprises and when you see anything peculiar, you should never disturb it or you could be disturbing nature.

Michelle slowly let off the leaf and it gained its normal position. Michelle looked at the leaf for a while to check if anything moved at all.

Astonished Michelle, from that day on, she would visit the plant every day to water it.
Her main intention was that whatever was happening to the plant should be protected. She would sit down and talk to the plant and the banyan tree.

On a particular afternoon, she came with the watering can to the plant and after watering the roots, she sat down right beside it.

“You know what happened Pupa?” Pupa was the name given to the hanging on the plant.

Michelle continued, “Dad and Mum were saying that we shall be moving to another city this weekend. Their organisation has started a new office there and they want them to look after it. They say it’s good since it will help me with my studies with better schools there. “

Michelle’s face was now sunken in sadness,” This means I won’t be able to see you guys after that. I asked dad if we could visit you but they say this land will be given to some other people who would take care of you better.”

After that day, Michelle made a point to visit the plant and the banyan tree as often as she could.

On the morning of their departure, Michelle arrived at the place early to spend more of the time with her friends. She hung on the banyan tree veins and sang the songs she thought made the tree happy. After an hour or so she sat near the plant to talk to Pupa.

“Common Michelle, Its time we leave.” Jessica called.

“Coming mom...” Michelle answered.

Then turning back to Pupa, Michelle said,” I’m gonna miss you too Pupa. Don’t worry you will be fine. I have asked the tree to look after you when it rains and even when the wind blows. Both of you stay happy and don’t forget me okay? “

Michelle bid her final good bye to the plants and trees around and ran back to her house.

As she went away, Pupa moved itself and two large colourful wings opened up.

The little held up Pupa was now a new transformed Butterfly. It dashed its new pair of wings few times before it finally few up to sit on the leaf of the banyan tree.

Moral: Nothing is constant other than change.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

The Monk

“All what God made is good.” Said the Monk.

People say the Monk who entered the city two days back walked all the way from the Himalayas on bare foot and is over 100 years old.
Some say he is fake who only wants to make some money by fooling the unfortunates.

Currently sitting under the shades of the large Neem tree (Margosa Tree), he had already made some followers which majorly included senior people and spiritual housewives. He is wearing a white dhoti and sitting in the position of Padmasana. He exhibit himself physically strong though few wrinkles on his face also depicts his age which is not yet clear.

He is listening to the queries made by the disciple quietly and answers each of them with calmness and serenity.

“If all what God made is good, then why do people suffer from diseases?” asked an old man from the group.

“The illness you face is all created by humans. God said you need water, food and shelter but in greed, humans went beyond their needs to gratify himself. He discovered money, he discovered jobs for money, he discovered luxury. As a conclusion, what does he have? Is he satisfied? God gave man family for company. Does he have enough time for his relations?

The discoveries, the inventions are all unnecessary. He asked you to walk your way and he invented Bicycle, Scooters, Cars and more luxuries cars. What happened?
God asked him to plough fields to grow food for him and his family. What did he do? He sits and works for 9 to 10 hours a day somewhere away from his blood. Not just for the food he needs, something more, extra. He eats unwanted processed food which is not digested because he cannot move his body. He travels only in luxury. What happens? He becomes vulnerable. He loses immunity. He becomes sick and diseased. Is he satisfied yet? No.”

The disciples looks at each other in agreement. Few close their eyes in concentration. One of the old man simply cries.

The Monk asks the old man,” What happened dear child.”

“I had recently married. I had my old parents, one sister and now a wife to look after. I thought I would find a good job in the city and earn some money. Eventually I moved. My wife wanted to join me but we decided on first getting me everything settled in the town first then them call her up. I went away.” The old man’s eyes were all teary and voice trembling. “ I spent around 3-5 months looking for the right job and when I actually found one, I wanted to get a house. It took almost a year for me to settle myself. I sent most of my money home. Since it was a new office, I couldn’t take much leave to visit home. I went the next year to get my sister married and got my wife with me to the city. An year later I had a child. I was so lost in making money that I didn’t know what mistakes I was making in life. Two years later my mother died. My father died two months later in shock. I couldn’t even make it to their funeral. My child grew up and went away with his own life. And my wife died when I was away for work. Today I have nothing. I stay here all alone. I worked my entire life making a life while in actual I was losing it bit by bit.”

After the session was over, the Monk would sit with his eyes closed in meditation for hours. Every noon the session was conducted.

One day it started raining. It rained for many days and the city began to lose focus. People were running around to save their lives while the Monk was still meditating under the rain.

One of the villager came crying to the Monk and said, “O holy spirit, please save us. Please save us from destruction.”

The Monk slowly opened his eyes to see the chaos all around. People shouting and running for shelter.

The Monk said, “Only nature can save you.”

“Nature brought the destruction. How will it save us?” asked the villager.

“You see that forest there?” The Monk pointed in a direction. “ The soil of that forest has enough gift to take in the water . Move there and you shall not drown.”

The villager ran towards the village to get other evacuate the place and move to the dense forest.

As the villagers reached the forest, each of them found themselves shelter beneath the trees while the water was sucked in by the good soil.

Once the rain stopped after few hours, the villagers came out of the forest. The Village was heavily damaged but the people were happy to feel that there were no lives taken away by the calamity.

One of the village came to the location were the Monk sat and he was still there in meditation. Everyone bowed before the Monk with respect and from then on, the Monk was followed by everyone and to each of their surprise, with the simple lessons that the Monk gave, they could not be more happier.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Shambhu And His Greed

Once upon a time there lived Shambhu with his wife Shanti in a small village.
He owned a big house and earned well for a living. The only issue Shambhu had was that he was very greedy.

He tried to save money through everything; by not buying good clothes, or getting his house polished or be it the regular cooking gas.

Shanti was forced to live a pitiful life even though she knew they were rich enough to live a decent life.

One day Shanti gave Shambhu a list to buy some kitchen essentials.

Shanti was sitting at the door when Shambhu came back.
She loosened up when she saw a pack in Shanbhu’s hand.

“Thank God. He got the ingredients I asked for.”

“It is so hot out there.” Shambhu said as he handed over the package to Shanti.

Shanti smiled and took over the shopping bag from Shambhu's hand to look in to it.
Her face stiffed.

"I asked for sugar and you got Jaggery; not enough for a day!"

“You don't know the price of sugar. Try managing with Jaggery." Shambhu replied.

"And what about the coffee I asked you to get?"

"Oooohhh!! I asked for 10gms of coffee powder and the shopkeeper asked for the price of gold. I thought it was better to not get any. I don’t want coffee from now on."

"My God!! Your greediness will kill both of us.” Shanti exclaimed hopelessly.

Shanti got water for Shambhu and continued.

“That Patils have called us for dinner tomorrow night. What should I tell them?"

"Dinner? Sure we'll go. I am always available for free food." Shambhu winked.

Shanti was furious but said nothing. This was very usual for Shanti to react.

Few days later, Shambhu was sitting under a large tree that stood in front of his house. It was hot but he wouldn't go in to the house to save electricity bill.

"Shambhu, Shambhu ..." Shambhu heard his name getting called from a distance.

Shambhu looked in to the direction of the sound.

It was Tullu who was running towards Shambhu.

Shambhu looked at Tullu and it showed that the guy had run a long distance and was all sweaty and weary.

"What's the matter Tullu? Why are you panting?" Shambhu asked.

“I just came to inform...” Tallu said still gasping for breath “that there's treasure in the village.”

“Treasure?” Shambhu stood up astonished.

Shanti came out of the house as she heard the voices from outside.
She saw Tullu and came closure to both of them to overhear what was going on.

“I heard some people say that the forest nearby our village comprise of a huge tree which has a hidden door at the back.” Tallu secretly informed as Shambhu and Shanti stood patiently surprised “The door opens only once a year.”

“This is all rumour.” Shanti said.

“No. It is not.” Tallu continued “How do you think Shyam got so rich in a day? He left the village and went to stay in the city. All from the silver, gold, diamonds he got from the tree.”

“Then why only him? There could be many people getting rich in the whole day.” Shanti argued.

“They say the door opens only for sometime at 12:00 AM at night and will only allow one person. Anyone entering the tree cellar after that will turn to ashes. So people are generally frightened to take risks. “

All the while Shambhu was only listening to the story with no queries to ask.

Shanti looked at Shambhu and she was frightened to think of the evilness that could be running in his mind.

There was complete silence for another few seconds.

After a while Shambhu asked,” When does the cellar open next?”

“This Friday night.” Tullu said.

“No. You are not going.” Shanti said with fear in her voice.

And Shambhu smiled.

Friday was three days away and Shambhu locked himself in a room and spent sleepless nights thinking on the way to get the maximum treasure in the available time.

Shanti was upset and fearful of the risk involved. She knew that there was nothing that she could say to make Shambhu change his mind.

On Friday night, as Shambhu left he took a big heavy plastic vessel in his hand. Shanti watched him leave with tears filled in her eyes.

Two days later, when Shambhu didn’t come back, people in the village started looking for him. Some said, he was converted to ashes by the forest witch while some said he ran away with the treasure found, never to come back.

Shanti couldn't stop crying. Some of the villagers went to the forest to look for Shambhu.

They were surprised to find what they saw.

What happened was, before the clock hit 12:00 AM, Shambhu covered himself with a hard glue all over his body.
As soon as the door opened, Shambhu ran in to the cellar and jumped on the lump of silver, gold, diamonds lying around. He rolled all over and as he realized that he was completely covered in the valuables, he ran out.

He laughed and jumped in happiness and darted towards the village. But as soon as the hard glue settled, he got stuck and wasn't able to move. He tried with all his strength but all in vain. His lips were glued so heard that he could only make small noise that wouldn't help him.

The scene of Shambhu standing in the running pose in the middle of the forest surprised the villagers. They got closer to him and saw him covered him in jewels and valuables. They plucked out as much items off him as they could and saved it for themselves. Later they decided to call his wife.

Shanti got the news of her husband and she ran to the forest. She saw Shambhu stuck to the earth.

Shanti went near him. And Shambhu, as he saw Shanti, tears fell down his eyes.

Both of them were relieved to find each other safe.

With the help of the villagers and after a day of rigorous efforts, Shambhu was finally able to move.

By this time, he had realized that no luxury or money could replace the love and company of his family.

From that day on, Shambhu decided to live a life well deserved by him and his wife.

Fortunate for his wife, Shambhu was a changed man, away from the greed and being mingy to a generous man whom everyone loved.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Secret of the Mango trees

There was a village named Memboo. There was a huge ground in the village which spread to over 4 miles in diameter. The ground was surrounded by houses and buildings. There were two mango trees right in the middle of the ground.

A couple Rose and Steward and their teenage daughter Emily had recently moved to the village. One day Rose asked her daughter Emily to get some items for their new home. She gave her 100 bucks for the purchase.

Emily got out of the house and looked in all directions. She saw few stores at the other end of the ground. She decided to take a short distance route. She chose to cross the ground to the other end. As she stood at this end, she could see the entire flat ground all to herself. There was no one on it, not even children playing during this time of the vacation.

“I wonder why this ground is not used at all.” Emily thought and started walking.

It was noon and hot sun blazed above her head. After few minutes of walk, Emily wanted to take a break. With no shades to hide in, Emily saw the Mango trees at a distance and decided to rest under the tree gloom for some time.

“Ooff! It is so hot out there.” Emily said. “Look at all those mangoes hanging above! Surprising there are no owners here. “

Emily sat down under one of the trees and looked around. In a while, she was asleep.

Emily was woken up by a sound and as she looked around, “Oh, Its late. I should run.”

Emily ran to the store and bought the required items. On the billing counter, as she was asked for the cash, she searched her wallet and she found that she had only 10 bucks.

“My Money! Where did it go!” Emily said astonished.

“What happened young lady?” The old man at the counter asked.

“I had 100 bucks and there’s only 10 bucks left.” Emily replied, still searching.

“You must have spent it somewhere and forgot.” The old man said.

“No. The only place I stopped on the way was the mango trees in the middle of the ground.”

“Oh! You shouldn’t have gone there.” Said the old man.

“Why?” Asked Emily.

“Nobody goes there. There are many stories of people getting hard luck when they sit under the Mango trees. Some say there are some creatures on the tree and some others say the trees bring bad luck. “

“No matter what. I will have to go back there to get my money back.” Emily confirmed. “Will you keep my items here till I come back.?”

“Sure. But I would suggest you don’t go that place again.” The old man said.

“Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. I need to get my money back. “ Said Emily and left the store.

Emily had mixed feelings. She was less scared and more livid of whatever had taken her money. She walked faster than before and reached the trees.

She looked above searching if there was anyone, might be a thief sitting up on the tree.

“Hello.. I know there is someone here. Listen, I want my money back right now!” Emily shouted.

She waited for some moments trying to listen to any noise. When she didn’t hear anything, she took a deep breath and looked down.

Emily was surprised to see what she saw.

“My money!” Emily shouted.

She sat down on her knees and saw the currency notes folded into various shapes and scattered.

“Wow! The shapes are really good. I assume that this one is a duck, this one a monkey, this is hmmm...” Emily said as she picked up the notes one by one. “I cannot identify what this is.”

“That’s a slow monkey, one that stays in the bamboo forests.”

Emily looked above and she saw a Monkey. It was too hard to identify in the beginning as the size of the creature was hardly 3-4 inches.

“Oh! Hi.. You...you can talk!“ Emily took back a few steps as she said.

“We are miniature monkeys.” The little creature said. “ People here around also call us the unlucky monkeys.”

“Why haven’t I ever heard about you before?”

“Well, that’s because we don’t exist anymore. “ The creature said while sitting on the branch with his tiny legs hanging.

“Thousands years back, there was a time when no one died. As a person or animal got older, they shrank to smaller sizes. And as they shrank, the younger ones found them to be useless and so they put the shrunken ones in Jars and dig them deep in to the earth. When the concept of death actually came in, these little ones in the jars were eaten by the warms and other creatures. We are some of the few left out.”

“How did you become the unlucky ones for the people around?” Emily asked in curiosity.

“Well, initially too many people came close by and many tried to kill us. Some wanted to experiment on us. When we had enough, to save ourselves, we decided that we should stay away. A guy stayed under the tree for a night and we took his belongings while he was asleep. The funds he had then was later found to be kept for his daughter’s marriage. He declared this tree as unlucky. Then there were few people who came here for shades. We exhibited ourselves and they thought this place is haunted. Few more incidents and we were left all alone.”

“Are you happy with what you did?”

“We aren’t completely happy but see, today, people are more selfish and they are looking for benefits all around. If we hadn't done the impolite acts, they might have killed us, or done something terrible.”

“Then why did you talk to me then?” Emily asked.

“With thousands of years of experience, we can now identify between the bad and the evil. We did not need your money. It is of no use to us. We saw your currency lying about and we thought we could have some fun. We wish that you don’t inform others of us. “

“Will it be okay if I come to visit you guys? I’m sure you will have many more stories to tell.”

“Sure little girl. Even we are eager to meet new people. Next time you come around, can you get us some new fruits. We are bored eating Mangoes all the time. “

Emily giggled and said, “Sure I will. O, its late. I should leave.”

“Bye young lady. You take care.”

“Bye...”

And Emily went back to the store, kept the mystery existing with the old guy, brought her stuff back home.

“Was the store too far sweetie..” Emily’s mother asked.

“A little mum. But I love this place more.” Emily smiled and stood at the window sill from where she could see the Mango trees right in the middle of the ground.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

The MONKS - In the Restaurant

One day the MONKS decided to visit a restaurant for lunch.

“I have heard that the restaurant is too good.” Milo said.

“We are not having cheese. Look at me. I don’t want to grow stout.” Shails replied.

OS who was listening to the music on her iPod, heard Shails talk and answered “But I want to have cheese...”

“I want to have cheese dripping dishes as well.” Kavita joined.

“Let’s just visit the restaurant and then decide.” Nicha said.

In this way the MONKS hired an Auto and reached the restaurant.

“It’s too hot. I do not want to get tanned outside.” Shails said.

“Poor Shails.” OS responded.

“We are not going to stay out forever. C’mon in. “ Millo replied and lead the rest of the chipmunks in to the restaurant.

The MONKS entered the restaurant. There were more than few people in there.

“I see an empty seat there.” Kavita said.

“No. It has no tissue. We shall sit here.” Millo said as she pointed to a table.

They all sat on the table.

After few minutes.

“Where is the Menu? Why have we not yet been server with water?” Milo shouted angrily.

Suddenly a waiter came up holding a menu and waited for the order.

“Hmmm. So what are we having?”

“I want Pav Bhaji.” OS said.

“Baked Marconi with extra cheese.” Milo and Nicha said together.

“No cheese for me! I would have... hmm... Plain Uttapam.”

“Okay what do you want Kavita?” Nicha asked.

Kavita was now nowhere to see.

“Where did she go?” OS asked looking around, about to cry.

“I was in the Kitchen. I wanted to see what was being made fresh.” Kavita said, still invisible. “I would have a Pav Bhaji as well.”

The order was given and they waited.

Around 20 minutes passed.

“I need water and where is the food?” Milo asked furiously.

“Calm down Milo... The order would be here. “ OS said alarmed with the expressions of Millo.

“The table looks so gross as well. Can’t even put my hands down.” Shails said drying her fingernails.

After sometime when the order had still not arrived, Millo got up from her chair and shouted towards a waiter standing nearby.

“Are we gonna have the food delivered today? We have not even been served water the fourth time.”

Waiters were all alerted and everyone ran into each other in the hustle to complete the order.

The food was brought in.

“Oooooo... too much of cheese.” Shails grumbled.

“Let us just get this done with and leave.” Nicha said.

Eventually Millo would wither shout for Tissues or water.

When the lunch was over, everyone looked at each other and smiled.

“This was good.” Kavita said.

Milo continued,” We should come here often.”

And everyone laughed to the restaurant staff’s worry.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Hope, Destiny and Hardwork

Three friends Hardwork, Hope and Destiny were sitting in the room studying for their exams the next day.

Hope said," I have hope that the exam paper will be easy or the exams may gets postponed."

Destiny replied, "Whatever the situation of the exams, you will only get what you have in your destiny."

Hope and Destiny looked at Hardwork who was drowned in to his book.

"What do you think hardwork?"

Hardwork, flapping the page to the next replied, "I think I will try to complete with my studies."

The next day the exam was over and Hardwork was very happy with his performance.

The results were declared a few days later. While Hardwork scored well, both Hope and Destiny could only regret.

Moral: You create hope and destiny with your hardwork. They don't create you.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Parents-Teachers Meet

Parents Teachers meeting was day-after-tomorrow and Sally had still not informed her parents yet.

Rosie, classmate of Sally asked her, “Sally, why haven’t you told them yet? Is it because of your low grades?”

Sally said, “You know Rosie, coming from a middle class family and studying in this international school, it is embarrassing for me to get my parents here. They are not like your parents. They do not dress well, cannot talk appropriately to the teachers, they do not understand how it is.”



Rosie asked,” You are embarrassed with your parents? That is so weird.”

Sally replied, “You won’t understand the feeling. I wish I had parents like you have. They are educated, sophisticated and presentable.”

Rosie said,” I guess we should talk to my elder sister Katie. She might have a solution. “

Rosie and Sally went to meet Katie. After listening to the complete story,

Katie said,” Hmmm... I do not know if you should be embarrassed.”

Sally asked,” What do you mean Katie.”

“I think it is your parents who should be embarrassed with you. I mean what is the point giving your child all that they cannot afford? I see your father leaving home around six in the morning, running a taxi the entire day so that he can earn some money and pay for his child’s international school fees. They cannot buy good clothes since they are to pay for your clothes to make you look presentable. Instead of all that they are doing, you have low grades and on top of that you are embarrassed of them. “

Sally looked down at the ground self-conscious and feeling guilty.

Katie continued,” I guess you should talk to your parents and leave your school. You should join a local government school which doesn't cost heavens. And the best part is you won’t feel embarrassed for your parents.”

Sally was in tears and said,” I am sorry Katie. I did not think all that. My parents work so hard for me and I took them all wrong.”

Katie held Sally and hugged her.

“It is fine dear. But remember that what a child’s parents does to a child is all for their goodness. You should never judge them by their looks or luxury. They are trying to give you the best and you should always be thankful to them for all they did for you. Today when you reach home, tell your mother and father how thankful you are to have them in your life.”

Sally said,” I will Katie. I will.”

Ans that was exactly what Katie did when she reached home.

She hugged her father, kissed him on his cheek and thanked him to being the best father ever. She went in to the kitchen where her mother was cutting salads. She hugged and kissed her and told her that she was the best mother ever.

Lesson to learn: Your parents may not be what you expected them to be. But you can be what they expect out of you. Respect and love your parents and they will always love and stay by you.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Save the Green

Sally went to the gardener and asked, “O gardener, O gardener. Why did you become a gardener?”

Gardener replied, “O my little child. People are destroying trees and plants to create buildings and factories.
What they do not know is these concrete buildings would not make the future. Without these green plants and trees, there will only be global warming, more diseases. Species of birds are flying away.
I am trying to make sure that I do my part for the nature.”

Sally said,” O gardener, O gardener... Will you teach me gardening?”

Gardener smiled and replied,” O my dear child. Please stay here with me and I will tell you how. “

Plants and trees bring shades and many are used in making medicines.
We need to make sure that we plant whenever wherever we can.
One choice is to make sure that you plant at least one on your birthday.
A plant can also be your pet that you can take care of and love.


© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Autobiography of a Cockroach

"You are not going out now."

"But mom.."

"I said NO."

This is how Mom reacts every time I want to go out and play.

I am a cockroach. Mom says we as what we are, should stay together in a group since humans- the giants do not like us and are always on the lookout to kill us.

Last time, in my enthusiasm to know more about humans, while my parents were sleeping in the darkness, in the basement waterpipe, I slowly went out all through the narrow pipe to the kitchen sink.

I have seen some of my friends do this before for adventure. The narrowed pipe is slimy with the dirt the humans push down, and dark, exactly how I love it to be.

As I reached the tiny holes, I could hear some noise of dishes and water. I tried to peep up through the hole when I suddenly saw a large human lady screaming. I got out of the hole to the sink area and she was still yelling loud. Later I realized that she was shouting on my view.



"I do not look so bad lady! Mom says I'm one of the best, good looking guy in our community. Why are you yelling as if you just saw a rat?"



Suddenly I saw a giant man who came running at the woman's call and I saw a bottle in his hand.

I knew what it was and I ran for my life back in to the hole. I ran and ran for my life. Right behind I heard the sound of the bottle being sprayed into the hole.

I continued running till I reached the other opening and took a turn. That smell could kill me. I do not understand why they want to kill us.


Mom says one of my uncle survived a giant man's foot. They should respect us as the one's who existed on early even before 40-50 million years ago but they hate us and run after us sometimes with a broom, or a shoes or slipper and other times with pest spray. It was good that the giant used the spray instead of drowning and burning me with hot water poured down the sink. Dad says our genes are strong enough to live for next 40-50 million years more. What do the giants know?


After munching on my slimy dead lunch shared by all, brought by dad and uncles, I wanted to go out and take a break from the darkness but mom wouldn't let me. During day time, we are supposed to keep hidden at the dark, dusty and dirty back corner of the tables, beds or basement pipes while at night with all giants asleep, we are free to move around though with care under supervision. That's the time when our uncles gather most of the food for the day time.



Once it happened that while searching for food, one of the giants woke up and one of my eldor cousin was crushed under his heavy leg. Without much to do, we all ran about to save our lives in the darkness; some ran to hide in to the corners, some under the couch. After sometime we saw my cousin's body being taken away by a group of ants. There was nothing we could do. But it hurts to see the partiality made between us and those ants. They are run after to be killed. And then there are flies and mosquitoes. They always keep bragging with the stories when they sat on a human or taste their blood. Life as a cockroach is touch. In my next birth, I would like to be one of those giants and play a major role bringing a revolution in the lives of Cockroaches. Hail to Cockroaches!

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Rosie learns a lesson

Rosie and Charmi were neighbours and close friends in School.

Rosie came from a middle class family while Charmi had a luxurious house.

Both of them walked home together from school.

One day when Rosie was walking by, she met Tom.

Tom said, “Hello Rosie.”

“Hi Tom”

Tom asked, “Do you stay nearby?”

“Yes I do. There is my house.” Rosie pointed to her house.

Being at a distance, Tom misunderstood Charmi’s house as belonging to Rosie.

He said, “Wow. You have a beautiful house there. I didn't know you were so rich. I will come to play at your house some day. “
Instead of correcting Tom, Rosie said, “Sure”

From that day on, Rosie found it easy and comforting to lie.

She lied to her parents about school grades, lied to her friends about the places she visited.

She thought, “Lies are easy”

One day as Rosie and Charmi were leaving from School, Tom said, “Hey Rosie, can I come to your house to play today?”

Rosie lied, “No Tom. We are going out today. You can come at some other time.”

Charmi replied, “Tom, why don’t you come to my house to play today.”

Tom said, “Sure. I will join you right away.”

Rosie didn't know what to say and went silent all the way.

As they reached near the house gate, Charmi said, “Here is my house Tom. Common in.”

Tom said,” This is Rosie’s house.”

“No it is not. This is my house.” Charmi said and pointed to Rosie’s house beside. “That is Rosie’s house.”

Tom looked at Rosie and said,” Rosie you lied to me.”

Rosie felt guilty. Tom and Charmi went to play while Rosie walked to her house.

“We were waiting for you Rosie.” It was Rosie’s mother.

“I called your teacher today. You lied to us about your grades?”



Rosie was punished for her lie and from that day on, Rosie decided never to lie.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Beauty doesn’t make friends

There were two girls Jilly and Jolly.

Jilly was fair toned, thin and beautiful while Jolly was dark and plump.

Jilly paid too much attention to her beauty, disrespected and lied to elders while Jolly made sure that she was good in studies, never lied and respected others.

Jilly often made fun of Jolly for her look while Jolly tried never to hurt her.

One day while in School, teacher said, “Students, we are having a quiz competition today. Please choose your partners and we shall start.”

Jilly asked Liza,” Liza, will you be my partner for the quiz?”

Liza said,” No. With you I will lose the competition. I want to make a pair with Jolly.”

Jilly asked few of her other friends but all of them denied.

Jilly felt disheartened and sat at her desk in tears.

Suddenly she heard a voice, “Jilly, will you be my partner for the competition?”

Jilly looked above and saw that it was Jolly. Even though she had hurt Jolly so many time, when Jolly saw Jilly crying, she came to her.

From that day on, Jilly made sure that she never hurts anyone for their looks and concentrated on being a better human being.



© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Hygiene keeps pain away

Tom did not like brushing his teeth every day.

When asked by his mother, Tom would say, “Mom, I have brushed my teeth.”

Days went by and one day when Tom was in School, one of his friends said, “Ewww... Tom, your mouth stinks. Don’t you brush your teeth every day?”

All of his friends started laughing at him.

After some days, Tom’s father got some ice-cream home.

Mom gave a large scoop of ice-cream to Tom. Tom took the ice-cream full in the spoon to his mouth and started crying out loud.

Tom’s father helped Tom clean up while Tom was still crying with the pain and asked him to open up his mouth. Tom’s dad found one of Tom’s teeth gone black which meant it was rotten.

The next day Tom was taken to the dentist and had to go through the pain to clean up his teeth.

From that day on, Tom ensured that he brushed his teeth twice a day.




© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.