Mamata and Meena were both brilliant girls. Both did well in studies. Both took part in sports and acted in school plays. Both were equally liked by their classmates and teachers.

The examination results were out. In the annual exam result, marks from monthly tests were also counted. Mamata stood first, scoring over Meena by ten marks. She was given the gold medal. Meena got the silver.

That night Meena could not sleep. How could Mamata be better than her? The thought kept troubling Meena endlessly. There must be some way to make the others believe that she was better than Mamata. A wicked plan soon took shape in Meena’s head.

The next morning Meena took her father’s expensive golden pen to school. `This is the prize I got from my father for doing well in class,’ she told the girls. Everyone admire the pen.

But as soon as the science class was over, there was chaos in the class. Meena’s pen was missing from her bag. Someone had stolen it. `I have to find my pen. It is of great value to me and it is worth a lot on money,’ shouted Meena. `I don’t care if have to go through the bags of all the girls but the pen has to be found!’ the girls looked upset but agreed to Meena’s demand. The search began. Meena offered her bag to Meena with a smile.

`I am sorry Mamata but please understand my plight,’ said Meena looking into Meena bag.

`O my God! Here is my pen! How could you do it, Mamata? How could you steal?’ went on Meena.

Mamata was totally dumb-founded. Tears ran down her cheeks and she stood like a statue. The girls looked at one another. Just then the Geography teacher entered the class and everyone become quiet.

After that life became miserable for Mamata. No one would ask her to join them. Mamata was left alone and termed a `thief’. She had no one talk to and no one to play with.

One day the class teacher found Mamata sitting alone in the classroom during the break.

`What’s the matter, Mamata? Are you feeling ok?’ asked teacher.

Mamata could not hold herself any more. She told the whole incident to the teacher. The teacher listened to Mamata patiently.

The next day Meena was asked questions. Meena was scared. She confessed that she herself had placed the pen in Mamata’s bag while everyone was in the play ground.

The principal gave Meena a warning and told her never to make such a mistake again. She was made to apologize to Mamata in front of the whole class, so that the other girls would realize that Mamata was innocent. Meena had learnt a lesson for life.