THE usual hustle bustle was heard in the first class of the day, which subsided as the teacher entered. After the greetings, children settled on their seats while it was clear that Ms Sara had an announcement to make. The children looked at her expectantly. Ms Sara was everyone’s favourite and the students looked forward to her classes.

“We’re going to have a surprise test today, in the last period!” Ms Sara announced. This wasn’t the kind of news the children were expecting. After all, who welcomes tests? Murmurs and groans were heard.

“Silence everyone,” Ms Sara said a little impatiently. “It is just a small multiple choice questions test, really just a revision! Don’t create a fuss about it.”

With that the class became silent and started to go through their books as they all wanted to please their teacher and secure good marks. In the far end of the class sat Bushra, her face had gone pale and she was really worried. Nobody was noticing her. Bushra had been irregular since few weeks and was already behind in class work, she had not studied much and was surely not ready for this unexpected test. But just like every student, she wanted to remain in Ms Sara’s good books.

‘I must think of some definite way to do well in this test,’ she told herself. Bushra couldn’t concentrate on any of the lessons. Her mind constantly shifted to the surprise test. ‘If I don’t pass this test, I will be humiliated in front of the whole class,’ she thought as she was almost in tears.

Suddenly she had an idea — she would steal the question paper from Ms Sara’s office at lunch time. At recess, Bushra tiptoed inside Ms Sara’s office. Nobody was there. She quickly went up to the drawer and found the question paper. With her heart thumping against her chest, she grabbed the paper and clutched it tightly in her fists. She then turned back only to find Ms Sara standing at the doorway, with an expression which clearly showed that she was aware of the happenings.

“May I ask the reason of you being in my office when I wasn’t here?” Ms Sara asked sternly, “And I don’t wish to hear lies.” Bushra felt like the earth had disappeared from beneath her feet. She was dumbstruck, not a word came out of her mouth. “I ... Ms I just ... looking ... I was ...” her voice trailed off and she exploded into helpless tears.

“Come, come, my child! Don’t cry like this! Let us sit together to solve this matter,” Ms Sara comforted her because she was also astonished at this behaviour of Bushra. After all, Bushra was a dedicated and hardworking student of her class.

Amidst the tears Bushra started, “I wasn’t well since few weeks and wasn’t regular at school either. All my work remains incomplete and I didn’t have time to study ... I just, well I did not want to disappoint you. I wanted to do well, just as everyone. I couldn’t see any other way out, I am sorry ...” Bushra sobbed. “I’m ready to face any punishment. But please forgive me. I am truly sorry.”

Ms Sara couldn’t help but feel sorry for this child, “Now Bushra, I can understand what you’ve been through. But child, this was no way to act. You should have come up to me and discussed the problem, I’m sure I would have tried to understand. Cheating and stealing are condemnable. It is very cowardly to choose this way and certainly the worst way.

“In life it isn’t only marks and grades that matter, the values we mould ourselves with are the things which shine out to the world. Good values and morals are things which lead us to success, along with hard work. Keep these things in your mind. I just want you to remember these, there are no other punishments for you. Keep working hard and don’t forget that I’m always here to listen to your problems.” Bushra smiled as this reassurance.

When it was time for last period of the day, Ms Sara came in the class and announced, “We aren’t having any test today! But, make sure that it can be any day of the week so be well-prepared!”

The children beamed at each other with delight. One could see the meaningful expression on Bushra’s face, who was now ready to work hard and secure the best marks in the test, anytime!