Intelligence and hard work were the two strengths Ahmed used in his academic excellence. Years, had elapsed, yet no competitor was strong enough to break the supremacy of Ahmed. From Class 1 to O Level, Ahmed had bagged ten trophies for the ten consecutive years, he had stood first in his school. His popularity had spread amongst the staff and the students, and he was seen as a role model and inspiration for the juniors.

Nicknamed ‘Ahmed Einstein’, he was appointed as an assistant of teachers, and used to teach challenging topics to weaker students.

Ahmed loved his life. He loved his school. He loved his superiority. He loved teaching the students. Everyone looked at him with respect and admiration, accepting the fact that they could never beat Ahmed in academics — all except one of his classmate, Umair.

Umair had been Ahmed’s class fellow since the first day Ahmed joined the school. He had seen the rise of Ahmed, the increase in his confidence and the authority he exercised — and hated all this. Whenever someone would appreciate Ahmed, Umair’s heart would burn with the fire of jealousy. However, he had been swallowing his anger for years, until now, when Ahmed was promoted in class 11. He now firmly decided to break Ahmed’s ten-year winning streak. All he needed was a cunning plan.

If there was any weakness in Ahmed’s character, it was his innocence and the tendency to trust easily. And Umair targeted this flaw. The first step he took was to make Ahmed his friend. He started sitting with him and doing little things for him, such as bringing lunch from the canteen, giving something he needed, etc. However, it was not easy being very sweet to his arch rival. Ahmed used to cover his dislike with an artificial smile.

Initially, Ahmed felt a bit hesitant with Umair, because this was the first time in ten whole years they had studied in the same class that Umair had tried to be very friendly. But, Ahmed was too short-sighted to think that Umair would have an ulterior motive and be his enemy.

Once Umair had developed his trust and love in Ahmed’s heart, he made the next step. He started to study all night and bring a movie CD with him the next day in school. When Ahmed would observe his sleepiness, he would ask the reason. Umair would show him the DVD and say that he had spent the whole night watching it. Furthermore, he would also insist that Ahmed should also watch the movie, and then give him the DVD.

Umair’s plan worked. Ahmed would foolishly accept his ‘best-friend’s advice and spent the whole evening in watching the movie. The next day, Umair would repeat the game. He would hand another DVD to Ahmed. While Ahmed watched the movie, Umair would study the whole night at his home.

After a week, when the burden of homework grew, Ahmed realised that he was wasting a lot of time. This was where his overconfidence played its part. He thought that there was no strong contestant to beat him in class and thus, he could achieve the first position even after studying only during the exam period. Little did innocent Ahmed know that his best friend would turn a challenging competitor….

Slowly, Ahmed’s interest started to transform. His love for school and studies started to fade away. He would now himself watching movies without Umair’s recommendation. Umair would encourage him to enjoy by saying, “School life is not a prison. We are here to enjoy also. Only studying will not get you anywhere.”

Time elapsed and the exams arrived. All teachers had high expectations from their Einstein. But Ahmed was too busy in his ‘ideal’ routine, to give attention to the exams. Earlier, he had decided that he would study during exams, but his addiction to movies did not let him.

Sometimes, he became worried about failing his exams, but Umair would pacify him by saying, “I am also watching two movies daily. You are not the only one. And come on, you are also the first, the rest of the class is too dumb to beat you.”

The exams passed and the result day arrived. Ahmed was now nervous and worried, for he knew he had made some mistakes in attempting the paper. He feared failing the exams. But then, Umair’s reassurance echoed in his ears. Why would his ‘trustworthy friend’ lie to him, he thought.

The results surprised everyone — Ahmed got the fourth position! They couldn’t believe what had happened with Ahmed — whose marks were always the highest not just in his class, but in all sections; who had made winning his routine; who taught other children.

But, this was not a total surprise for Ahmed. Deep in his heart he knew what was coming, he knew he had not studied as well as he always did. And what was more shocking for him was that Umair came first in all the sections! He couldn’t believe Umair could do so well after spending his nights watching movies. Feeling betrayed and crestfallen, Ahmed turned to go to home.

Standing in a corner, Umair was giggling. Today, his objective had been achieved. And the moment Ahmed turned towards him, to meet his friend, Umair turned his back and walked away, waving his result sheet triumphantly.

So dear readers, it is very important that we remain alert and cautious. Never blindly trust anyone. Judge the situation and do not follow anyone. Sometimes your own friends stab you in the back so always be careful. Whenever you are confused, go to your parents rather than friends. Your parents are most sincere to you and they can give you the best advice!

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 18th, 2023