“We have a grand biology test tomorrow, Sarah,” exclaimed Maha. “C'mon! I don't want to study about cells and tissues at least in my teenage!” grumbled Sarah.
Maha and Sarah were sisters and studied in the same class. But usually their views differed in every aspect; if one wanted to go to east the other wished to move on to west.
The next day the sun rose and marked the beginning of a new day. At school, when the test began in the first period Maha was prepared for the test, while Sarah had not even bothered to open the textbook. Maha got busy penning down the answers intelligently, while Sarah gazed at the question paper with a blank head.
“The questions are so easy and the answers so difficult!” she mumbled. “Did you say something?” asked Maha.
“Please Sis! Tell me a few answers so that I won't fail the test,” whispered Sarah. “No way I am a lady of principles and I hate cheating,” firmly replied Maha. And before the two sisters could exchange more views, the teacher caught them. “Maha!” yelled the teacher, her voice echoing in the silence. “You are not at all allowed to cheat. Don't you know the rules?” said the teacher with an enraging expression.
Maha kept silent. The teacher repeatedly asked her for an explanation but received no response. “You are suspended for a week. Leave the classroom right now,” the teacher said, giving her verdict. Sarah saw her sister in disbelief. She knew her sister defended her.
When Sarah reached home, the first thing she wanted to do was to apologise to her dear sister. She climbed up the stairs but as soon as she turned the knob of the door, she heard her mother's exasperated voice.
“Maha, we never expected this from you. You should focus on your studies now. No television, no Internet and no going out with friends, you are grounded,” said her mother angrily.
At the spur of the moment, Sarah realised how unfairly Maha was being punished. It felt as if someone had placed a heavy boulder over her heart. At night, mustering up her courage, Sarah finally spoke to her sister. “Actually... hmm... I just wanted to say that... honestly I didn't mean it Maha. I don't know how to tell you but... I am really SORRY,” spoke Sarah while trying to maintain an eye-contact.
“It's absolutely fine. Anything for you Sis! But I am happy that you admitted your mistake and learned your lesson. Cheating is something which can always get us in trouble. And it isn't fair to copy someone else's hard work. Getting good grades with one's dedication and effort has its own charm, you know,” advised Maha. “And I hope you won't ever think of cheating again in your life,” she further added.
“Never!” exclaimed Sarah.
Alas! The two sisters were in agreement.
Happiness bloomed again and their bond strengthened. This incident had one positive outcome — both began to think and perceive everything from the same angle and usually agreed with each other's opinion. If one wanted to go to east, the other wished to do the same. An eternal bond was formed.
Constitutional assurances of freedom to practise faith and protection of life and liberty for all citizens ring hollow for many of Pakistan’s religious minorities.
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