M rs. Rajan was annoyed. Once again, despite her repeated objections, Mukesh had brought something extremely expensive to school. He was always doing that. The only child of well-off parents, who showered him with gifts, he enjoyed showing off. He would often be seen during the lunch break, surrounded by an admiring group. While a few of them came from wealthy families, there were those who could not even dream of owning such valuables.
Time for games
On this occasion, Mukesh was wearing a splendid watch with a gold strap. The teacher was worried that it could be misplaced or, perhaps, stolen. She had frequently urged Mukesh to show concern for his classmates by not bringing anything that might tempt them into dishonesty. Mukesh, however, enjoyed being the object of envy. “I like superior stuff,” he said proudly, “and my folks can afford it.”
Mrs. Rajan could only shake her head disapprovingly. She could not confiscate Mukesh’s pens, paints and pencil boxes since, although they were exceptionally unusual and attractive, they were the things that the boy needed and used at school. So was the magnificent watch that gleamed on Mukesh’s wrist that day. Set with rubies, it looked as if it had come out of the treasure cave in the story of Ali Baba.
When it was time for games, Mukesh took off his watch and put it in his desk. Though usually careful about securing costly items, he forgot to lock the desk in his haste to get to the playing field. When he returned nearly an hour later, he went straight to his place and realised that his desk was unlocked. He quickly raised the lid and, to his horror and dismay, saw that his watch was missing.
Greatly upset, Mukesh completely lost control and began to hurl accusations at his fellow students. He was certain one of them had taken advantage of his folly and had stolen his watch. As Mukesh alternately begged and demanded that it be returned immediately, 39 boys and girls loudly protested their innocence. So great was the commotion that Mrs. Rajan, who had stepped out of the classroom, rushed back inside. Grasping the situation at a glance, she swiftly restored order.
Then, as the children sat quietly, the teacher went to her table. Pulling out a drawer, she took out the watch. She had kept it with her for safekeeping. Mukesh turned red as he thought of the dreadful things he had said and burst into tears. Mrs. Rajan patted his shoulder and advised him to set things right.
Mukesh apologised tearfully to his friends, who were quick to forgive him. He then promised Mrs. Rajan that he would be more considerate in future and never bring anything out of the ordinary to school.
