The Fear of Failing .

- Both the stories featured on this page have been written by students of DSC Public School, Talala, Gir Somnath.

- Astha Purohit

I t was around 9:30 at night. Dada and Dadi were sitting comfortably on the sofa, while Mummy and Papa were seated on the chair beside them. Khyati was talking about her upcoming board exams and discussing how her parents had managed their studies when they were students.

Papa said that he used to study all night to complete his syllabus. Mummy shared that she would begin her preparation at least two months in advance and revise everything thoroughly during that time. Dada and Dadi were not highly educated, but they still tried to motivate Khyati in their own way. They explained how they had passed the "exam of life" through hard work and the guidance of their elders.

Meghna, Khyati's younger sister, was physically present in the room but mentally absent from the conversation.

Suddenly, a message popped up on Meghna's phone. She read it and looked completely confused and irritated. No one noticed her reaction-except Khyati, who immediately sensed that something was wrong. Quietly, Meghna got up and went to her room, searching for a solution to her problem.

After the family get-together ended, everyone said good night and went to their respective rooms. When Khyati entered her room, she saw Meghna lying on the bed, pretending to be asleep. But Khyati, being her elder sister, knew better. Meghna had gone to her room without saying anything-there was no way she was asleep so soon.

Khyati walked up to her gently and called out, "Meghna…"

As Meghna turned towards her, Khyati was shocked to see tears streaming down her face.

Khyati sat beside her and softly asked, "What's the matter, Meghna? What's troubling you?"

Meghna wiped her tears and said in a sad and ashamed tone, "Didi… I am a bad child, a bad student, and a bad sister."

A storm of questions rose in Khyati's mind, but she remained calm. She held Meghna's hand and said reassuringly, "No, not at all. You are a wonderful child, a good student, and the best sister anyone could have. Tell me-what happened?"

After a pause, Meghna gathered courage and confessed everything.

"Didi… this week we had a science test. As you know, I am very weak in science. I was scared of failing. So… I decided to steal the question paper from the staff room. And foolishly… I actually did it. Now the principal knows everything, and she is very upset with me. I know I am guilty… but what should I do now? I am so confused."

Tears rolled down her cheeks again.

Khyati gently wiped her tears and said, "Okay… calm down first. Have some water."

Meghna drank some water, trying to steady herself.

Khyati continued, "Yes, what you did was wrong. But that's not the most important thing right now. The important thing is-you have realized your mistake and accepted it. Isn't that true?"

Meghna nodded slowly.

"That's it," said Khyati with a gentle smile.

"Now listen carefully," she added, a little more firmly. "Tomorrow, write an apology letter to your principal and say sorry to her."

Meghna looked unsure. "But… will she forgive me?"

"Of course she will," Khyati replied confidently. "She is your teacher, not your enemy. Whatever she does is for your betterment."

The next day, Meghna followed Khyati's advice. She wrote an honest apology letter and met the principal. Seeing her sincerity and courage to admit her mistake, the principal forgave her.

From that day onwards, Meghna's life began to change.

Three months later, during her vacation, Meghna did not waste a single day. She worked hard on her weakness-science. Every day, she practiced, revised, and improved step by step. Slowly, her fear disappeared, and her confidence grew stronger.

In time, she mastered the very subject she once feared the most.

One evening, she smiled and said to Khyati, "Thank you, Didi… for showing me the right path."

She made a promise to herself-and to her sister-that she would never cheat again.