The Secret Code .

- In the middle of the night,  she realized there was someone inside the house, gathering valuables.

- Jasuben Pandya

P aanmi was a beautiful and intelligent girl. She was about twelve years old and had a sharp mind. She could grasp everything quickly and had great presence of mind.

One day, her nani became very serious. She had to be admitted to the hospital and undergo an operation that night. Paanmi's parents had to stay at the hospital.

So, Paanmi was alone at home.

Her father's friend offered to take her to his house, but Paanmi begged her mother to trust her and let her stay alone. Her mother agreed.

Before leaving, her mother instructed her not to go downstairs to play and not to leave the main door open, as it was Paanmi's habit.

Paanmi promised to obey her.

But, as soon as her parents left, Paanmi went downstairs to play-and forgot to lock the door.

A rogue, who had been nearby and had overheard her mother's instructions, quietly hid and kept watch. He saw Paanmi's parents leave and noticed that Paanmi went out to play, leaving the door open. The thief entered the house and hid inside.

Meanwhile, Paanmi was very happy. She came back home dancing and singing with her friends. They played lots of games-hide and seek, kho-kho-but enjoyed their secret guessing game the most.

The game had a special code. They bounced a ball and counted the throws to guess the word. For example, two throws meant "O.K.", three meant something else, and so on.

Paanmi had a great bond with all the kids in her society. Her mother knew this and always kept lots of snacks and drinks ready for Paanmi and her friends.

The kids had a blast, enjoyed the treats, and went back home.

By now, Paanmi was tired. It was already 9 o'clock. She went to her bedroom, said her prayers, and went to sleep.

In the middle of the night, she was disturbed by some noises-whispers and things moving. Opening one eye, she realized there was someone inside the house, gathering valuables.

Paanmi had to act fast. She got an idea.

She quietly got out of bed and began walking around with her eyes closed, pretending to be sleepwalking. She went to the fridge, took out some food, and placed everything on the table. Then she sat on a chair and pretended to sleep.

"What a fool she is!" the thief laughed. "She's gone to sleep!"

Still pretending, Paanmi mumbled, "I'll play first and then eat." Then she walked back to her bedroom.

Her mind was racing. Their flat shared a wall with their neighbour, Mr. Shah. His daughter Purvi was Paanmi's best friend-and her bedroom was right on the other side of that wall.

Paanmi remembered their secret code game. She quickly began bouncing a ball against the wall.

The thief heard her but thought she was just sleep-playing and ignored her.

Four bangs. Stop.

Four bangs. Stop.

On the other side, Purvi woke up. She sat up and listened carefully.

Four bangs. Stop.

Four bangs. Stop.

She understood the message! Paanmi was in trouble.

Purvi replied.

Two bangs. Stop.

Two bangs. Stop.

Paanmi smiled quietly and went back to pretending to sleep.

Soon, the thief finished stealing and tiptoed toward the door.

But as he opened it, he was shocked.

Right outside stood Mr. Shah, Mrs. Shah, Purvi-and the police!

Purvi ran in and hugged Paanmi tightly. Both the girls started crying.

What message had Paanmi sent?

Four bangs meant: H.E.L.P.

What did Purvi reply?

Two bangs meant: O.K.

The next day, newspapers were full of praise for the brave girls and their clever thinking. The police rewarded them too!