THE BRAVE ONES

Rahul's bravery was being discussed by the whole village as he saved Aunt Kamla's daughter, Kirti, who was sleeping on the cot under the neem tree outside the house.

- Vandana Gupta

A hyena had come from the nearby forest and was dragging her away. Rahul, who was passing by, saw this and quickly picked up a stick and hit the hyena.

To defend itself, the hyena pounced on Rahul. Aunt Kamla came out of the house when she heard the screaming sounds and instantly gathered the villagers. Together, they chased away the hyena.

"If Rahul had not been there today, the hyena would have taken my daughter," she said.

The same evening, Binoy and Aniket were playing marbles.

Uncle Mahesh, their father, shouted at them. "You keep playing all the time! Don't you ever study? Learn omething from Rahul. He always excels in his studies. And today, he was brave enough to save Kirti." "We get scolded all the time for no reason," said Aniket.

"If we do something brave, we will also be famous in the village," said Binoy.

"But what should we do? The hyena rarely comes to the village, and even if it does come, we may not necessarily be around to see it," said Aniket.

"Why don't we go to the forest and fight an animal? We'll find some animals there," suggested Binoy.

"But will we be able to face them?" asked Aniket.

"Why won't we be able to? We will prepare in advance. I know how to climb trees. If there is danger, I will climb a tree," said Binoy.

"But I cannot climb a tree! What will I do?" asked Aniket.

"You can carry firecrackers with you. Animals get scared of loud noises and fire. Then it's decided: we will go to the forest and be brave so that we can also be famous in the village," Binoy said.

Aniket was filled with enthusiasm. Both prepared to go to the forest. They packed firecrackers, a matchbox, a torch and some snacks.

Binoy also carried a rope. "What will you do with it?" asked Aniket.