THE PLAN

Latika returned from her uncle's place. She had gone there to attend her sister's wedding. While she was away, the annual sports competition was held in her school.

- Omprakash Kshatriya

As soon as Latika returned to school, Riya said disappointedly, "Our team lost the kabaddi and kho-kho matches." 

"But why?" Latika asked.

Then she looked at the team members, most of whom were friends of Meena, the captain.

"I don't know," Riya said. "Some of the players may have been weak."

"You're right," Latika agreed. "Meena was the captain and should have chosen players who could win the match."

She went to Meena who said, "Latika, there's just one more match left. We must win it."

For Latika, this was a challenge as the team had to win. They needed a plan as the opposing team had won many games and was overconfident.

Latika addressed her teammates, "My friends, a team doesn't always win by being confident! Sometimes you've got to have a plan. This will be the final match and we must win this one!"

The team felt enthusiastic and said, "Yes, we will show them! Tell us your plan, and we will follow it!"

"All right! Then listen carefully!" and Latika explained her tactic to them. The others liked her plan too.

With her plan in mind, the team went to the field. The opposing team was Devanshi's. A long thick rope was lying on the ground for a tug-of-war match.

Both teams had to use their strength and pull the rope. Whichever team managed to hold on and pull the opposing team to their side would win. The game started.