Cheeku rabbit, Meeku mouse and Jumpy monkey were having lunch in their classroom.
“Wow Meeku! The kachoris you bought for lunch are tasty!” said Cheeku, munching on the piece.
“My mother cooked these. She packed enough for all of us,’’ said Meeku, delighted.
Just then Baddy fox passed that way. “What’s that aroma?” sniffed Baddy. He glanced in the direction of the trio. They quickly tried to hide their lunch boxes. But it was too late.
“Hey Meeku, don’t hide your lunch box. Kachoris are my favourite!” said the sly fox, quickly swooping into Meeku’s lunch box.
“Baddy! You cannot snatch someone’s lunch without asking first. It’s not good manners!” said Jumpy.
“Snatch?” mocked a shameless Baddy. “I would never use my strength against my dear friends.”
He dipped his paw into Meeku’s lunch box again for another helping of kachoris.
The three friends felt helpless and angry.
Baddy was a greedy fox. Often, he helped himself to the lunch of others. Yet, no one had the courage to utter a word to him.
Many of the students had complained about his behaviour to the school authorities. But he never tried to mend his ways. He was turning more troublesome by the day.
“Baddy’s behaviour is terrible. I find it rude!’’ said Cheeku.
“Yes, we have had enough of his bad behaviour,” said Jumpy, agreeing with Cheeku.“But, what can we do?”
“Let’s teach him a lesson,” said Jumpy.
He quickly gathered his friends around and whispered a plan.
The next day, they sat in class with their lunch boxes spread out in front. They waited for Baddy to walk into the trap.
As soon as they spotted Baddy approaching, Cheeku began munching a paratha. “Jumpy, this paratha is very tasty!” said Cheeku, between mouthfuls.
“Yes, this is the most delicious paratha I have tasted by far!” said Meeku as he licked his lips.
Hearing this, Baddy’s mouth started to water. He grabbed a paratha from Jumpy’s lunchbox. “Let me taste these delicious parathas too!” he said.
He gobbled up the first paratha and then reached for the second. That’s when things went crazy.
“Oh! It’s spicy! My tongue is on fire! Give me some water! Please!” begged Baddy. He had tears in his eyes.
“Here, Baddy,’’ replied Meeku, handing him a water bottle.
Baddy gulped the water. Little did he know that it was laced with chilli powder.
Now Baddy was huffing and puffing.
“What did you offer me?” said Baddy, panting heavily. “Someone please give me some water. My mouth is on fire!’’
“No, Baddy!” replied Cheeku, “You snatch our food without the least concern. Now, enjoy the fruits of your actions.’’
The rest of the class gathered around Cheeku and nodded in agreement.
“I am sorry! I promise to never take anyone’s lunch again!” cried Baddy.
Cheeku gave Baddy a box of sweets and a glass of chilled water. “You must stop snatching food from others, Baddy,” said Cheeku.
Baddy felt relieved after drinking the water and eating the sweets. He then apologised to his classmates.
He vowed never to take what did not belong to him.
From that day on, the three friends never had to worry about Baddy stealing their lunch again.
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