March (First) 2009 Rs 15.

00

pak
Cham 4
ers-16
Chek
 MARCH (FIRST) 2009
FOUNDER
NO. 754
VISHWA NATH
1917-2002

STORIES FARMHOUSE THIEVES 70

MILK THIEF 4 PINK WATCH 76
THE NOOSE 11
PICTURE STORIES
CHICHI’S LIFT 15
LIGHTNING 8
TRAITORS 19
A STICK IS USEFUL 24
LESSON 28
CHEEKU 38
PAN AND THE BREAD 32
THE TRADER AND THE
INTERVIEW OF
DONKEY 64
CAMMY CAMEL 45
FLOODS IN YOUR PAGE
CHAMPAKVAN 51 FROM YOUNG
JULIE WAS LEFT READERS 36
GAPING 56 CHAMPAK CHEKERS 41
WHEN THE ELEPHANT WHO AM I? 59
FLEW 66 IT IS FUNTIME 68

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S.Mallick
 L
UCY WAS a clever cat. She
often said, “There is no one
as smart as me. King lion
Milk Thief
by Manohar Chamoli 'Manu'

also takes advice from me.”

But the animals were in trouble
with Lucy's cleverness. They knew
her crookedness and dishonesty.
One day, when the animals
were sitting at a meeting, squirrel
said to the rabbit, “Lucy is very
clever but her cleverness is of no
good. She only does everything for
her benefit.”
The cow retorted to goat, “She is
not clever but selfish.”
Suddenly, the Ratu Mouse
spoke, “There is no use discussing
4 Champak
her and talking about her. We will have to teach her
a lesson. If we are together, we can cut her into
size.”
Everyone promised support to the mouse. The
mouse described his plan to all. They were all
happy with the scheme.
They made it sure that Lucy would not know
about the plan.
One day, when Lucy was going to the pond to
drink water, she met the cow who said, “Lucy, you
and the lion are of the same family. But the lion is
the king of the forest and you? You are his
subordinate, though you are cleverer than him.”

L ucy was surprised to listen to this and moved on

towards the pond. She put her head in it. There
was a tortoise. He was terrified, “Is it Lucy? I was
frightened. Your shadow in the pond appeared that
of a lion. I was almost dead. You were looking like
the lion.”
When Lucy was returning, she saw a herd of deer
grazing.
Seeing Lucy, one of them shouted, “Run, the lion
is prowling.”
Lucy called out, “Don't run. I am Lucy Cat.”
But by then the deer had vanished. Lucy reached
her house. A donkey was grazing there. She asked
him, “Brother donkey, tell me honestly, how do I
look?”
The donkey looked carefully at the cat for some
time and then innocently said, “You look good,
what else?”
“O, I mean whom do I look like? Can you
compare me to anyone?”
The donkey again replied carelessly, “I am a
March (First) 2009 5
donkey. I don't have so much brain. But Lucy dear,
you may be small in size but your mind is very big.
You are terribly quick. I wish had such quickness
and I would have been the king of the jungle. But
one thing for sure is that if I had my way, I would
have made you the king of the jungle,” and the
donkey left.
Lucy was on the seventh sky. She started
comparing herself with the lion. The mouse arrived
and said to the cat, “You are the talk of the town,
Lucy. Everyone in the jungle considers you the
most clever animal around. Now you only compete
with the lion and he is very powerful. He drinks
lots of milk daily. You too must have milk.
Wherever you see milk in any house, you must
drink it away stealthily. There is no need to tell

6` Champak
anything to anyone. If you want, we can help you
become the king.”
Lucy was fooled. She decided that she would go
houses and do as advised. At the slightest
opportunity she would enter any house and drink
away the milk.
Everyone now was angry with Lucy's acts. Many
times she was caught having milk but she could not
help giving it up.
The King came to know about it.
Lucy was produced in the court. She could not
give reasons for stealing milk. What could she have
said?
The mouse alleged, “Your Majesty, I will tell you.
Actually, Lucy is aiming at your throne. She wants
to be the king. She wants to become powerful like
you by drinking all the milk.”

H earing this, the king lion first laughed and

then roared loudly, “Deceit with the king! You
fool, lions don't drink milk. Now listen to me. From
now you and your generations will have to drink
milk by stealing it all your life. Your class will
never be loyal.
“Now get out from here and don't ever show me
your face.”
Lucy came back with a hung face. All were
laughing at her foolishness.
As the court finished and all came out, Lucy
growled, “You mouse, I will eat you up. All this was
your planning.”
The mouse was scared and he hid inside his
burrow.
Since then the cat is the enemy of the mouse. The
cat still drinks milk stealthily.

March (First) 2009 7
 LIGHTNING FROM THE SKY CAUSES LOT OF LOSS TO
HUMAN LIVES EVERY YEAR.

LIGHTNING

BY
SHIRAZ MUJAWAR

CLOUDS IN THE RAINY SEASON ARE THE MASSIVE STORE OF MAGNETIC POWER.

THE UPPER LAYERS OF THE CLOUDS THE NEGATIVE ELECTRICAL CHARGE TRIES
CARRY POSITIVE.ELECTRICAL CHARGE., TO GO DOWN TOWARDS THE EARTH.
WHEREAS THE LOWER LAYERS OF THE
CLOUDS CARRY NEGATIVE ELECTRICAL
CHARGE.

8 Champak
 IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A RAINSTORM, THEN WHERE WOULD YOU FIND A SHELTER? IS
IT SAFE TO BE UNDER A TREE OR TO BE IN A VEHICLE?

THE LIGHTNING FROM THE SKY TRIES TO SEEP IN THROUGH THE EARTH AND GETS TO THE
POTENTIALLY THE GOOD CONDUCTORS OF ELECTRICITY WHICH THE TREES.ATTRACTED.

... AND IF THE LIGHTNING STRIKES THE VEHICLE, THE ELECTRIC CURRENT WILL PASS
THROUGH THE METAL TOP OF THE VEHICLE. THUS WE WILL BE RATHER SAFER BY BEING
INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAN BEING UNDER THE TREE.

March (First) 2009 9

The Noose

by Om Prakash Kshatriya
C
HICHI BIRD was very sad this time too.
“What happened, sister?” Cheeku Rabbit
asked Chichi.
“Nothing brother,” Chichi said.
“You call me brother and don't want to tell the
cause of your worry. Surely, there is something that
you don't want to tell me.”
Chichi was quiet. Cheeku suggested, “Maybe I
can help you?”
Chichi thought that she might find some
solution by telling her problem to Cheeku. So she
said, “Brother Cheeku, I am worried because this
time I have laid eggs.”
“This is good news,” Cheeku was excited,
“chicks will come out of them and you will become
a mother.”
“But it does not happen like that?” Chichi had
tears in her eyes.
“Why? If you have laid eggs, chicks will come
out.”
“Everytime Sonu Snake eats my eggs away.”
“What?” Cheeku was surprised. “He dares so
much? We will have to teach him a lesson.”
Chichi felt encouraged, “Will I be able to keep
my eggs safe this time?”
“Yes, why not, sister?” Cheeku consoled. “When
will your brother be of help to you.”
“Well, how will you stop that wicked snake?”
“I will tell you,” Cheeku said. “First, you tell me
how does that wicked snake reach your eggs?”
Pointing out towards the hole in the tree, she
said, “He lives here. Climbing the tree from here,
he reaches my nest and eats away the eggs.”
“Well, do as I tell you. Get a plastic string from
somewhere.”
March (First) 2009 11
 Chichi quickly went and got a plastic string.
“Take.” Chichi giving it to Cheeku she asked,
“Now what will you do of it?”
“Keep watching,” Cheeku said. Then he tied
one end of the string to a root of the tree. Making a
noose from the other end, he placed it at the mouth
of the hole of the tree.
“Now the trap is ready,” Cheeku said.
Chichi asked, “Now what will happen with
this?”
“Sonu will not be able to reach your
nest,” Cheeku said. But Chichi still did not
understand anything.
She did not understand, how Sonu could
be stopped with the string.
“I did not understand, brother Cheeku.”
Cheeku said, “You will know it just now.
First, let Sonu come out of the hole and proceed
towards the nest. Then see.”
“Ok,” Chichi replied and was very excited
about her eggs.
Sonu got the hint by seeing Chichi very
chirpy and bright.
Taking out his head first from the
hole he started climbing the tree in the
hope of having a feast. Seeing this,
Chichi got petrified.
“Brother, Sonu is advancing
towards me,” Chichi shouted.
“Don't worry. Now go and
pull the string,” Cheeku said.
Chichi did as she was told.
She quickly went and pulled
the string. The noose
tightened at the tail of Sonu.
But still Sonu kept moving ahead.
As Sonu was proceeding forwards, the noose
was tightening.
Sonu stopped after going a little further. He was
not able to move ahead. When he turned around
and looked, he was shocked.
“Oh! What is that?” He was already trapped in
the noose.
Sonu tried his best to
come out of the noose
but could not. Finally, he
had to return to the hole.
This way Chichi's
eggs were safe from
which pretty chicks came
out.
Chichi would often
tell her chicks the plan
made by her brother Cheeku
to save them. They happily listened
to her. But till today they did not know
what happened of Sonu Snake.

Find out the mistakes :

Win prize-43
Selected 5 Candidates--
Shivendra Pratap Singh Parmar, Kota (Rajasthan).
Raghav, Kota (Rajasthan).
Vishal Anand, Patna (Bihar).
Amit Jain, Mysore (Karnataka).
Pankaj Kumar, Hanumangarh (Rajasthan).

13
 Colour
the
picture.
14 Champak
 Chichi’s Lift
by Om Prakash Kshatriya

C
HUCHU MOUSE was very mischievous. His
mother would always say, “Son, it is not
good to make so much mischief all the
time.”
“I love making mischief, mother,” he would
reply.
“Look at your brother Chichi,
how cool he is,” mother
compared.
“Yes, that is why I have
saved him so many times from
Binny Aunty,” Chuchu
reminded. “Because of this
mischief I have been able to
save myself also from
Binny many times.
Ask Chichi how
many times I
have saved him
too?”
“ Y e s
m o t h e r ,
brother is
r i g h t , ”
C h i c h i
seconded
and said to
Chuchu,
March (First) 2009 15
“Come on brother, let us go out and play.”
And they both went out.
Chuchu never ran straight. He would sometimes
climb the wall and somtimes take a leap from a
boulder.
Chichi, on the other hand would run straight but
he would often lag behind in the process of
watching Chuchu.
“What happened Chichi, you have again lost?”
Chuchu commented.
“I was looking at your stunts, brother,” Chichi
said.
“How interesting was your jumping from the
boulder taking 2 turns.”
Then halting for some time, he spoke again,
“Aren't you frightened doing these things,
brother?”
“Fright? What does that mean?” Chuchu again
took a leap while glancing at Chichi. He did not
realise that there was a pool where he was jumping.
He straight fell into the pit.
He could not balance and hold himself straight
because there was plain ground earlier where this
pool now existed which he did not realise. He fell
on his feet that got sprained.
He quickly got up but to his utter surprise, he
could not stand. The sprain was bad and the feet
had swollen.

H ow will he come out now? For once he was

nervous but after a moment he thought that
getting scared would not help. He will have to try.
So he tried to climb the pool wall.
But because of swelling in the feet, he could not
climb.
16 Champap
 Suddenly, he heard Chichi, “Don't be scared,
brother.”
Throwing a thick rope from near a basil shrub
Chichi said, “Every time you save me when I was in
trouble.
“Today I will pull you out from the pool and
save you.”
“Wow! My tiger,” Chuchu encouraged Chichi.
Throwing the rope on the branch of basil shrub,
he hung it into the pool.
Then he said to Chuchu, “Now brother, tie the
rope around.”
Chuchu did the same and then stood on the ring
of the rope.
“Good, now I will tie a
stone to one end of the
rope.”
“Why?” Chuchu
asked.
“This is my lift. I will
now drop the stone tied
to the lift into the pit, and
pull the rope from
here.”
Dropping the
stone in the pit
he said, “Both
the stone’s
weight and
my weight
will pull

March (First) 2009 17

you up from that side like a lift.”
And Chichi pulled Chuchu out by pulling the
rope.
Coming out of the pool Chuchu said, “Honestly,
Chichi, today you have proved that you are my
brother,” and both left for home.
Chichi was happy but Chuchu felt that mother
would get angry at his mischief.
But it was a mother's heart. On seeing her son's
sprained foot, she treated it lovingly and said,
“That is why dear I say, it is not good to make so
much mischief.”
“Don't worry mother, I am there,” Chichi
assured and everyone laughed loudly.
Chuchu too could not stop bursting out in
laughter.

SHARP
EYE
55

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18 Champak
T
HIS TIME Aryan
invited all his friends
to visit his village.
His grandmother lived in a
small coastal village named
Sherpur. Traitors
Grandmother welcomed
Aryan and Anisha along [Part-I]
with their friends Harsh and
Meet. They got to savour by Anil Satija
delicious dishes made by
grandmother after a long
time.
“Wow! Grandmother,
this rice dish made by you is
out of the world. I feel like
eating it over and over again,” Meet said.
Grandmother insisted, “Have some more.”
“You do not know grandmother, what a glutton
Meet is. You will get tired of serving but he will not
get tired of eating.”
“All are jealous of me grandmother, is not it?”
Meet miffed. After meals, Aryan took them to meet
Kishore and Geeta.
“O Aryan! How happy we are to see you in the
village after so many years,” Kishore expressed his
happiness.
“Me too,” Aryan replied. “Let us go swimming
in that same old lake.”
“Don't talk of that place. Nobody goes there
now,” Geeta crossed her fingers.
“Why, what is wrong?” Aryan asked.

“T he brakes of a tanker passing from near the

lake failed and it met with a terrible
accident. All the chemical loaded on it seeped into
the lake water.
“Since then the lake water has become
poisonous. There is a notice board standing, saying
that water of the lake is prohibited from drinking
and swimming.”
“Did anyone in the village see the accident that
took place?”
“No. The owners of the tank quickly got it lifted
overnight. Next morning, they left after warning
the villagers and putting up this notice board.”
“Well, then we can surely go to the nearby
ground to play cricket,” and everyone agreed.
At night Aryan was thinking about the lake.
“Such a big accident and no one saw? I doubt
the accident itself.”
20 Champak
 The next day Aryan went to the lake. He carried
a glass bottle and filling some lake water into it,
returned.
The next day, Aryan said to all his friends, “I am
going to bathe in Sona Lake today,” all were
surprised.
“Don't be surprised, the lake water is not
poisonous. I had sent the water for checking to the
lab in town.
“Here is the medical report which I have got this
morning by post. It clearly states that the water is
clear of any lethal chemicals.”
“Then why did they tell lies to us?” Geeta
asked.
“This is exactly what we have to find out,
friends. What can be the purpose of keeping the
villagers away from the lake?”
Aryan and Harsh came to the bank of the lake in
the afternoon.
Everything was still. Aryan looked around for
some proofs.

S uddenly, his eyes went on a packet that was

stuck in the bushes.
Aryan pulled out the packet and returned with
Harsh.
Coming to his room, Aryan opened the packet in
front of all friends.
“O, they look like parts of some machine,”
Harsh guessed.
“But what machine?” Harsh was inquisitive.
For the next half an hour, Aryan and his friends
were busy solving the puzzle. Aryan tried to
somehow join the parts together. He had barely
been able to join 2-3 of them when he jumped, “I
have understood what it is.”
“What?” all asked.
“These are all pieces of a rifle. Probably AK-47.
I have seen photographs of this rifle in news-
papers and magazines.”
Everyone was shocked.
“I was apprehensive from the beginning that
someone is making his own fortune by making a
fool of the villagers by keeping them away from the
lake.”
Then Aryan packed the things as they were and
started explaining his plan to everyone.
The 4 friends surrounded the lake as evening
approached. They hid in the nearby bushes. It was
pindrop silence till 1 o’clock at night. But then they
heard a faint grinding noise. (To be continued.)
22 Champak
 Find out the bird and animal
from this picture.

March (First) 2009 23

 ONCE THERE LIVED A RABBIT NAMED CHIMPU.
ONE DAY, HE WAS GOING TO THE TOWN TO MEET

A STICK HIS UNCLE. THEN–

EH! THAT’S MY
FRIEND–
THE BEAR
IS
USEFUL
BY
VENU VARIATH

MY DEAR FRIEND, I AM A STICK? THAT’S

VERY HUNGRY. WILL YOU USELESS!
PLEASE GIVE ME
SOMETHING TO EAT?

I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING FOR YOU TO EAT.

BUT, I CAN GIVE YOU THIS STICK.

EH! HE HAS GONE. ANYWAY,

HE HAS GIVEN THIS TO ME AS GIFT.
I WILL KEEP IT.

24 Champak
 THE RABBIT SOON, THE
WALKED RABBIT
FURTHER. PLUCKED SOME
THEN– MANGOES WITH
THE HELP OF
THE STICK.

HAI, MANGOES, LUCKY THAT

I AM HAVING THIS STICK.

CHIMPU ATE THE MANGOES AND SATISFIED

HIS HUNGER. SUDDENLY, VEERU FOX
CAME THAT WAY.

EN! I MUST GET AWAY

SOON.

I MUST CROSS THIS CANAL.

CHIMPU RAN AWAY. LUCKY THAT I AM HAVING
THE FOX RAN AFTER HIM. THIS STICK.

March (First) 2009 25

 ALAS! I NEED NOT BE AFRAID OF
HE ESCAPED. THE FOX ANYMORE.

SUDDENLY, THE RABBIT EH, ANTS!

HEARD A VOICE.

FRIENDS, WHAT CAN

I DO FOR YOU?

RABBIT UNCLE!
RABBIT UNCLE!

CERTAINLY THE RABBIT MADE A BRIDGE, USING

WE WANT TO THE STICK GIVEN BY THE BEAR.
CROSS THIS CANAL.
CAN YOU HELP US THANK YOU, RABBIT UNCLE.
BY MAKING A
BRIDGE?

A STICK IS ALSO
VERY USEFUL.

26 Champak
 Lesson
by Tapan Susheel

S
OME CALVES of Rocky Giraffe were playing
basketball on a court of a stadium in Mangalpur
jungle. This stadium was recently built by King
Shera for his animals. He had a great love for sports
and particularly for basketball. So he built a modern
basketball court and named the court as the Michael
Jordon Basketball Court after his hero’s name
legendary Michael Jordon.
Since it was the only of its kind in entire kingdom
of the woods, the animals of the jungle had come to
watch the game in curiosity every evening.
One day, when children of Rocky were playing
basketball on the court, rowdy Micky Monkey and his
some friends sitting on a mango tree were watching
the game wih a nasty intention of disturbing the
game. So Micky jumped on the court during the game
session and snatched the basketball off from the
children and went back to the summit again to sit
there along with other monkeys.
Rocky and other animals repeated requests with
Micky to return the ball to them. But Micky turned
down their request in shameless manner.
The environment that was filled with immense
excitement little earlier, now had turned completely
into an unpleasant situation there. They were not able
to concentrate on the idea about how the ball was to be
returned. The poor animals even did not have the
extra ball. Meanwhile, monkeys were tossing the ball
among their friends and passing it to all just to
torment the animals that how they are happy with
playing their ball. If any animal would proceed
28 Champak
towards then in a hope that the ball might drop off
from their hands and they picked it up instantly, the
nasty monkeys would bite the ball to tease them
badly.
Thanks to their luck that Bholu Bear reached the
stadium at that time.
“Hey children, the king asked me to visit the
stadium to know whether our animals did reach here
regularly or not in the evening for play. So I came to
you,” said Bholu.
“You animals, what is the matter. Why you are not
playing the basketball?” he questioned.
Mona Dear, who was standing next to Bholu,
narrated him all troubles of Micky and his group and
narrated how they usurped their ball.
“Children, no problem at all. The rascals know
only the language of might not of the love. Until these
rascals are not beaten up, they would not refrain from
such wrongdoing,” said Bholu.
“But Bholu uncle, how it would be possible to
teach them a lesson,” asked all the animals jointly.
March (First) 2009 29
 “Don’t worry I check it, let me think over it.”
Bholu replied.
After few seconds, Bholu brought out his mobile
from a pocket of his coat and dialled the number of his
friends, Robert langur.
“Robert, you have to come to stadium at once.
Listen, there is rowdy Micky and some other monkeys
sitting on the mango tree with a ball that they has
snatched from the animals playing the basketball.
See, you have to nab them,” communicated Bholu.

A fter some time, even the animals could not figure

out when Robert came there. They only learnt his
arrival when they heard deep crying of Micky and his
fellow friends.
Robert, a giant langur, had cought Micky and his
one friend and after slapping them heavily one by one
on the tree for some time, brought them down with
the ball from the tree. Reaching on the ground, he
tossed the ball towards the animals but tied Micky’s
tail with his friend tightly. This led the both to a very
odd and uncomfortable situation. As one moved
ahead in their head’s direction simultaneously, other
had to be dragged towards the head of the first but by
from his back side.
So, it created a thick environment of laughter on
the zigzag movement of poor Micky and his friend.
Both folded hands and were asking to set them free
anyhow. The scene had changed into a great
amusement for the animals there.
“Hey fellow animals, let them live alone to be here
for ever in this position. It is only treatment of wicked
persons,” saying this, all animals flocked with Bholu
towards the jungle thanking Robert langur for
delivering a good lesson to Micky and his group.

30 Champak
 T
HE half-baked
Pan bread was feel-
ing proud sitting

and on the black pan.

‘How lucky the pan
is who gets to keep
the such a flower-like
delicate bread sit in its

Br ead lap,’ the bread thought.

The pan kept

by Parshish

32 Champak
observing the happy bread. He thought, 'How
simple the bread is. If I want, I can burn her
or flatten her unbaked by not providing her
heat.'
One day, the bread smiled at the pan and said,
“In spite of being so dark, you still keep smiling.
You are great.”
“Yes,” the pan said humbly, “it is my nature.
Similarly, like you keep bloated with pride of
beauty.”
“I am surely beautiful like a full moon. I have a
reason.
“But you are as dark as coal. How do you keep
smiling?”
“I smile because having got baked on me you
kill people’s hunger. I have a big responsibility. Is
not it?”
“You are wrong. Anyone can do this. What a fool
you are,” the bread rebuked.

“I may be a fool but I will not tell a lie. No

pot or pan can bake you so well as I can. In
mild fire I heat you so well that people love eating
you.”
“Can't I be baked so well without you?” the
bread asked irritatedly.
She turned around asking the pot and then
commented, “That is why you keep smiling in
pride.”
“What pride? This is a small thing. “If I want, I
can burn you black and ugly and flat like me.”
“Oh, this is nonsense.”
“Do I show you?” and telling something to the
fire, he turned terribly hot.
The bread was burnt badly. The pan again
March (First) 2009 33
 cooled down.
This time the
second bread on
the pan shrinked
in the absence of
adequate heat.
The bloated
bread kept in the
plate looked
surprisingly at
the shrinked
one.
It actually
happened as the
pan had said.
The bread
uttered shyly,
“Good, that I
asked you the
reason for your smile.
“I now realise the sacrifice you make for me by
burning yourself in fire. I am no one.”
“You fool you are still far away from the truth,”
the black pan said.
“Nothing in this world happens by itself.
Everything happens with the help of others. If
the fire was not there, how would I become hot. If
the blacksmith did not make me, how would I have
baked bread.
“This way we all work with one another’s help
and become friends for ever.”
“And we will be friends,” the bread too smiled.
“Thanks for explaining this to me.”
“Ok naughty girl,” and with happiness the pan
helped the bread to bloat 4 times its size.

34 Champak
 Colour the picture.
March (First) 2009 35
 Greedy Hunter

A
LL THE animals lived in Champakvan
amicably. One day, a hunter came to the
jungle. He laid the trap and poor Sonam
Sparrow was trapped in the trap. She pleaded,
“Please do not kill me. If you will let me go, then I will
give you a diamond.”
The hunter was delighted at the offer and he
almost jumped with happiness. He tied a string in the
sparrow's feet and said, ”You go to your nest and
bring the diamond and then I will set you free.”
The sparrow flew to her nest and brought a
diamond for the hunter. The hunter became greedy to
see such a beautiful diamond. He said, “I will set you
free, but you have to give 4 such diamonds.”
Sonam Sparrow was in tears to hear hunter's
demand. She said, “But I have only 2 diamonds as
of now. Please take these diamonds and let me go.”
The hunter’s mind was filled with greed. He
thought, 'Let me take her 2 diamonds first. Then I
won't set her free. As a result she will give all the
diamonds on her own. The hunter tied her legs firmly
with the thread and set her free.
The sparrow flew away to Kalu Snake who lived
in the hole in the tree and told him everything in
detail.
Kalu Snake whispered something in the ear of
Sonam Sparrow. The sparrow then returned empty-
handed .The hunter was infuriated to see her without
any diamonds.
Sonam tried to calm him down and said, “You
please do not get angry. You will certainly get 4
diamonds instead of 2, as demanded by you. You
have a look at the diamonds which are in the hole of
my tree.”
The hunter was instantly delighted. He set her to
freedom.
Sonam Sparrow fluttered her wings and flew
away to her nest.
The hunter happily went near the tree. But the
moment he put his hand in the hole to take out the
diamonds, Kalu Snake attacked the hunter's hand
with a loud hiss. The hunter was scared to death.
Somehow, he managed to escape never to return
again.
Sonam Sparrow alighted from her nest, Kalu
Snake too emerged from his hole. They both peeled
into laughter to see the hunter running head over his
heels to save his life.

WHEN THEY SAW THE FOX. THE FOX TOO
THEY BOTH CLIMBED THE TREE.
THE FOX TOO CAME OVER AND SAT
UNDER THE TREE.
OH GOD! THIS FOX HAS COME HERE
AND SAT UNDER THIS TREE.
NOW WHAT SHALL WE DO?
NOW, SOMEHOW, WE HAVE
TO SHOO THIS FOX AWAY.
38
CHEEKU AND MEEKU STARTED RUNNING
STARTED CHASING THEM.
HOW FAR WILL WE RUN?
COME FAST, LET US
CLIMB THIS TREE.
HOWSOEVER LOUD WE MAY SHOUT
TOGETHER, THIS FELLOW IS NOT GOING
TO GO AWAY.
WHO IS GOING TO HEAR US
SHOUTING FOR HELP? IT IS ONLY
THE WOODPECKERS' KIDS WHO
ARE SHOUTING UP ON THE TREE.
Champak
 CHEEKU BEGAN TO SILENCE THE
WOODPECKERS' KIDS.
INSTEAD OF BEING
BOTHERED TO SAVE
HIMSELF, HE IS ALL UP TO
SILENCE THE
WOODPECKERS' KIDS.
SURE, SOMEHOW PLEASE DRIVE AWAY
THIS FOX FROM THIS PLACE.
OKAY, LET US SEE WHAT
WE CAN DO.
March (First) 2009
CHEEKU GAVE SOME CHOCOLATES TO
THE WOODPECKERS' KIDS AND THEY
BECAME QUIET.
MAYBE THEY WERE HUNGRY.
THANKS, CAN I BE OF
ANY HELP TO YOU?
WITHIN NO TIME THE WOODPECKER CUT
ONE OF THE BRANCHES OF THE TREE
WITH HIS STRONG BEAK. THE HUGE
BRANCH FELL ON THE FOX AND HE FELL
UNCONSCIOUS.
MEEKU, LET US RUN BEFORE THE
FOX REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS.
39
 There are some mistakes in picture 2. Find out how many
mistakes are there. Send your answers through SMS. First type the
keyword DPBEB. Then leave one space and then type the total
number of mistakes. For example, DPBEB 7, as shown in the photo
DPBEB 7
of mobile. Then send the SMS on 57007. You may send as many
SMS as you like. Any 5 correct respondents will be asked to send
their complete address. They will be given a gift of Rs. 100 each.
Your answers should reach us by 20 March, 2009.

Find out the mistakes : Win prize-47

2
 Rules of the Game
● The aim of the game is to destroy the terrorists’
bunkers in the hills.
● You can begin the game when you get 1 on your
dice.
● If you do not have a dice, then pick up your
Champak magazine. Now with your eyes closed
open the magazine. Count and move boxes as per
the last digit of the right hand side page number
such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
● Before starting the game each player has to select
the colour of his choice.
● Maximum 4 players can play this game
at one time.
● Please note :

Injured — Leave 2 turns.

Facing terrorist — Move when you get 5.

Bullet Shot — Start again.

Lobbing grenade — Move ahead 5 boxes.

Bomb blast — Out of the game.
● While following the rules throughout the game, any
player who reaches the ‘target’ first, shall be the
winner.
 Bomb
blast.

Bullet
hit.

Facing
terrorist. Injured.

Bomb
blast.
Injured.

Bomb
blast. Bullet
Grenade hit.
lobbing.

Bullet
hit.

Start.
 Target.

Facing
terrorist.

Bomb
Grenade
blast.
lobbing.

Facing
terrorist.

Bullet
Roshan Babu

Injured.
hit.
 Colour
the
picture.

44 Champak
T
HIS TIME the king of Dejivan had specially
invited reporter of Champak Times Cheeku
Rabbit for the annual desert festival. Seeing
the invitation card, Cheeku was very excited.
'Good, I will get to see
camel festival and also
Interview interview Cammy Camel,'
Cheeku thought and

of started preparing for the

trip.
It was winter and
Cammy Cheeku landed Dejivan
on the day the festival was
starting.
Camel “Welcome to Dejivan,
Cheeku,” shaking hands

by Shailendra Saraswati
with Cheeku Cammy camel said.
“I am also glad to meet you Cammy, but it is
quiet cold here. I used to think that deserts are
always hot,” Cheeku was shivering with cold.
“It is the specialty of a desert that it is as cold in
winters as it is hot in summers. This is because
sand gets hot and cold very quickly,” Cammy
smiled and informed Cheeku.
Surprised Cheeku asked, “Then how do you
manage to stay in extreme hot and extreme cold in
the desert?”
“We camels are made for the desert, Cheeku. We
are not affected at all by the heat because we can
manage our body temperature according to the
temperature outside. So even in the hottest seasons
we are cool,” Cammy informed.
“When I came here, I had great difficulty in
walking on the sand but I see that all camels walk
very easily on it, how?” Cheeku asked.
“Have you noticed the difference in your feet
and ours? Compared to other animals our feet are
broad and cushiony which help maintain balance
in the sand and they don't sink in it,” and he
showed his feet.

B efore Cheeku could question him any further, a

camel came and informed Cammy that the
festival had started.
Cheeku along with Cammy proceeded towards
the festival. The festival had been organised on a
sand hilltop. Two humped camels had also come in
the festival. Cammy introduced one of them to
Cheeku.
“He is my cousin Batty Bactrian Camel. He lives
in cold regions and has come to take part in this
46 Champak
festival,” Cammy introduced
Cheeku to Batty.
Cheeku commented, “That is
why they have wool on
their humps,” and everyone
laughed.
It was evening and very cold
but still Cheeku was enjoying the
camels' dancing.
“Here, take these dates and hot
camel milk. This will provide warmth to
you,” Cammy had called for dates and camel milk
for Cheeku.
Cheeku did as said. He was now actually feeling
less cold.
“Now I have so much strength that I can ask you
thousand questions,” Cheeku said to Cammy.
“Yes, why not? I will be happy to answer your
questions.” Cammy sounded encouraging.
“Then first tell me why were you moving your
jaws constantly while watching the festival?” It
was Cheeku's first question.
“We camels' don't chew our food but collect it in
a bag inside our mouth by swallowing it. Then
while sitting idly, we bring it back in the mouth
and crush them under our teeth.”
“This means that before coming here the neem
leaves that you had were collected in the bag and
now you are chewing it,” Cheeku asked.
“Yes, you are right,” Cammy smiled and
answered.
“There is another interesting thing related to
our habit.”
“What is it?” Cheeku was inquisitive.
“We can stay without food for 7 days
March (First) 2009 47
continuously. The hump on our back takes care of
all the needs of our body for these 7 days. Not
eating for a week makes our hump shrink.”
Then Cheeku posed the second question, “Well
Cammy, tell me whether you collect water too
like you collect and then chew your food? “
“When thirsty we camels can drink 100 litres of
water in 10 minutes. We have another bag in the
stomach to collect water. In case of not getting
water in the desert, we keep ourselves alive by
drinking this collected water,” Cammy informed.
Then looking at his eyes Cheeku asked, “You
have such big eyes, how do you protect them from
the dust storms of the desert?”
Cammy replied, “Dear friend, if you have 3
guards to secure your home, no thief can dare enter
your house.”
A surprised Cheeku looked at Cammy, “But…. I
did not get you, Cammy.”
“We have 3 layers on our eyes which protect our
eyes from heat and sand. This way, nothing can
harm them,” Cammy answered.

A s Cheeku was about to ask the third question,

Cammy's son Nami arrived.
“Now my son Nami will inform you further,”
Cammy said to Cheeku.
More than eager to answer Nami said, “I will tell
you all special things about us.
“Wild camels walk with a speed of 5 miles per
hour, whereas the domestic ones can run at the
speed of 40 miles per hour.
“We have about 34 teeth.
“Our ears may be small but they have
tremendous listening power.
“We very easily search for water in the desert.
“Our bodies have sufficient quantities of
potassium, iron and vitamin.
“Our total height is more than 7 feet.
“A young camel weighs more than 100 kg,
whereas a baby camel weighs only 40 kg.
“For being able to walk in the desert easily and
getting easily adapted to the hot and cold weather
of the desert people call us 'Ship of the Desert.'
“Last of all, we baby camels are without hump
as you can see,” Nami showed his humpless back to
Cheeku.
Cheeku thanked Nami for so much informations
and enjoyed the festival. He also took coloured
photographs from his camera.
Promising to return to the festival next year,
Cheeku bid goodbye to Cammy and flew off to
Champakvan.

March (First) 2009 49
 by Aparna Majumdar

Floods in Champakvan

A
T NIGHT Champakvan was completely
silent as all the animals were tired after the
whole day hardwork. They were sleeping in
their homes. Tinu Owl and Champu Bat were
guarding their group and the jungle.
As Tinu Owl went and sat on his tree after
taking a round of Champakvan, he heard loud
noises.
Hearing the sounds Tinu's wife Tina said, “It
March (First) 2009 51
seems a bomb has exploded somewhere.”
Tinu said, “No, it is not a bomb's sound. This
comes from Champak Dam.”
Suddenly, Tinu's mobile rang. He had switched
it on. Champu Bat spoke from the other side, “Tinu,
hurry up. Get Champakvan vacated as soon as
possible.”
“Why?” Tinu asked.
“Champak Dam has given way. Water is gushing
out with great speed. It seems, it will soon give way
completely.”
Listening to Champu, Tinu said to Tina,
“Champak Dam is broken. We have to inform all
animals as soon as possible so that they reach safe
places.”
In loud voices Tinu and Tina started warning

52 Champak
the animals, “Champak Dam
has broken. Leave your houses
and go to higher safer places
as soon as possible.”
Hearing the announcement,
all animals packed their
expensive things and eatables
and started running towards safer
places.
Blacky Bear loaded a drum of honey on his back.
Hari Deer took along with him a bag full of green
grass. Pusy Cat too carried a bowl of cream with her
and Chunni Fox ran with her makeup kit.
All animals reached Champak hilltop and
heaved a sigh of relief by reaching a safe place. In
no time Champakvan was flooded.
Suddenly, Blacky Bear realised that Munna
Mouse and his family had not come. All the
animals were worried too.
Tinu and Tina went and looked into their colony
but could not find them anywhere.
All were very sad at the thought of the mouse's
family.
King Sher Singh who was present there
said, “We are extremely sorry about losing our
friends.”
Champu Bat spoke, “There is no need to worry,
Your Majesty. Munna Mouse's family is alive and
safe.”
“Alive?” the king was surprised.
“Yes, Your Majesty, I have seen them on the
pipal tree and I am going to save them,” Champu
flew off with his friend Tinu.
They pulled down the members of Munna
Mouse's family from the tree and took them to
March (First) 2009 53
 Champak Hill one by one.
Champakvan was flooded
with water everywhere. Only
Champak Hill was safe and
was looking like a small
island. All the big and small
animals had collected on
Champak Hill.
Blacky Bear was sitting
tight with his drum of honey. He
thought, 'Good, that he got the
drum with him. Now for some days he
can feed on the honey.'
Hari Deer and Pusy Cat were also sitting tight
with their grass and bowl of cream respectively.
Other animals did not have anything to eat. Little
ones started weeping with hunger. Whatever others
had, they gave to the children. Even after that the
little ones would not be quiet.
Blacky could not see children crying. He took
out honey from the drum and started distributing
to them. Hari Deer and Pusy Cat too did the same.
King Sher Singh was very happy when he saw
this. He commented, “Today all Champakvan is
appearing like a family. Be courageous, this
difficult time will also pass off.”
By then all the animals saw eagles and crows
hovering on the sky. The smaller animals got
scared. They thought that the birds of prey would
eat them up.
But to their utter surprise, the eagles and crows
started dropping food for the animals.
The king of eagles came to the king and said,
“Your Majesty, all this food has been sent as relief
by animals of Satpura, Nandanvan and Sundervan.
54 Champak
They have sent a message that till the floods last,
they will supply relief to all of you.”
King Sher Singh said, “Convey my thanks to
them that they have thought of helping us in times
of difficulty.”
A month's time passed waiting for the waters to
recede. The crows and eagles kept supplying food
and other essentials to the animals on the hilltop.
Little sparrow along with her family kept
giving medicines to them. Taking example from
them the parrot, maina, cuckoo and other birds
helped animals of Champakvan.

A s the waters started receding, all animals

started returning to their homes. A lot of
damage was done with the breaking of Champak
Dam. All animals were rendered homeless. All
their clothes and food were swept away in the
floods. The animals of nearby jungles helped
Champakvan animals a lot during this time. In no
time Champakvan again blossomed.
King Sher Singh said, “In times of difficulty, if
everyone helps one another, then all troubles
vanish.”

Do you have something to say?

Children are invited to contribute their own views,
poems, jokes (not published so far), amusing anecdotes and
cartoons. Give full name and address separately for each
column.
Kindly send them to: The Editor, Champak,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Road, New
Delhi-110055, stating that it is your own original, unaided,
unpublished work.

March (First) 2009 55

 F
OR MANY days

Julie Julie
behind
Cat was
Pintu
Mouse. She wanted to
was Left eat him.
But Pintu was a very
Gaping clever mouse. He very
easily made a fool of
by Dr Rajiv Gupta Julie and slipped off
everytime from her
clutches. Julie would be left high and dry.
After all, what could Julie do. Pintu was very
intelligent. Whenever he would be caught by Julie,
he would make such sweet talks that Julie would
get carried away and then sensing opportunity, he
would run away.
One day, getting fed up Julie decided that she
would not listen to
Pintu at all and
would just gobble
him up at the first
instance. Because
of Pintu's smart-
ness, she had
become a butt of
ridicule in
Champakvan.
Soon, Julie got
a golden oppor-
tunity.
One day, she
climbed on to the
terrace of the four-
storeyed house of
Binny Bear. She
was surprised to see that Pintu was coolly sitting
there and eating uncle chips. The place was strewn
with many empty packets.
'Oh, so he is enjoying a picnic here and I am
searching for him in the entire Champakvan. I will
teach him a lesson today,' Julie thought and quietly
latched the door.
Pintu heard the sound and looked at the stairs
with worry.
To his surprise, he saw that Julie was staring at
him with anger.
In fear Pintu could barely speak, “Good
morning madam, would you like to have uncle
chips?”
 “You scoundrel! Today I will see how you
escape. If I don't eat you on this lovely day, I will
change my name,” Julie said, staring at him with
anger and very carefully started advancing towards
him.
Pintu sensed that today he could not make a fool
of Julie. He thought that he would have to think of
some other way out or he was dead.
His mind started working fast.
Then thinking something, he picked up a
polythene bag kept near him in which he had got
some eatables.
He held it tightly and ran towards the wall. Julie
too ran behind him. She was sure that Pintu could
not escape from his clutches. But the next moment
she was shocked to see that Pintu jumped from the
fourth floor on the road below.

‘N ow he is surely dead. Has anyone remained

alive by jumping from such height. It would
have been better if he became my morsel,’ Julie
thought and coming down on the overhanging wall,
she tried to peep down. But Pintu could not be seen
anywhere.
She suddenly heard Pintu's voice, “I am here,
madam.”
Julie looked in front. Pintu was flying in the air
with the polythene bag. He used the polythene bag
as parachute as it got filled with air. He was coming
down slowly.
Julie was watching him with surprise. At the
same time she was praising his courage and
presence of mind.
That day again Pintu escaped and Julie was left
gaping.

Champak 58

☺  Who Am I ?
1. Blue is my neck with crown
on the head.
Spreading my feathers and
dancing is my passion.
I am the national bird.
Can you guess my name?
2. Green, yellow and slim is
his body.
Is used to send your
messages.
You can buy it any time.
At peanut price.
 ☺

3. I am your best friend.
Always guard your house.
Provide you with sense of
security.
How about guessing my
name.
4. If a parrot finds me,
He is happy to eat me.
But if small kid finds me,
He cries the moment he
tries to eat me.

How Much Do You Know?

1. Dispur is the capital of which of the following
states?
(a) Rajasthan (b) Manipur.

?
(c) Assam. (d) Chhattisgarh.
2. Which country is also known as the
land of Kangaroo?
(a) Thailand. (b) Australia.
(c) Sweden. (d) China.
3 'World Forest Day' is celebrated on
which of the following days?
(a) 19th March. (b) 20th March.
(c) 21st March. (d) 22nd March.
4. Where is 'Chaarminar' situated?
(a) Ahmedabad. (b) Hyderabad.
(c) Secunderabad. (d) Jaipur.
5. How many players are in a basketball team?
(a) 3 (b) 5
(c) 7 (d) 9.
Answers
Who Am I? : (1) Peacock. (2) Postcard. (3) Lock. (4) Green chilli.
How Much Do You Know? : (1) c, (2) b, (3) d, (4) b, (5) b.
March (First) 2009 59
 C
HUCHU BIRD
lived on a
blackberry tree
When with her 2 small chicks. A
little further away from
the tree in the jungle was
the an old temple. Elephant
Dada was the priest of the
temple. He was very
Elephant simple and innocent.
Chuchu bird and elephant
were close friends. The
Flew elephant was always
ready to help Chuchu in
every way.
Very often the elephant
by Abha Srivastav
would shower water on
Chuchu's chicks from the water
tank in the temple premises.
The chicks would be very
happy.
The elephant surely loved
Chuchu but he was jealous of
seeing her fly in the open skies.
Chuchu would go flying far away
to fetch food for her chicks and
when she would return, she would
feed them with love. Seeing them
cheerful elephant too would get lost
in their happiness.
The elephant had gone old but
the wish of flying in the sky still
lingered strong in his heart.
Sometimes he would look at
Chuchu's tiny delicate body and
sometimes his heavy built. Then he
would wonder if his wish would
ever come true.
One day, the impossible became
possible. One morning when the
elephant woke up, he saw to his
utter surprise 2 colourful beautiful
wings on his body. He bloated with
pride. "Wonderful! Now even I will
fly like Chuchu.”
He spread his wings and flew a
little and then sat down again.
Seeing the elephant flying, the
rabbit, squirrel and Chuchu
enjoyed.
In spite of the wings, the
March (First) 2009 61
elephant was always scared of falling down with
his huge body.
He thought if he flew higher and fell from there,
everyone would laugh at him.
But having acquired wings, the elephant also
started behaving like a child. As he could not fly
far, he would fly small distances.
Sometimes he would go till the jungle lake and
sometimes till the pipal tree. Rest of the time he
would be sitting at the temple door with his wings
folded.
One day, Chuchu fell ill so serious that she
could not even move. She was unable to go to
62 Champak
collect food for her chicks.
She went to the elephant and wept, “Brother
elephant, I am not well. I can stay hungry but what
do I do for my children. How do I get food for
them?”
The elephant felt pity for her and said, “Don't
cry Chuchu, I will do something.”
With a spirit of helping Chuchu, the elephant
took a long flight. He flew far off and got food in
his trunk.
But before reaching Chuchu's nest, he fell on the
tree with his heavy body.
The blackberry tree fell down with the
elephant's weight. In spite of having fallen down,
the tree was worried about Chuchu and her
children.
It took care of the little birds and the nest by
covering it with its green branches. The tree got
angry on the elephant who had badly damged the
tree.

T he elephant was sorry about his childish

behaviour. He started crying. Oh! What have I
done? The food was filled in the pot. I could have
got it from there. But the love and anxiety of flying
doomed the elephant's name.
Picking up the nest by his trunk, the elephant
carefully kept it on another tree. He then fed
Chuchu and her chicks. The tree too straightened
somehow.
That night itself the elephant thought what use
were such wings that could not be of any use to the
little creatures. He thought that he did not need the
wings. Next morning, when he got up, his wings
had vanished.

March (First) 2009 63
 A TRADER WAS SITTING UNDER THE TREE.

THE
TRADER
AND
THE
DONKEY
BY SHIRAZ MUJAWAR

NEARBY, HIS DONKEY WAS GRAZING AS WELL IN THE LUSH

GREEN PATCH OF THE LAND.

SUDDENLY, THE TRADER HEARD HE QUICKLY GOT UP AND WENT

HIS ENEMY APPROACHING. NEAR HIS DONKEY.

64 Champak
 TRADER SAID-- THE DONKEY WAS COOL, HE SAID–
HURRY UP, LET US GET GOING FAR AWAY WHY SHOULD I EXERT MYSELF FOR
OR ELSE WE WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE NO REASON?
HANDS OF OUR ENEMY.

YOUR ENEMY WILL NOT LOAD ME WITH ANY LESSER LOAD. EVEN IF I SAVE YOU
BY CARRYING YOU ON MY BACK, EVEN YOU TOO WILL NOT LOAD ME WITH
LESSER WEIGHT.

FOR ME BOTH OF YOU ARE ONE AND THE

SAME. IRRESPECTIVE OF WHOM I AM WITH,
LOAD ON MY BACK WILL NEVER BE LESS.

WHOSOEVER MAY RULE, IT

DOES NOT EFFECT POOR
MAN'S LIFE IN ANY
MANNER.

March (First) 2009 65

 Speaking pictures.

66 Champak
 Colour
the
picture.

March (First) 2009 67

 Ninny: It is very cold
these days. How do I
bathe?
Mayank: You can use
the quilt and have bath,
you will not feel cold.
—Naresh, Kolkata.
* fall, I won't hurt my feet.
Neha: What is the
difference between the
morning and the evening?
Sunny: In the morning
teacher scolds, whereas in
the evening, the father.
*
Mummy: Son, be
careful while lifting the
plates and be sure that
the plates do not fall.
Son: Never mind
mummy, the plates are
very light. Even if they
—Himanshu, Chennai.
*
Vicky: Will you not
come with me for playing
today?
Raju: No, because I
have to help my father Student: Sir, all the
today. important days and dates
Vicky: Really, but for from the history.
what? Teacher: Why?
Raju: For doing my Student: Because you
homework. only said that all the
—Ravi, Mumbai. important days and dates
* from the history should
Sanjay: I have got a be on your finger tips.
guitar as my birthday —Aakash, Modinagar.
gift. There could not have *
been any better gift for Bunty: What is the
me. capital of Rajasthan?
Neeraj: How? Minny: Why don't you
Sanjay: You know know?
Papa pays me 100 rupees Bunty: Yes, I know.
for not playing it. Minny: Then why are
—Ashok, Meerut. you asking me?
* —Arjun, Uttar Pradesh.
Son: Papa, have you *
ever visited Egypt? Papa: Did you go to
Papa: No, my son. see the circus?
Son: Then how did you Jayant: Papa, you are
find 'Mummy'. mistaking, the ticket
* which you have is of the
Teacher: What are you cinema and not of the
writing on your fingers? circus. —Deepika, Shimla.
*
 I
T WAS a much-awaited
wonderful Sunday. Aryan had
invited his 'gang of 4' for an
evening party at his uncle's
farmhouse.
As the evening fell, Aryan and
his friends Harsh, Meet and
Aneesha assembled at the
farmhouse. They had travelled to
the venue by bus.
“Uncle's farmhouse has lots of
mango trees. I wonder if you ever
have had so sweet mangoes,” said
Aryan.
“Really,” Meet was delighted.
He was very fond of eating. His
friends had thus nicknamed him

Far mhouse Thieves

by Anil Satija
as “Motu.”
After walking for a little while,
they arrived at uncle's house. They
received a warm welcome by uncle
and his family. Motu and his
friends were extremely delighted
when they were served with
delicacies made from the farmhouse
produce.
“This mango juice is really tasty,
uncle. Can I have more of it?” said
Motu.
“Of course, you can. It is made
70 Champak
from our farmhouse mangoes,” said the uncle,” but
I am worried man because of these mangoes.”
“Why, what happened, uncle?” asked Aryan. He
was curious to know.
“Somebody is stealing our mangoes every night.
If it is not stopped soon, we will be left with no
mangoes to sell in the market.”
“But you must have employed a caretaker to
look after your farmhouse.”
“Yes, I have a caretaker. His name is Radhe Lal.
But he cannot be everywhere in the farmhouse at
one point of time. He has to carry raw mangoes to
the market tomorrow for selling.
After the snacks, all the friends were taking a
stroll in the market.
“Uncle has to arrange for selling the mangoes
tomorrow. It means the thieves would be having
last chance tonight. They will try to steal maximum
mangoes tonight. We must do something,” said
Aneesha.
“You are right, Aneesha.Tonight we will keep a
watch on mango trees in turns,” suggested Aryan.
 It was past midnight. Aryan and Harsh were on
the guard. But soon Harsh was overpowered by the
pangs of sleep as he was reclining against the tree.
Radhey Lal who worked as a security guard,
lived in his hut in the farmhouse.
Suddenly, Aryan saw a strange-looking man
with thick moustaches heading towards the hut of
Radhey Lal who came out of his hut and started
talking to the stranger. He took out some currency
notes from his pocket and gave it to Radhey Lal.
And he blew a soft whistle.
At the sound of the whistle, 2 men emerged
from the darkness and climbed the 2 separate
mango trees. The man with the thick moustaches
placed big baskets under both the trees. The men
on the trees started collected the mangoes in the
baskets.
Radhey Lal stood there as collecting silent
observer.
Aryan looked towards the gate. Their auto-
rickshaw was ready to cart the stolen mangoes.
Aryan ran to Harsh and shook him up. “Hurry up
Harsh, the thieves are going to flee with stolen
mangoes in their autorickshaw.”

A ryan made a quick plan and explained to

Harsh, who ran towards the autorickshaw and
punctured 2 out of its 3 wheels.
Aryan was in position. He took out his catapult
and used it to fire a glass ball at the thief.
With the sudden hit, the thief lost his balance
and he fell on the ground like ripe mango. The
second thief also met with the similar fate. They
both were crying in pain.
Aryan was about to aim at the man with the
March (First) 2009 73
moustaches when Radhey Lal held his neck.
“So it was you who was staging all this, you
rogue,” said Radhey Lal angrily.
Aryan tried hard to get himself free from his
grip but he did not succeed.
By then the man with the moustaches came
running as well.
“We have to get away with the loot fast. This boy
has spoiled everything.” The man with moustaches
did not even complete, when Harsh held him at his
gunpoint and said, “Don't try to escape or else you
are a dead man.”
By then uncle came running when he heard the
commotion. Radhey Lal and all the thieves were
tied with the rope. The man with the moustaches
was a fruit merchant.
Uncle lodged the complaint and all the thieves
including Radhey Lal were handed over to the
police.

T he next day while having the breakfast at the

dining-table, Aryan informed, “The man with
the moustaches, the fruit vendor used to bribe
Radhey Lal for stealing the mangoes, which he
used to sell in the market at huge profit.”
“They had been fooling me for all this time,”
said the uncle.
“But uncle, even Harsh has outsmarted them to
take the revenge.”
“But how?”
“I did not train any gun on the man with the
moustaches, but it was just small thick branch from
the tree.”
Harsh informed everybody with sense of great
pride in his smartness.

74 Champak
 Make numeral figure.

March (First) 2009 75

 Pink Watch
by Sanjeev Jayaswal ‘Sanjay’

V
IVEK'S AUNTY had brought him pink
watch. It was a really beautiful watch.Vivek
was delighted to have a brand new watch.
He had resolved that he would set alarm to get up
early in the morning to study.
Vivek placed his pink watch on his study table.
His pencil box, notebooks, books, pens, geometry
box were already kept on the table and they were all
good friends. Six months had already passed since
Vivek's classes had begun in June last year. As a
result, the books and the notebooks had become
old.
The Book saw the Pink Watch and welcomed her,
“Welcome to the home, friend.”
The Pink Watch looked at the Book indifferently
and remarked, “Get away from me and don't try to
be friends with me.”
“What are you talking? We are all Vivek's friends
and thus we are friends as well,” the Book tried to
explain.
“You and your friendship?” the Pink Watch
made a face and said arrogantly, ”I am so beautiful
and just look at yourself. You look so old and
battered. How can there be friendship between us?”
“We too were beautiful once. But with constant
use by Vivek's sweaty hands, some of our pages has
been spoiled. But believe me, we are not very old,”
the Notebook tried to explain her point of view.
“Sweat?” the Pink Watch covered her nose and
76 Champak
said,” That is why you people are stinking. Better be
away from me. Is that clear to you all?“
“It is not fair to be so proudy. It is in our own
interest to live amicably.” The Pen also tried to
reason it out.
“Now you better be quiet. You lanky fellow.
How can you argue with me?” the Pink Watch
snubbed the Pen.
The Pen was favourite of Vivek.The moment
Vivek used to hold him, he used to write at the top
speed. The Pen also worked hard to ensure that
Vivek writes the best in the examinations.Vivek
also cared a lot for his Pen. Every morning he used
to clean and fill it with ink and later he used to keep
the Pen very carefully in his pocket.
Today, it was the first time when anybody had
scolded the Pen. His eyes were filled with the tears
because of the insult. The Compass in the Geometry
box was also infuriated. He wanted to pierce his
pointed leg in the Watch to teach her a lesson. But
the Protractor in the geometry box controlled him.
At night when Vivek retired to bed, he kept the
Pink Watch on his bed. She looked at the other
friends with proudiness in her eyes. As if she
wanted to convey, ‘See, how much I am loved by
Vivek that he is making me sleep in his own bed.
And you all keep lying on old table.’
Vivek kept lying on the bed for some time but
then he suddenly remembered that he had not set
the alarm. He picked up the watch and started
rotating her ears.
“What are you doing? It is hurting me. Leave
me,” the Pink Watch was shouting.

V ivek did not listen to her shouting. He left only

after setting the alarm in her system. Her eyes
were filled with tears due to insult and pain. Vivek
too went off to sleep. The Pencil and the Compass
were smiling at the Pink Watch's condition.
She kept sobbing for long time. Later, she went
off to sleep. Sharp at 6 in the morning, she suddenly
felt some kind of twisting in her stomach. Before
she could understand anything, a loud sound of
‘trin..trin..trin...’ started coming from her stomach.
“Well done, my sweet watch. You have woken
me up right on time. Now I can study properly,”
said Vivek while kissing the Pink Watch.
With sudden action inside her stomach, the Pink
Watch was still in state of shock. It was totally new
experience since her birth. She had no clue as to
why Vivek had congratulated her. But with his love,
her fear had reduced.
Vivek had to leave for the school by 7 o'clock. He
went away to get ready for the school after studying
78 Champak
for 2 hours. The Pencil found an opportunity and
said, “Did the fly come out of your ear?”
“What fly? What are you talking about?” asked
the Pink Watch.
“The one which had entered your ear,” said the
Pencil.
“But when did the fly entered my ear,” asked the
Pink Watch who was totally surprised.
“Really, when Vivek was shaking your ear?” said
the Pencil laughingly.
“No, she must have acted smart. That is why
Vivek was giving her a lesson by pulling her ears,”
the Compass commented with a loud laughter.
The Pink Watch filled her eyes with tears for her
insult. She felt very angry. But she could not do
anything despite her desire to give them a befitting
reply.
The Pencil and the Compass wanted to make fun
of the Pink Watch, but the Book advised them not to
do so. The Pink Watch
was as proudy but
the insult made
her angrier.
She thought
 that Vivek had twisted her ears
by mistake. That is why he
expressed his love in the
morning.
But very soon her wrong
notions were removed. The next
day too, Vivek placed her next to
himself on the bed but before going
off to sleep, he twisted her ears like
before.
Now this had become daily routine. The Pencil
and the Compass never missed the opportunity to
ridicule the Pink Watch. Her anger was aggravated
all the time and she was on the lookout for a right
opportunity to take the revenge for her insult.
Within few days, she understood that she could
wake everybody up by ringing her alarm bell
anytime. Now whenever Vivek used to go off sleep,
she would wake him up just after one hour. This
used to irritate Vivek which enjoyed by the Pink
Watch.
Everybody— the Book, the Notebook, the Pen,
the Protractor—advised and explained to the Pink
Watch that they all were there to help Vivek and not
to trouble him. But all the advices fell on the deaf
ears of the Pink Watch. She continued to trouble
Vivek all the time.
Totally disgusted Vivek reported the matter to
his Papa. He took the Pink Watch to the watch fixer
who inspected the Pink Watch and declared that all
was fine with watch. Such a positive comment
aggravated her pride in her ownself. Now she
disturbed Vivek's sleep many times during the
night.
Few days later Vivek's aunty visited him again
80 Champak
on his birthday. Vivek told his problem with the
Pink Watch to her aunty. She said laughingly,
“Don't worry my son, I have brought you a mobile
phone as your birthday gift. You can set the alarm
on your mobile phone. It will never disappoint you.
Vivek was pleasantly delighted to get mobile
phone as his birthday gift. He came to his room and
picked up the Pink Watch and commented, “You are
beautiful but you are useless at the same time.”

H aving commented, Vivek removed the batteries

of the Pink Watch and placed her in the
almirah. It was pitch dark in the almirah.The Pink
Watch was cursing her fate, but repenting now
was futile. She had landed herself in such a
situation because of her false pride The Book and
the Notebook felt pity on her state, but were
helpless despite the fact that they really wanted to
help her.
Vivek now used to study till late night. Then he
used to set the alarm on his mobile and used to go
off to sleep. The mobile phone always woke him up
on time and helped him to study.
Vivek scored very good marks in the next
examinations. In his success, his friends
contribution too was included. The Notebook the
Book had helped him a lot. The Pen worked very
hard and helped him to write all the answers to the
questions properly. The Geometry Box, the
Compass, the Scale, the Protractor, the Eraser made
beautiful drawings in the answersheets.The teacher
was very delighted with Vivek's work.
Vivek too was very happy. If anyone was sad, it
was the Pink Watch for which she herself was
responsible.

March (First) 2009 81
 Find out the differences.

82 Champak
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