TIT FOR TAT IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT!!

The Consequences

(from Ira's point of view)

I'd heard enough. Something had to be done.

Urmila ma'am was going on scolding innocent Parul, and if what she was accusing Parul of, reached the Principal's ears, then surely Parul would be expelled for at least a month, if not worse.

I was her only witness, and if I didn't speak up, no one would be able to prove her innocence.

Even if Parul was not among my well-wishers, I couldn't let an innocent person be punished. Even though that same person had the opposite view in my case.

'Tit for tat!!' The words she'd said to me with a smirk on her face after Akash sir finished scolding me for the script, echoed in my mind--as if trying to remind me, I could do the same.

I thought for a moment. If I did that, what would be the difference between me and her? She thought that I stole the crown of popularity from her, but in reality, I never even thought that my kind actions and hard work could make me 'popular' among my peers. She took revenge, and I could, too, now. But then we would both be the same. And I knew I could never be as stone-hearted as her.

That was it.

                                                                                              ***

"Excuse me, ma'am? Please wait, I want to say something." I said.

Parul glared at me, and it was evident that she was expecting me to side with the teacher.

"Yes, Ira. Go ahead. If it has something to do with this, I'm all ears." Urmila ma'am said.

"I'm not taking any side, but I just want to say that Parul isn't lying. Parul didn't steal. I'm her witness."

My statement shocked everyone, but the most astonished was Parul herself! Urmila ma'am gave me an inquiring look.

I continued. "Yesterday, I came to school for my evening swimming practice. I had left a few books and copies in my desk, forgetting there was homework in those subjects. So I went to class, and was finding my key in my bag, kneeling down on the floor, when I noticed Parul come in, unlock the cupboard, keep her project and model inside, lock it, and then go away.

"I didn't make myself noticed by her to avoid any argument that could follow, since, you know, we aren't on such good terms. She didn't see me, either, as my desk is at the back of the class while the cupboard is in the front."

I paused, then added,"I'm sure she didn't take anything out of the cupboard, at least not while I was there--you can have my word for it. Though, I don't have a clue as to who actually stole the things."

"Well, then, if that's the case..." Urmila ma'am took a deep breath, and said,"...I'm sorry, Parul. I wouldn't have believed what Ira just now said, if it wasn't for her honesty and sincerity. You see, she could have just let you be punished without it affecting herself in any way, but even then she chose to speak up. I'm proud of you, Ira.

"All the same, I would take this opportunity to warn the real thief that it would be not long before I caught him or her. So whoever it is, you better own up soon." The bell rang just then, and everyone quietly dispersed to be ready for the next class.

Although we never found out who the real thief was, the whole class' P.T., Yoga, Art, Music and Dance periods were cancelled for the next two weeks. It was really tiring! Study, study, study. All day long!! With no periods to entertain or freshen up ourselves with.

Of course, Richa and Mansi, my BFFs, were totally surprised when I not only stood by Parul, but also proved her innocent--even a bit angry(jokingly), because they thought, innocent or not, Parul deserved the punishment. But when I explained to them why I did it, they were more than happy to have a friend like me. Proud, to be precise, after realizing that I didn't succumb to the feeling of revenge.

The important thing is, I felt happy and satisfied too. I can assure you, it was not a feeling I'd ever experienced before.

Parul didn't say anything to me. No thank you. No sorry. Not a single word. But at least, she didn't even continue making my school life miserable for the rest of the session. She didn't express any gratitude(And, honestly, I was thankful for that--didn't know how in the world I was supposed to react to a 'thank you' from the person who'd once stop at nothing to trouble me.), rather behaved like I didn't exist at all!

Well, I was fine with that.

I felt good, after what I did for her, despite knowing that she might even hate me all the more for it(Well, maybe she might have thought that I was trying to be righteous and make her feel small by doing a favor for her! No saying what goes on in that girl's mind!!)!

But what I understood from this episode of my life is--Tit for tat is not always the right thing!! What do you say?

                                                               ~~~THE END!~~~

A/N: Hi! Hope you enjoyed the story...this was my first, and I'm so excited to see that it has over 10 reads!! (well, that's a big thing for me, you know) Special mention to my BFF pratishthasinghal for constantly supporting me and saying that she's dying to read the consequent parts, even though she's already read the whole of it a few months back itself! ;) ;P :D

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all readers as well, and please keep your faith in me going! I know this one wasn't such a good story, but I'll promise to improve if you comment and suggest more ideas. Thanks again! :)

I'll be back with a new story soon. Till then, bye! :D