SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS

"Children, the exams are fast approaching! Are you all preparing well?" Miss Tanya deer asked her class at Champakvan School.

- Inderjeet Kaushik

Those who had been studying steadily throughout the year, confidently replied, "Yes!" But the ones who had been distracted and had spent all their time playing, including Damru donkey, kept their heads down.

"If I ever find the person who invented exams, I'll give them a good beating!" Damru grumbled to the group of students who had spent the year idling. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Meeku mouse chimed in, "If we get the question papers of the exams beforehand, nobody can stop us from passing."

Damru's ears perked up. "Great idea, Meeku! Just name the person who sets the question papers and leave the rest to me.'

"The chief of the exam paper agency is Jumbo elephant. He's honest and noble, and has been personally appointed by Prime minister Shersingh lion to ensure fair exams," Tarry frog interjected. "He would never ever give you the exam papers."

"We'll see about that," Damru said with determination, and headed for Jumbo's house.

Upon reaching there, Damru began pleading, "Uncle Jumbo, please give us the question papers for the exams now, so we can prepare. We haven't touched our books all year and if you don't help us, we'll surely fail!"

Jumbo's face turned red. "How dare you come here with such a request? Those who don't study, deserve to fail. Now, get out!" he thundered, pushing Damru out of his house.

While walking back dejected, Damru ran into Baddy jackal and Vivi wolf, who were sitting under a tree, watching reels on Vivi's mobile phone.

"Why are you upset, Damru?" Baddy asked, faking concern.