Shankar was the latest addition to our class. He arrived after summer, a green turtle shaped schoolbag slung across his right shoulder and a red floral umbrella in hand. Devika, Sahana and Lata --- (The Newcomers Beware Squad!) inspected the new boy from head to toe. "Hey listen," Sahana spoke melodiously to Sankar , "What do you eat daily?"
"I am a rice-eater," Shankar spoke coyly, " And I am a veggie."
" I wouldn't be surprised if you are a kid-eater," giggled Lata, "How come you are s…o…o…o fat?"
"My dad works in an ice-cream company," admitted Shankar, "I slurp up nearly a dozen ice-creams after dinner every night. Maybe that's why I am so belly-heavy." Devika, Sahana and Lata licked their lips and huddled together.
Shankar was somewhat scared of this female trio. Of all the girls in class, he had a better impression of Raima.
" I've got a super idea!" Devika whispered. "We'll take Shankar on a goose chase."
"Yeah!" quipped Lata, "We will play a prank on the new boy Shankar!" The next day in school, Devika greeted Shankar as softly as a butter candy.
"Do you like vampire movies?" she asked him gently.
"Of course, I do," smiled Shankar. "Luck is on your way," winked Devika. "Expect an invitation for Sunday."
That evening, Devika slapped Shahana's palms and said: " We will call up Shankar on his mobile and …" The Newcomers Beware Squad rolled into action.
"Hi, Shankar…guess who?" Lata imitated Raima on the cell phone.
"Hi, how can I mistake your voice?" beamed Shankar.
"Care for a movie at the Princess Mall… Sunday 4 o'clock," Lata's sweet voice trilled along.
"Wow, thanks a ton for the invitation." Shankar was elated.
Lata clicked off her cellphone. The three impish girls reeled with laughter.
Shankar believed from his heart that it was actually Raima who had called up.
On D-Day, the naughty three some sauntered behind Shankar as he headed for the movie hall.
At four o'clock sharp, Shankar reached his destination. " Ha! Ha! Ha!" said Lata as the three girls laughed out, " You really believe that… …"
The first match of the 1st World Cup was played between India and
England. England batted first. The first ball was bowled by Madan Lal. The opening batsman was J.A.Jameson. The first wicket to fall was to the delivery of Mohinder Amarnath, who was making his debut in an international match. The batsman out was Jameson. 
