I remember when I was at school, we used to get library books to be read at home, as our library didn't have enough space to accommodate many students at once. In one such library period I came across a book about an evil toy monkey who wanted a revenge from its makers. Back then I was quite awestruck by this horror story and I developed a fondness for the book.  The book also had an interesting cover page on which there was a green toy monkey with dreadful eyes ready to jump at you and knock you off. I so enjoyed reading that book that I decided to keep it with me even after finishing it. 

Next week when we all had to return the books to the library. I went to my class teacher and asked her whether I can somehow buy this book, and she told me to ask the librarian for the same. So, I went to the librarian and asked her, but she immediately refused stating that the books in the library are provided by the Church Trust and they can't be sold. So, I came back to my classroom returning the book to the library and sat in absolute dismay. 

Seeing me like this, my class teacher called me and told me that instead of returning the book, I should have told the librarian that I misplaced the book and would have paid the fine money, by which indirectly, I would have bought the book. I was quite surprised by her suggestion. 

This was how I came across the concept of trickery for the first time. This art of deception was new to me back then, and a question with it which has been haunting me since then, is “would it be right to do so?”

(Jayam is a first year student of the class of 2023)