“Of course, one cannot eat vegetables,” the crow agreed, “Here, I’ll give you something nice,” and it dropped a halfeaten mouse for Samira. “Oh no! What a terrible thing! Keep your mouse for yourself,” screamed Samira and ran away to stand near the wall.

Some sparrows were chirruping on the ledge of the wall and called out, “Hello Samira! Why aren’t you eating your lunch like all the other children?”

Samira said, “I don’t like parathas. I don’t like vegetables. I don’t want any lunch.”

“Of course, one cannot eat vegetables,” the sparrows agreed. “Here are some crunchy grains of barley — they are really nutritious.”

Samira chewed one and made a face. “This is like eating pebbles. Even upma is better.”