One day, Meena and Mithu were returning home after coilecting firewood

They hacj to pass the village schooi on the way. Raju went to this school. Meena and mithu decided to stop at the school and see what was happening

They found that teacher was telling the children a wonderful story.

Meena and Mithu liked the story so much that they listened will the very end. Meena wished so much that she could go to school, too.

Walking back home, Meena pretended that she was teacher and that mithu was her student. She taught the parrot to say his name.

When Meena got hame, Raju was telling their father about all the things he learn at school.

Meena looked at her father, "Oh, please, why can't I go to school, too?" She asked.

"You are needed at home to help Mother," said her father. "Girls only need to cook, clean and look after the house," added her mother. "You don't need to go to school for that!"

Poor Meena! That night she stood sadly at the window. The school building was shining in the moonlight. How she wished she could study!

When she finally fall asleep, Meena had a strange dream. She was in class with many other girls and boys _____ and Mithu was the teacher!

The next morning, Meena watched sadly as Raju and his friends went to sehool.

She remembered her dream and sat down to think. Somehow, she must make it come true. But how?

Then Meena had a wonderful idea. She would send Mithu to school. And he would come back and teach her everything he learnt there! 

Mithu sat all morning at window of the classroom. He listened carefully as the teacher taught the 2 times table.

And then he flew back home and taught Meena........

...... two ones are two

Two twos are four

Two threes are six........

Soon, Meena was counting six of everything she saw.

She keep counting her father's chickens. Meena was finally learning arithmetic, just like Raju.

That afternoon, % when Meena and Mithu were busy, a thief came creeping up the wall. He stole one of the chickens and ran off.

''Six grains," counted Meena,"........ and six chickens." She turned to count them once more, but there was one messing.