Fair Play summary

“Fair Play” is a meaningful story about friendship, justice, and how power should be used responsibly. The chapter centers on two schoolboys, Javed and Alok, who are close friends. They live in the same neighborhood, attend the same school, and often spend their evenings playing cricket together. Their friendship feels strong and natural, built on time, trust, and shared enjoyment. At the beginning, nothing suggests that they will fall out, but a small misunderstanding soon tests their relationship.

One afternoon, children in the neighborhood organize a cricket match between two groups. Alok is chosen as the umpire because everyone trusts him to judge fairly. Javed plays for the opposite side. The game becomes competitive, and both teams want to win. At one crucial moment, a disputed decision goes in favor of Alok’s team. Javed’s team loses. Some boys immediately accuse Alok of being biased and say he helped his own side win. They claim he was not fair. Alok feels hurt and angry because he believes he tried his best to be honest and follow the rules. He sees the accusation as an insult to his character.

Javed is caught in a difficult position. He is upset about losing, and he hears his teammates blaming Alok. Instead of calming the situation, harsh words are exchanged. Alok feels betrayed when Javed does not support him strongly. Javed also feels that Alok might have made the decision unfairly, though he is not completely sure. Their emotions take control, and the friendship that was once easy suddenly feels strained. They stop talking properly, and the warmth between them fades.

The next day, another event worsens the tension. In school, the teacher appoints Alok as the monitor. A monitor is meant to help the teacher maintain discipline and assist the class. At first Alok feels proud of this responsibility. But slowly he begins to misuse his powers. Instead of being helpful, he becomes bossy. He orders classmates around, reports small mistakes unnecessarily, and behaves as if he is superior. Javed feels that Alok is showing anger from the cricket match through his monitor role. It seems like Alok is taking revenge, using authority to hurt others. Javed becomes more annoyed and decides not to speak to Alok at all.

Days pass, and then luck changes the roles. Javed is appointed monitor for another school activity. Now he has the same power Alok once had. In the beginning Javed feels tempted to return the treatment he received. He thinks of embarrassing Alok and giving him strict orders. But when he actually starts working as monitor, he remembers how painful unfair authority felt. He realizes that revenge will only make him unjust too. Instead of misusing power, he chooses to be fair. He speaks politely, helps classmates, and does his duty without pride or anger.

Alok notices this change. He sees that Javed, even after being hurt, is acting with patience and fairness. This makes Alok feel ashamed. He understands that he was wrong to behave rudely and to misuse his monitor position. Alok realizes that true fairness is not only about cricket decisions but also about everyday behavior. He approaches Javed, apologizes sincerely, and admits his mistake. Javed accepts the apology, and the friendship is restored. But now their friendship is wiser and stronger than before because both boys have learned an important lesson.

The story teaches that power is a test of character. A person’s true nature appears when they are given authority. If authority is used for ego or revenge, it creates bitterness and breaks trust. But if it is used fairly and kindly, it earns respect. The chapter also highlights the value of understanding and forgiveness in friendship. Small misunderstandings can grow when pride blocks communication. “Fair Play” encourages students to be just in decisions, avoid revenge, and treat others with respect even when they feel hurt. In the end, fairness becomes the foundation of both friendship and good character.