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Fear of failing in exams makes Pakistani boy to run away

DUBAI — 'I was afraid I would fail in my examinations and that my mother and sister would scold me. I thought I may have to remain in Grade VII for another year. That was why I ran away," said 15-year-old Mohammed Mehrab Javed, who returned home on Wednesday night after going missing for four days.

The Pakistani student, who was supposed to sit for his retest in three subjects from last Tuesday, took off from home in Deira on Sunday evening, promising to be back for dinner. However, he ran away and sought refuge in a mosque in Hamriya.

"I ate the food that was served in the mosque and slept outside. I don't know how I spent four days away from home. I was scared and cried myself to sleep every night," said Mohammed.

Khaleej Times had reported earlier that the teen might have done the disappearing act after cracking under exam pressure. Though he did contemplate going home many times, the thought of failing in the exams kept him from returning, he said. The fact that he had failed twice earlier, in his Grade VI and VII, compounded his anxiety.

Finally, a friend who found him in the mosque told him that his mother had taken ill after his disappearance. "When I learnt she was unwell, I immediately walked to the Muraqqabat police station and explained the situation," said Mohammed.

His mother, Tasleem Javed, was an emotional wreck by the time her son walked in. After nearly 90 hours, Tasleem Javed took her first morsel on Wednesday night. "I have been very worried. He is my only son and I cannot explain what went through my mind every hour when he was away. I prayed for his safety."

Shahreena, his sister, said she is relieved that he has come back. "We are thankful to the police for helping us look out for him. The next time we scold him, we will think twice," she said.

Dubai Police sources confirmed that the boy had come to the police station by himself, after which they informed his family.

The family is now planning to approach the school to find out whether the boy has to take the retests to go to the next grade.

preeti@khaleejtimes.com,

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com