Storytime: Time to say bye

The school auditorium was buzzing with activities. Dressed in their best clothes, the children were extremely excited to be part of the great event. It was the annual day in school. The children were looking forward to go to their new class the following month.
“Matt, you look quite smart,” Jia complimented her friend. While Jia sported a bright skirt with a pastel colour top, her best friend Aaliya wore a grey trouser with a blank top.
“Hey Aaliya, you are looking quite nice,” Matt said. Aaliya gave a broad smile. She remembered how a new girl who was apparently very beautiful had made her feel inferior once. Seeing her being sad her mother had then taught her a valuable lesson in life — It was more important to have a beautiful heart than just a beautiful face. Aaliya since then never bothered about her looks.
Aaliya had almost got lost in thoughts when she heard the loud voice of Jamila. She and her twin Aasila were dressed in similar clothes and were inseparable. “Hi, Aasila, Jia greeted: “Heard this time also you have got the highest grades? Congrats.”
Jamila smiled hearing this. Gone were the days when she would feel jealous of her sister’s good grades. One incident had changed her entire perspective. She had learnt that self-worth was not based on one’s achievement. Aasila had willingly let Jamila get good grades. It was then Jamila had learnt that helping others win, even if it meant slowing down a bit, mattered a lot. Since that day she never felt jealous of her sister.
Hearing her friends talk about the result Shyla thought about her results too. She was a little scared this time because her Geography exams were not up to the mark. But nevertheless she knew she would be honest about it this time and not lie like last time. Her mother had left a note on her table that said: ‘Lying is convenient but honesty makes life so much easier. People in life will really look up to you if you tell the truth.’ Since then Shyla never lied.
Soon the entire hall was full. Robby and his sister Aleeta, Soham, Rehman, Natasha, Falak, Harry, Abhilasha and others thronged the venue. “Hey Aleeta,” Falak greeted. “See my new dress. My mom bought for me. It’s very exp....” Before she could complete her sentence she stopped. She did not want to be called Little Ms Snob anymore.
It was Ali’s birthday and everyone greeted him wholeheartedly. Ali gave sweets to all. It reminded them of Abhilasha’s birthday when she had made such a big noise about the missing sweets box in school. It was not just Abhilasha, everyone learnt a valuable lesson that day — birthdays are meant for sharing happiness and not just sweets. Ali was showered with gifts. He was happy getting all of them but kept in mind what he had recently learnt from Ravi, his friend. “Gifts are more about the love and not the price.’
“Jia, aren’t you feeling hot. I think the AC is not working,” Rehman suddenly asked while wiping his forehead. “No, it’s ok,” Jia replied. She too was feeling hot but she recollected her aunt’s words: ‘Never let complains take over your life so much that you forget to enjoy the small pleasures of life.’ And she indeed didn’t want to miss the enjoyment of the annual day party by complaining about the minor discomforts.
Jia was a kind hearted girl who recently missed her exams to take care of the ailing house help. Everyone had praised her for that.
The music started soon and the children danced with their full energy. It was followed by few games. Robby, who was always good at sports, was good at games too but he no more said, “I am the best”. He had made fun of Soham for losing in the race and his dad had told him that wining is not everything in life. Robby behind Soham when suddenly Soham fell. Rehman was coming from the other direction and unknowingly collided with Soham. If it had been some other time he would not have admitted his mistake but Rehman always kept in mind his mom’s word. ‘If you make a mistake accept it.’ And so he did. He went to Soham and said sorry. Robby, who was watching all this happen perfectly understood this. He had once shouted at Soham on a similar incident as he could never keep his anger under control. But lately he was trying his best to control his temper.
Robby soon saw some mess on the food table and thought of clearing it. “Oh Robby, what makes you clean the table now,” said Matt. There was a time when Robby would never clear any mess but he had learnt the value of living in a clutter free environment.
Matt was busy finishing his chicken pattice. Since the time he had seen the small girl crying for a small piece of cake he had never wasted food again.
As the music got louder the children danced. Jia had prepared a small speech. “Dear friends, as we get ready to go to our new classes we must thank everyone who have been with us throughout this year. We must thank our parents, elders and teachers for their love and guidance. Hope we will always remember all that they have taught us in our day to day lives and become good human beings.” Everyone cheered Jia.
The children returned home bidding goodbye to all. No doubt, it was a fruitful year for them.