Once upon a time there were two best friends. Mahee and Teesha. They were the kind of best friends everyone wished they had.
They have been best friends since they were small. They ate together, studied together and they did almost everything together.
Where Mahee went charging on the football field with her powerful kicks, Teesha painted her dreams onto the canvas with graceful strokes. It would not be wrong to say that they were poles apart, but always in sync like- music and lyrics.
Both girls had a sweet and charming personality that made all the kids and teachers at school admire and adore them.
The excitement was buzzing in the corridors of the Riverdale school as the annual cultural fest was just around the corner. The school was busy gearing up for dance, art, music, drama and sports.
Mahee was already selected for the football team but Teesha was still waiting for the partner to participate in the art competition.
Their homeroom teacher, Miss Reeya had informed her that the school will team her up. She was anxious and was continuously talking about it with Mahee on their way to school.
As they walked to the school, they saw a boy, who stood in the corner with his hands in his pocket. He was tall and lean, and wore a serious expression that made him seem distant.
They asked him with a smile on their faces, “Can we help you?”
“Mind your business”, he replied brushing past them.
Mahee replied, “Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
When they reached outside the class, they saw the same boy again in a heated argument with Ishan, one of the brightest students in their class.
Before punches could fly, Ms. Reeya, their homeroom teacher, appeared and pulled the two boys apart and said “This is no way to behave.”
She turned to the class, “Everyone this is Tom. He is new at Riverdale. He is an award winning artist and also captained the football team in his previous school. Let’s make him feel welcomed!”
Miss Reeya also announced that Tom would be Teesha’s partner for the art competition.
Mahee reassured her, “You’ve got this. Just show him how amazing you are.”
After school they started to work together on their project. He hardly spoke anything to Teesha. Ignored all her suggestions.
After school they started to work together on their project. He hardly spoke anything to Teesha. Ignored all her suggestions.
The only time he spoke to Teesha was when he wanted her to do something like change the water, set the easel or wash the brush. Teesha felt sad.
On the way back to their home, she narrated the whole incident to Mahee. Mahee told her, “You have ideas and he needs to hear them.”
Next afternoon, Teesha said, “Tom, we need to work together. I’m not here to carry water and clean up. I have ideas too, and I deserve to be heard.”
She also said, “If you don't listen to me, I will back out of the competition, which means you can't participate either.”
Tom spoke. “I’ve always worked alone. I don’t know how to do it any other way.” Teesha replied, “There is always a first time!” They worked as a team and came up with an amazing painting.
Tom spoke. “I’ve always worked alone. I don’t know how to do it any other way.” Teesha replied, “There is always a first time!” They worked as a team and came up with an amazing painting.
It was bold and colourful, with a story told in every stroke. They won the competition and Tom became their friend.
From that day on, things changed for Tom. He laughed more, talked more, and even joined Mahee for a football practice now and then.
But most of all, he learned that sometimes, the best ideas and friendships are made when we choose to listen and let others in.
The End