Nisha entered her class — VI B, with the anticipation that she would be selected as the class leader. Nisha had been the class leader from Std III to V.
Sandhya entered the class with three cardboard boxes.
“What are those boxes for?” asked Nisha.
“A first-aid box, a stationery box, and an emergency box. I have seen students having to pay a fine at Assembly for not having cut their nails or not wearing white ribbons or white headbands, so this box has a nail cutter, ribbons, and bands. Anyone can take whatever they want from these boxes, but they have to return it after school,” said Sandhya.
Mrs. Rosemary entered the class. Sandhya showed her the boxes. She praised Sandhya. “I have selected Sandhya to be the class leader of VI B,” said Mrs.Rosemary and the whole class clapped in appreciation, except Nisha.
Sandhya was greatly surprised. She never had any wish to become the class leader. She made those boxes to help her classmates.
“Sandhya made those boxes to beat me to become the class leader,” Nisha whispered to her benchmate Reena.
A week later, Sandhya called out the names of 10 students from their class. “You are selected to sing for our Founder’s Day function. Please meet our music master after lunch break,” said Sandhya.
Nisha was angry. “Music master always selected me for every school function. Sandhya knows that and she deliberately left my name out. I am going to complain to Mrs. Rosemary about this,” said Sandhya to Reena. After school Reena asked Nisha to wait in the classroom.
Currying favour
“My mother will be waiting for me in the parking lot. I have to go,” said Nisha.
“I met your mother. She told me to take our time,” said Reena.
Nisha was puzzled. There was no one in the classroom. Just then, Sandhya came in with a broom and dustpan, smiled at them and began to sweep the class.
“Why are you sweeping? Our school has ayahs and helpers to do this work,” said Nisha.
“Yes, but they have a lot of work. I just want to help them a little,” said Sandhya.
“She is doing it to win favours from Mrs. Rosemary,” Nisha whispered to Reena.
“No, that is not true. Every year, I have seen her stay back to clean up. Come, let’s help her,” said Reena.
“No…er…I am tired. I have to go,” said Nisha and ran out of the classroom.
Next day, Nisha was surprised when her mother said she had invited Sandhya and her mother to tea.
“Why?” asked Nisha trying to control her anger.
“It was Reena’s idea,” said her mother. Nisha answered the door and with great effort smiled warmly at Sandhya and her mother. Reena was also with them.
“We are sorry we are late. Sandhya had to visit Reena and give her the notes she had missed for a week,” said Sandhya’s mother. “Since Reena didn’t come to school for a week, Sandhya got her mother’s phone number from Mrs. Rosemary and got her address. Reena was down with viral fever. She’s recovering.”
“Were you aware of Reena’s long absence from school?” asked Nisha mother.
“I…er…well didn’t notice,” said Nisha.
“Take Sandhya and Reena to your room,” said her mother.
Nisha reluctantly took them to her room.
“So who is your best friend?” Reena asked Sandhya.
“Everyone,” said Sandhya.
“Everyone, except me,” said Nisha curtly.
Sandhya was taken aback. “You are my best friend too,” said Sandhya.
“Then why didn’t you select me for singing. You know I sing well,” said Nisha.
“Those 10 girls were in our class from Std. III. I have seen their disappointment when our music master selected the same girls every year. So, this time I requested our music master to give the other students a chance and he agreed. He asked me to select them,” said Sandhya.
Nisha apologised to Sandhya. “Just forget it,” smiled Sandhya.
“Let’s play a board game,” said Reena. They had great fun the rest of the evening.
As Sandhya and her mother were leaving, Nisha whispered to Reena and her mother. “Sandhya is the perfect class leader of VI B.” Nisha’s mother and Reena exchanged secret thumbs up signs behind Nisha.
