January 03, 2009

I woke up and got dressed. It was a great day because there was a debate session at school and I was also taking part in it. I quickly gobbled my breakfast and then mom and dad drove me to school. They both came, as the parents were also invited. When we reached, the programme was about to begin. My mom and dad sat in the parents’ portion, while I went behind the stage to greet my teacher. “Hi Mahnoor! I was just looking for you,” she said “Why ma’am?” I asked.

“You are to be replaced by another girl,” she replied.

At first, I only stared with my mouth wide open, then when I got back to my senses, I screamed “Whaattttttt?!”

“Yes, but don’t worry there is always a next time!”

I was so angry that I wanted to cry and run away from the stage and go to my mother. I was about to go when something pulled me back. “No!” I said to myself. “I must face it,” and then I prayed and went to see my friend who was to conduct the whole programme.

“Mahnoor I was just thinking of you; it’s bad of Miss Aleena to come to me saying ‘cut Mahnoor’s name and add Laiba’s!’” said my friend with a snort. I gave her a weak smile and went away. Now the speeches were about to start. The first girl came, then the second and so on. At last, it was the last person’s turn who was supposed to be me but as only 12 children were allowed and I had been replaced by the teacher’s favourite student, I was not going.

Laiba came on the stage, but after saying some of her lines she FORGOT what she had to say! That was the first time I enjoyed. I peeped and saw my mother worried because she knew I was the last one and here there was someone else! Laiba had forgotten her speech and was rummaging her pocket to take out her speech paper and hey presto it was not there! To see the girl’s face worried, that girl who took my place, made me feel happy. For a few seconds, there was a dead silence in the hall. The head mistress was worried and especially Miss Aleena.

It was my friend who saved the day. When she saw Liaba had started crying, she came forward and said, “Thank you Laiba!” and after a short pause she announced “Now I invite Mahnoor to deliver her speech.”

I was surprised as only 12 children were allowed. Anyway I delivered my speech which I had learnt by heart. After it, I got a big applause which turned my cheeks scarlet. Then I saw the head mistress smiling which made me feel proud. When the results were announced I stood first! All because of my great friend.

The next day I had bought a box of chocolate for my friend. I searched all around the school for her but couldn’t find her. Finally I saw her outside the head mistress’ office, looking very upset. I went to her and asked what the matter was. She answered, “The head mistress has called me and I bet she will scold me for adding a 13th person in the show.”

“No she wouldn’t, silly!” I answered.

“She would, I know that very well!” my friend said.

“Ok! Now take these chocolates and we will see who is right and whatever may happen, be brave!” I said.

After a little while, she was called. When she came back, she was very happy. I ran to her and asked, “Who was right you or me?”

“You,” she said.

“What did the head say?” I asked.

“She said that it was wonderful of me to save the show and save a person’s heart from being broken and for that I will get a kindness reward,” she answered.

“Wow! Tehreem you do deserve it!” I said and with that we both got up and went to our class.