I met Srija in my first day at new school. When Everyone was hesitating to start talking, She was going here and there with smiling face and mingling with the crowd, helping everyone to relax a bit and to talk.
She was so cool and friendly person. That was the first impression I got about her. I was so admired by that attitude. I was looking at her when she came towards me to introduce herself.
I suddenly looked in different direction, She patted my shoulder like a long last friend and smiled.
“I am Srija. You can call me sri “ She winked.
I couldn’t stop my smile and stammered “I am Sarumathi. You can call me …” I started thinking.
“May be saru ?” She offered a suggestion. I smiled gratefully at her.
She stays positive even during stressful times with smiling face, sometimes making others envy with that carefree attitude.
“This year student of the year goes to Srija. she has topped in class and also in sports” My principal’s voice used to echo every year in microphone repeating the same sentence. She was so humble, being in top position never stopped her from mingling with others.
I always took her to my home , She even stays there sometimes during holidays. She made me great listener also with her stories.She loved her family very much, always talks very cheerfully about them. Her mom , dad and her little sister all seemed sounded so fun to be with. She narrates her daily incidents at home, first thing right after , she arrives to school. I was so curious to meet her family, They kind of seemed like my family as I was hearing about them daily. But on contrary to her, I was so silent girl from my childhood , I was so scared to talk with my stammering. She made me talk a lot with others and sometime in stage too. She made sure I overcome that fear. That eventually happened one day.
“Sri I want to meet your family once. Will you take me to your home today ?” I asked curiously.
I thought she will be happy hearing that but she appeared sad for a second. Then regained her smile.
“Do you really want to come home today ?” She appeared to be taking time to think about it.
“ I really want to “ I replied slowly.
“Come on then. I will take you home.” She dragged me along with her.
When I reached her home, I thought her family had gone out. It was so silent house. I started looked around for them. She happily ushered me inside and went to kitchen to take snacks.
I also followed her and said “It’s okay sri. No formalities na. I just want to meet your family. All this can wait. Where are they ?”
She took me to the other room. She said cheerfully “See mom, This is my best friend saru. That girl I was telling you about all these years. Come on , Saru, This is mom,dad and my cute little sister, Nila”
I looked around but found no one. She then pointed to the wall at the pictures she was talking to .
My eyes welled up. I looked at her with heavy heart, But she had the same smiling face.
“It’s okay Saru. They died when I was child, I only heard story about them from grandma. But I think they are still here with me. I didn’t tell anyone about this in fear of living in sympathy. I got scholarship every year so I could study as they wished. No worries”
I still couldn’t control my tears. I hugged her tight. I have seen many people around me , even I complaint about my good life. But she didn’t complaint even a bit about it. She accepted her life’s reality. She even achieved their dream and remained so happy with all this in mind. I couldn’t even imagine if anyone else could do that. She is great inspiration for me, One personality I would remember every time to cross any hurdles in life. I am happy I met her in my life. Its very true ‘You are as unlucky, as you think you are’.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Saranya 