A bright and radiant sun peeped through the black clouds.
To some, it was simply the start to another day of unwavering content, but to Maya, it was the reminder of the relentless toil she needed to instill daily, to meet the standards of her demanding parents.
Holding the family name bestowed fame, but concurrently, it brought onerous responsibilities. Maya’s grandfather had won the hearts of many with his phenomenal leadership, while her mother and aunt were recognized for their awe-inspiring orations. Finally, her brother was the epitome of flawlessness. Holding Kapoor as the last name, perpetually reminded Maya of their high expectations.
Thus, becoming the Student Body President for her school was more than a title; it was her chance to continue the family legacy.
The one person she could share all her thoughts and life aspirations with was Anvi. Maya would share with Anvi her fears about not meeting her family legacy, the stories of all-nighters induced with caffeine to memorize speeches, and the toil of completing assignments to an impeccable standard. Anvi would simply listen, her humble smile always radiating in unwavering support. They had an unblemished and profound friendship. They were there for each other even during the most hindering times.
Until they met a dilemma.
It so happened that on that particular Monday the students at Melonba Valley High were all nerves. They saw the sun succumbing to rain that came down in sheets. Along with this, there was another reason for them quaking in their boots and that was the LIST.
Everything was lifeless in Maya’s classroom until the silence was disrupted by a hoarse announcement- The list of students selected for the Student Body President interviews can be accessed on the Sports Notice in the hallway.
Suddenly, the classroom lit up with anticipation. Maya and the rest of the students gawked at the teacher with the hope that he would let them exit the classroom a few minutes early.
Unfortunately, their efforts failed as he made them leave ten minutes late instead. As Maya came out of the classroom, each step was heavy with tension. Most of her peers were calling their parents with disappointment; there were only a select few filled with exuberance. Standing in line to see the result, Maya shifted her weight from one foot to another. Fidgeting with her hair, she tried not to think of the disappointment in her family’s eyes if she didn’t get to sit the interview. One student after another went closer. All Maya could see was individuals with beams or scowls.
Finally, her turn came. Her eyes perused the page for her name. Suddenly, a rush of buzz filled within her- Maya Kapoor- interview scheduled at 9:00 am tomorrow. Her heart skipped a beat as she congratulated herself, ‘First step- victory.’ Not wanting to look rude at having found her name, she glanced down the rest of the list. That is when her eyes caught a glimpse of another familiar name, “Anvi Sharma – interview scheduled at 10:00 am tomorrow”
Frozen with shock, betrayal and jealousy, Maya just stood there. The world went silent as she tried to comprehend what had actually happened – the one friend she trusted her emotions with, decided to try out for the most important thing to Maya, without telling her anything.
With a vexed and fuming heart, Maya stormed towards their meeting spot in the Cafeteria. She saw Anvi immersed in the book In the Name of Friendship by Marilyn French. She looked up, beamed at Maya and requested her to come over.
Anvi beamed as she exclaimed, “Congratulations! I saw your name on the list.”
Maya didn’t smile.
“I also saw your name on the list.” She hissed.
Anvi smiled and replied, “I know, who knew I would get selected for the interview!”
Staring in disbelief, Maya retorted sharply, “I can’t believe how shallow one can be. I told you every single day how much the role meant to me, yet you applied. And not to mention the fact that you hid this from me. Is this what true friends are like? I’ve been sharing with you all that has happened in my life, and here are you- stabbing me in the back!”
Colour drained away from Anvi’s cheek and her ready smile faded. Her tone changed, “I’ve told you things too, Maya. You just never listened. I know how important being president is to you, but… it matters to me as well. I just didn’t think your permission was needed to try.”
Maya blinked.
Words evaded her.
Disoriented, she stomped towards the one place where she found repose, the Library.
Intertwined in a tapestry of emotions, her feet unknowingly took a wrong turn.
Distanced from the pattering of rain upon the windowsills, she was suddenly standing all by herself in a secluded hallway. The silence was eerie. It resonated the jarring vacuum she felt vibrating in her heart. The hallway was unlike any place Maya had seen in the school. The floor was a polished stretch of marble, composing a subtle colour palette. As Maya looked down, she noticed arrows etched into the floor. The soft shimmer of the illuminated arrows compelled her to follow. She hesitated, but her yearning to escape the deluge of emotions sucked her in.
Soon, the hallway radiated a myriad of moving images – each illustrating a different story. In the first image, she saw herself walking up the stage, looking impeccable. The principal and teacher beamed at her, as they placed the badge marked with ‘Student Body President’ on her uniform. Amidst the crowd of cheering students, she caught a glimpse of her family. A tear trickled down her grandfather’s face as he was filled with satisfaction, her mother and aunt embraced each other as they laughed with pride, and her brother stood stationary with an approving smile on his face.
Maya grinned at the image, she felt fulfilled. Taking a step forward, she looked at the next image.
She saw herself walking towards the Principal’s office. Taking a step inside, she was taken aback by the sight of her family gawking at her with despondency. They had been called to talk about Maya’s poor grades and inability to listen to the needs of other students.
Maya’s heart sank. It was not a good image.
In the meantime, the lights gleamed again. Taking guidance from the arrows, she turned to find a new set of images. But this set belonged to Anvi. Instead of seeing herself on the stage, she saw Anvi standing humbly with a gentle smile on her face.
In the next image, she saw students filled with comfort as they conversed with Anvi about the prospective issues at school, with Anvi patiently listening and making some notes.
Turning away from the images, Maya continued to follow the arrows until she found an exit sign. As she was about to leave, another image popped up, this time it had both Maya and Anvi laughing together, sharing their ridiculous tales of weekend shopping expeditions and efforts to escape the tedious lessons at school.
Maya briskly exited the hall.
Her heart and head were ready to explode. She stood for a moment to contemplate and compose.
Those couple of images in a mysterious hallway had given her a message which she had failed to comprehend in all these years.
Maya looked around to find herself entering the cafeteria corridor.
The drumming of rain had begun to ease off, and a glimmer of sunshine stretched through, casting little rainbows through the fallen drops. She found Anvi still sitting in the cafeteria with her lunch.
Pulling out the empty chair in front of Anvi, Maya sat down with a fluttering heart, trying to squeeze a smile from her recently enlightened self, “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. After saying that, I realized that being Student Body President isn’t simply a title, but a responsibility. Moreover, I learnt that our sister-like bond is much more valuable than a simple badge.”
Anvi scanned Maya’s face for sarcasm, but couldn’t find any. Beaming with joy, Anvi clutched Maya’s hand, “Yay! Let’s sit through the interviews and, regardless of who becomes the President, let us stay friends- please!”
Maya could see her own reflection in Anvi’s smiling eyes. In that instant, she realized that the one person who would always love her, despite her victories or failures, would be Anvi.
Writer : Aarna Sharma
Grade : 8 (Year 2025)
Place : Sydney, Australia
