Rida was getting ready for her school as it was her first day in that school. She was very excited. She quickly put on her uniform, tied her shoe laces, took the already set bag and rushed to the dining table where her mum had already made her breakfast. She gulped down a few morsels, had a cup of milk and hugged her mum then rushed out to catch the school bus.

She was feeling nervous as she got into the bus because everyone was new to her. She looked at the girls, confused about where to sit. Then she saw a girl, who was sitting alone, gesturing to Rida to sit with her. She quickly went to her.

“Hi! What is your name?” asked the girl sitting with Rida.

“Hi! I am Rida. And you?”

“I am Fatima, nice to meet you!”

Rida was feeling shy. She just smiled. In 10 minutes the bus reached their school. Fatima helped Rida to find her section from students list on the notice board. “Hey, it’s good that you are in my section,” said Fatima cheerfully.

Fatima was very good-natured girl; she would help everyone and was in the good books of her teachers because she always topped in all the subjects. Fatima introduced Rida to all her friends and it made it easy for Rida to adjust in the new class.

At recess time, Fatima talked to Rida about various things and Rida told her about her previous school and friends. And then day by day their friendship grew. Soon both girls became best friends and Fatima started helping Rida in her studies and in her weak areas, too. Fatima realised that Rida was not good in academics, so she took it as a challenge to keep her friendship growing and making Rida to study harder.

Fatima would give Rida topics to study at home and the next day she would ask Rida questions about the topics. This way not only was Rida studying but Fatima too was able to revise the topics with Rida. As a result, Rida got good marks in her first bi-monthly tests. This made Rida realise how exciting it was to study, the feelings when you secure a good position and the appreciation you get. She also realised that Fatima was a special friend who was responsible for her improved grades.

In the final examinations, Rida amazed every one by securing the second position in her class and Fatima the first. They continue to remain friends and help each other out. This is the essence of friendship.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 20th, 2015