Stories work

Visit to little friends

Few days back I got a chance to visit the hostel of one of the schools in Lucknow. I accompanied my friend whose daughter studies there in 2nd std. This was one of the routine Saturday evenings where parents are allowed to see their children for one and a half hour.

          I was very anxious to see the habitat of children in hostel. We reached the school premises on time. As soon as we landed the waiting area, Maanu, my friend’s daughter came running to us. The reunion of mother and daughter delighting. Suddenly a little girl, Nandini -nine years old came running to us asking my friend whether her mom was coming that day. She was anxiously waiting for her parents. Nandini told me her mother’s number, which I connected and gave the phone to her. Suddenly I saw her crying which made it obvious that her mother was not coming today.

      When I tried to console Nandini, she told me that she had a fight with one of the girls in her dormitory and she wanted her mother to lodge a complain to the matron against that girl, Vedanti. I suggested Nandini, that, to get things right we should think of some plan rather than complain.

Using story to make friendship

      Long back I read a story somewhere where a little girl is bullied by someone in her class. So her mother decided to talk to that bully girl and gave her the responsibility of her daughter to protect and to take care of her. The story said the two little girls became friends after that.

      I decided to apply the story practically. When I shared the idea with Nandini even she got excited. Now the question was who would tie the bell on cat’s neck i.e who would call Vedanti.. I was as nervous as Nandini. I was afraid what if Vedanti’s parents come in the picture. Finally we gathered the courage and approached Vedanti. As soon I said hello, she started explaining how Nandini started the fight and she just reacted. After listening to her I stated implementing my idea. I requested her to take care of Nandini, because Nandini was weak and afraid and really needed a good friend. After few promises that the incidence would not go to the matron, to my great relief the two girls shook hands and started chatting happily and we all decided to go for a chilling ice-creams .

My insight

    This incident made me realize something important, that  all small inspirational events and stories do help in our day to day lives provided we believe them with all our heart. These inspirations go deep into our psyche and come to our rescue whenever we need them most.