A New Friend at School!

Pushpa entered the class. It was her first day in the new school. Noticing a vacant space on the second bench, Pushpa walked toward it.

Malini was already sitting there, and she did not want Pushpa to join her. “This is my friend Nithya’s place,” Malini said, stretching out her hands to block her.

“So what, Malini? Nithya has not come today. Let Pushpa sit there,” said Devi. Devi was the class leader, and her word was usually final.

Malini pulled back her hands. However, she made sure Pushpa could not sit comfortably. She widened her legs and arms so that Pushpa was left with very little space, all while glaring at her angrily. Despite this, Pushpa simply smiled at Malini, squeezed herself in, and settled into the narrow space.

The language class began, and the teacher assigned a handwriting task. “It should be clean and beautiful,” the teacher instructed.

Suddenly, Malini made a mistake. She searched for her eraser but could not find it. She began to grow upset.

Pushpa, observing her, asked softly, “What happened, Malini? What are you searching for?”

“My rubber,” murmured Malini.

Pushpa opened her pencil box, which contained two erasers. She slowly pushed one of them toward Malini. It was a sturdy, high-quality eraser that left no marks behind. Malini held it in her hand, and a small smile appeared on her face.

“Quick, quick! Complete the work,” the teacher’s voice alerted her.

Malini concentrated on her writing, erasing her mistakes as she went. She completed the assignment and submitted her notebook just as the bell rang.

“Thank you so much, Pushpa. I was able to correct my mistakes with your help,” Malini said.

“It was very nice of Pushpa,” Devi added. “She helped you, even though you didn't want to give her space to sit. Now, Malini, this is the time to erase any ill feelings as well.”

“Sure! From now on, I will be friendly with everyone,” declared Malini.

All the friends laughed together.