It was the first day in my new school. I was as happy as a lark because everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Maheen, a studious and popular girl who was used to being the centre of attention, introduced me to her group of friends. Thus I settled in very quickly and started loving my new school and friends.

But not for long, as jealousy aroused in Maheen when she saw me getting along with her friends pretty well. I did not notice her antagonism until the day our elocution competition was held. I had been a debater since grade one and I was confident that I would do well in the competition. I got the first position and was sent to an interschool elocution competition, which I won too.

Her resentment intensified when she saw people congratulating me and teachers appreciating me. She decided to do something to harm my popularity, and so started gossiping and spreading false rumours about me. Soon, I noticed people’s attitude towards me changing. At first I was baffled, but eventually these false stories reached me too.

My cheerful days turned into gloomy and depressing ones. It not only affected my mental health, but also my grades. I left all social media apps and WhatsApp group. I wanted a break from giving explanations everyday to people, as to what was the truth and clarifying myself.

The happy-go-lucky and enthusiastic girl had turned into a quiet one. The mean comments and false information would revolve in my mind. I could not share all this with my mum, as I didn’t want to worry her. I was all alone and at that time, I sought God’s help. I remained patient and became close to Him. I also started making friends with girls in other sections, different from the initial group of friends I had made.

Slowly people started to realise that I was not as bad as all the stories they had heard about me, while Maheen’s meanness was apparent to everyone as she was arrogant and mean with others too. They started seeing her true colours and realised that all she had said about me were lies.

Even though people made her realise she was wrong, not once did she come and apologise to me. But the fact that others realised there was no truth in all the rumours she spread about me was all that mattered to me.

I then changed my section and surrounded myself with good and genuine friends. I am now content with my school life, but I do hope that Maheen changes her ways and we can be good friends someday.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 11TH, 2023