The Mirror Of The Self

Ved could not believe it.

After preparing for a whole month, when it was finally time to speak in the elocution competition, he had fallen sick just one day before the main event. And it wasn't any general sickness, he was suffering from throat infection! His throat felt swollen and hurt a lot, specially when he tried to speak or gulp any food. The doctor advised him a day's rest and told him to take plenty of warm fluids that would soothe his throat.

He lay morosely on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Thatha came inside carrying a bowl of soup.

"Here's your favorite tomato soup. It is the right temperature now to drink it." Thatha said, handing over the soup to Ved who took it silently.

Thatha could make out that something was bothering Ved. Usually the child became very happy if he ever had to skip school for some reason.

"What happened?" Thatha asked gently.

Ved said in a hoarse voice. "Kanchan."

Thatha looked at him in confusion.

"She's my main rival in the class." Ved explained. "She is always competing with me in every thing, be it sports, handwriting, studies, everything. She would easily win tomorrow while I lost my chance at defeating her."

Thatha looked at Ved thoughtfully. "Why do you think she competes with you?"

"She is very competitive! She always has to win everything and every time. She throws a tantrum if she ever loses which happens rarely. No one else in the class behaves like her. We all are friends, and who competes with friends?! Arrogant people like Kanchan. Always winning, always showing off, and getting jealous of others for petty reasons..." Ved's tirade went on for a while. He then looked at Thatha, waiting to see his response.

Thatha cleared his throat. Ved was not in a mood for any quote. But he respectfully maintained silence.

"Our criticisms of others have a side benefit. They provide an unintentional glimpse at what is ugliest within us." Thatha looked at Ved thoughtfully.

The boy looked suitably abashed. "I don't know this quote, Thatha." He said humbly.

Thatha nodded. "This was said by Ward Farnsworth. But did you understand what it is about?"

Ved looked guilty. "I think I do."

"The things we criticize about others are often a reflection of what we think is wrong with ourselves. You said Kanchan is jealous, that she is competitive. Can you think of anyone else who is exhibiting that kind of behavior right now?" Thatha asked gently but firmly.

Ved nodded with a sigh. "I understand I behaved exactly like that - competitive and jealous. I am sorry, Thatha."

The older man gently ruffled the kid's hair. "It's okay. What do you want to do now?"

"First I need to make a call, Thatha." Ved said and brought his mother's mobile. He dialed Kanchan's mother and requested to talk to her. 

"Kanchan, I just wanted to wish you good luck for tomorrow's competition." Ved said over the phone. "No, I am not participating. I have throat infection so I cannot come to school tomorrow." There was a brief pause at his end as he listened to her. "Thanks, and all the best." He disconnected the call and smiled at Thatha. "She told me to get well soon."

Thatha clapped. "I am so proud of you, son! Now lie down and get some rest."

Ved lay down the bed, still feeling sick but slightly better now that he had made truce with Kanchan. The moment he had said all those awful things about her, he had felt very bad about himself. But now he was feeling peaceful. 

Thatha sat beside him, smiling and feeling contented that today had been another good day with Ved.