Bedtime stories for kids

Where there is a will, there is a way

              Raghu is a 12 year old school going boy. He was very hard working and always stood first in the class. He loved Music and used to sing very well. Thus, many of them in the class were jealous of him. Every year he used to participate in the Talent show organized by his school with his friend Ashish. Ashish was a Guitarist and he used to compose music for which Raghu used to lend his voice. Their pair was pretty popular in the school as they had won first prize in the Talent show consecutively for previous three years.

            The school had announced the date for Talent show this year as well. Many students who wished to participate in the competition started their preparation as soon as the dates were out. Raghu and Ashish also had started working together to give their best at the show.

           One evening, Raghu finished his school and then his music practice with Ashish and came home. When he entered his house, his father came to speak with him. "How are you Raghu? How is your school? How is your Music practice going on?", said the father. Raghu was quite surprised to see his father so early at home. He replied, "pretty well Dad, thank you! how come you are so early today"? Father said, "Not only that, I have a surprise for you as well. Finish your milk and go see for yourself in your room".

         Raghu was quite excited to see his father gift him something. It was usually his Mom who used to remember his birthday well in advance and get him cake and gift. This time, it was not even his birthday. A gift for nothing was what caught his excitement. Raghu quickly finished his milk and ate evening snacks and ran to his room.

         As Raghu opened the room door and entered, he saw a small snow white pomeranian puppy sitting in a basket. Raghu was astonished to see the beautiful gift his father had given him. He quickly took the puppy in his arms and ran to his father. Before Raghu could say something, his father said, "I know you have many questions. Its true that we don't get to spend time together quite often. I even missed to wish you happy birthday this year. The kind of job I'm in, it is difficult to give you time. I'm sorry for that. By the way, how do you like my gift"? Raghu said, "It is the most precious gift I've ever received. Thank you Dad. I have even thought of a name for her, Sweety, as she is very sweet". Father said, "It's lovely"! Raghu asked curiously, "How did you know I like Dogs"? Father smilingly said, "From your Mom, as usual". Raghu smiled back and happily left for his room with his little new room mate.

        Raghu used to take care of Sweety very well. He used to give her bath, take her out for walk twice a day, play with her throw and fetch with ball, and even taught to do back flip and jump across a wooden hoop. However, she was not doing any of these perfectly well. Raghu worked on her regularly to get her better. They both became good companions very soon.

        Talent show was fast approaching and only two weeks were remaining. Raghu and Ashish had finalized their song for the show and were rehearsing every day to give their best performance. Some of the boys in the class who disliked Raghu, wanted to spoil their performance. A couple of them plotted a plan and approached Ashish. One of them said to Ashish, "Hey Ashish, working hard for the Talent show? Anyway hard work is yours and all the credit goes to Raghu. I pity you". Ashish got irritated with his classmate's remark and shouted, "Stop talking nonsense and get lost you losers"! Another one said, "Really? Do you feel we are the losers? Just give it a thought Ashish. When you both come to the dais, the crowd cheers for Raghu. We can hardly hear your name. Raghu is snatching away all you hard work and creativity and he is becoming popular. Wake up at least now"!! They all left Ashish alone. 

       The words of his classmates started poisoning Ashish's mind. "Did Raghu truly took me for a ride"? thought Ashish for himself. The more he thought about it, the more he started to believe that Raghu just took advantage of him. He decided not to participate with Raghu in the Talent show. He started avoiding Raghu and missing rehearsals. He found a new Singer in the school and started rehearsing with him.

      Raghu was very upset with Ashish's behavior. He thought he would talk to Ashish directly and sort out issues, if any. One day, after classes while Raghu was searching for Ashish, one of their classmates came and said to Raghu, "Raghu, Ashish told me to tell you that he is no more interested to work with you and that he would participate with a different singer in the Talent show and not with you". This left Raghu totally puzzled. He decided not to speak with Ashish and just went home.

          Raghu came home very upset. Seeing her son quite early, mother asked him if everything was fine. Raghu explained her whatever had happened. Mother cautioned and convinced him not to trust third person but to directly talk to Ashish. 

          Next morning, Raghu waited for Ashish to come to class and didn't give him chance to avoid and spoke to him directly. Raghu said, "Ashish, why are you behaving in such a unusual way? Let's talk and sort out any issues rather than avoiding". Ashish replied, "Raghu, we cannot continue working together as I've lost faith in you. I feel you snatch away all the appreciation which we have earned together. That is the reason, I've found a new singer for my songs". 

        Raghu was heart broken hearing to the harsh words of Ashish. He couldn't stay anymore in school. He came back home during the morning session itself. Mother noticed Raghu's mood and guessed that something bitter had happened between the two friends. She suggested Raghu to forget what has happened and give a solo performance. Raghu said that if at all he sings in the Talent show, it would be along with Ashish. He doesn't wish to perform alone. 

        Raghu went to his room and was fully engrossed in thought. He was not a person who quits so easily. Sweety too followed him to the room. She sat quitely for sometime observing her friend. She then went close to Raghu and started doing all the tricks that Raghu was trying to teach her, to cheer him up. She got each and every move perfectly right this time. Seeing this Raghu was totally surprised. He understood how much Sweety is committed to him. He decided to perform with his little puppy in the Talent show.

         The next ten days, both Raghu and Sweety rehearsed together and prepared for a five minute entertainment show. Raghu taught few more stunts to Sweety which she managed to pick up quickly. They both were perfectly ready for the show by the end of tenth day.

         Everybody's most awaited Talent's day arrived. There were dance programs, Music, Drama and couple of fashion shows. Ashish too performed with his new singer. He realized that the performance was not that effective as it used to be when he would perform with Raghu. Every one of Raghu's classmates and mostly the group that hated Raghu were anxiously waiting to see if Raghu did perform or he quit.

         It was Raghu's turn. He and Sweety made their performance on the stage. It was a perfect show. There was an absolutely flawless and perfectly coordinated performance by Raghu and his partner, Sweety. All in all, it was a treat and total entertainment for the audience. They received maximum applause. Raghu's show was termed the most entertaining among all and was awarded the first prize.

      All those who had plotted against Raghu were again filled with disappointment. Ashish realized his mistake and came to Raghu to apologize. Ashish said, "I'm extremely sorry to misjudge you Raghu. You rightfully deserve the first prize. The prize is more for your attitude of not accepting defeat and fighting till the end. Your partner supported you very well. My wishes to her as well. Will you forgive me and accept as your partner like before"?

    Raghu said, "of course I forgive you. You are my friend. The biggest prize is winning your trust again". Both the friends hugged each other. Sweety happily licked both of them.