Alien

From Meera to Merlyn, her journey was't easy. It was a challenge she faced.......

  It was her first day in school. She was nervous. Will she be accepted by these foreigners? 

 Her parents insisted she should study in UK for higher studies. Initially she was reluctant , and she protested 

but she had no choice. 

Meera wished to stay in India, with her friends. Some how her parents convinced her, how beneficial it would be if studied in UK. Right from schooling, to graduation to getting a suitable job to an NRI husband ! They had planned her future. They had painted a rosy picture in front of her. And Meera fell for it. 

 Her name was changed from Meera to Merlyn. And her journey began, to a foreign land. 

She was awestruck by the magnificent School building., well manicured lawns, the gardens ,beautiful Rose bushes, and climbers. She started comparing.her school in India with this. 

  The moment she stepped into her classroom, all stared at her as if she was an ALIEN. She was shocked!

Her teacher signaled her to walk in and pointed at a seat at the rare end of the classroom. She did not deem it fit to introduce her to other students. 

'Merlyn that is your seat. Sit down. You can take out 'Julius Ceaser 'and follow. That was all.

 Merlyn felt nervous. That was her first day in school. No friend, no one to guide her. She was almost in tears. 

For her, this was an alien land. Nobody paid any attention to her, not wanting her company. 

In recess, too, she had her tiffin all alone. Because of her complexion ,some bullies passed a racial remark. 

Now she missed her friends in India. 

For almost a week Merlyn was subjected to the same treatment. Also, her teachers were indifferent to her. And that was more than enough to cause anxiety to her.

 Merlyn decided to boost her esteem . She was intelligent .From that day she decided to carve a niche for her self in that foreign land. She started working hard in her studies. She excelled in all subjects. Including English language. Her performance was the best in her class. Teachers started noticing her , and gave her assignments that others could not handle. 

They were pleased with her, and their behavior toward her changed. Drastically! Merlyn had won her teachers!

 Her next hurdle was to overcome the prejudices  with her classmates. Many were willing to be friends. Merlyn helped them in their studies. Her calm and cool nature won her many friends. 

Merlyn enrolled herself to the basketball team of her house. She was a good basket ball player. Despite her short height , she could get maximum baskets She was very agile. Here too she excelled. 

Merlyn was a good Bharatnatyam dancer. Her performance left the audience spellbound. 

Her friends and chief guest were mesmerized. 

That was the Annual function.

The Principal invited her to the dais. He praised her in front of the audience. The chief guest presented her with the Trophy and congratulated her. The udience clapped and The Hall roared with their applause. 

There was another surprise, Her parents, too, were invited without her knowing, 

on the dais.

Oh! Mom, dad! Merlyn exclaimed. 

 Merlyn went into her room. 

The wall , the table ,each corner was decorated with her cups, medals, trophies and certificates. 

She was no more an alien.

Neither was this a foreign country. 

After a week Marlyn was to board a flight to India, with her parents. She was going to India for a short visit, to meet her family members, relatives and friends. 

Before leaving Merlyn went to say good-by to the Principal, teachers, and friends. She then went to the chapel, kneeled and said her prayers. She thanked Mother Mary and Jesus. 

She was no more an ALIEN !