Hidden Tempest

Dhara was a warm, friendly, and creative nine-year girl. The trouble in her existence was her mother who held her reigns and made her participate in each and every competition held at school where she was a teacher. The irony was in spite of being a teacher her mother used her influence to make Dhara win in competitions. Dhara's mother didn't hesitate to steal exam question papers and make her practice them beforehand. All her mother strived was to make Dhara stand first all in all. The student's in Dhara's grade hated and broke away from her. They even taunted her saying 'your mother will get you the winner's trophy, while we won't get anything in spite of toiling hard.' Dhara was ashamed of her mother as well grew lonely as nobody wanted to be her friend. 

On one occasion an inter-school dance competition was announced. Dhara wasn't keen to participate, but her mother requested the dance teacher to enroll her name in the group. Dhara unwillingly went for the rehearsals, but couldn't follow the steps. The members in the group were frustrated and ridiculed her, she returned home crying. Her mother was extremely mad and made her practice at home even though she was tired. The next day during the final rehearsals Dhara sprained her ankle and the team could not enter the competition. All her teammates were heartbroken also accused her.

Dhara lost her verve went to school her head hanging low. Not a soul talked to her. Next week there was going to be a song competition at school as earlier her mother registered her name notwithstanding her protests. Dhara unwillingly went on the stage after singing a few lines she froze. Her mother who was near the stage gestured her to repeat the lines. Dhara's inner Tempest arose, she held the Mike tightly with both hands and yelled, "stop mommy, you have made me a puppet. Don't I have self-esteem, you have made me a laughing stock. I can't go on like this, please ... please....'. Broke into tears and ran down the stairs, out of the hall, out of the school campus leaving everyone stunned.