Keeping Promises...

Rishi and Ali are best friends. They study in the same class. One day, Ali approached Rishi to confide in him a secret. However, he made Rishi promise that he would not tell anyone about it.

Ali said, 'I am upset because I failed my Science test. Don't tell our classmates. They might think that I am stupid. I am taking extra classes from our Science teacher to improve.' Rishi said, 'Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell anyone. Study hard and you will catch up with the rest of the class."

Some days later, after their Science class, some of Ali's classmates passed snide remarks about him. They said that Ali was not good enough to be studying with them. Ali got upset. He asked Rishi, 'Did you tell anyone what I had told you some days ago?' Rishi looked around uncomfortably and said, 'I did not plan to tell Sharaf but it accidentally slipped out. He must have told the story to our other classmates.'

Ali said, 'I am very hurt. I thought I could trust you, Rishi.' Saying this Ali walked Rishi felt ashamed of himself. He was afraid that he was going away. lose his close friend. He ran after Ali and apologized profusely. He said, 'I am sorry that I did not keep my promise. I did not mean to break your trust. Please forgive me.' Ali said, 'You will have to earn my trust, Rishi.' Rishi agreed and said, 'I will do anything to mend our friendship."

The next day when some bullies were trying to tease Ali, Rishi stood up to them and told them to back off. He also started to help Ali with his studies after class.

Ali saw the effort that Rishi was putting in and forgave him. Their friendship became stronger.