The Special Talent

Disha was an ordinary girl. She always thought that she had no special gift. She could not dance, sing, paint or even speak before a crowd. She was not even good at studies. All her friends were so talented!

At school, Disha used to always be quiet. She used to feel inferior to her friends for another reason as well. Her father was a vegetable vendor. The other children who studied with her came from families that were better –off.

Today was the first day of school after the long summer vacations. A new class, a new classroom, new books, probably some new friends and certainly a new class teacher! But Disha did not have much to look forward to..she hardly had any friends.. and the teachers never noticed her.

On the first day of the new academic year, however, the new class teacher introduced herself. This was the first time she was teaching this particular class, and everyone found her to be very friendly. Disha, too, liked the new teacher. There was something very special about the way she spoke to the students..the students felt as if she were one of them!

The new class teacher however, noticed that Disha, who often sat in the corner, was a very quiet girl. She seldom mixed up with the other children. Disha was an obedient student, but never shone in studies. There was no one at home who would help her with it.

One day, the teacher called Disha to talk to her in the break time. The teacher asked Disha why she did not like to mix up with the other kids. “Why do you prefer to be alone all the time?” the teacher asked her. “Because I am not special.” replied Disha. The teacher felt bad for her. “What makes you say that? All of us are special in some way or the other..”

“I am not good at studies or any other activities.” Said Disha.

“What are your hobbies?” asked the teacher.

“I don’t have any hobbies. I don’t get much time after I finish my homework.” 

“And why is that?”

“I have to cook, and clean the house, since my mother is ill.”

“And what does your father do?”

“He sells vegetables.”

The teacher was touched. She really wanted to help this girl.

“Disha, you said you can cook!” said the teacher. “Do you know how special you are? Most of the boys and girls of your age know nothing about cooking! Do you get the food you cook in your tiffin?”

“Yes mam” said Disha.

“Can I please taste it?”

“Sure” said Disha, and offered her the tiffin. The teacher tasted the food. It was indeed delicious! The teacher was impressed!

“Now Disha, “ said the teacher, “I want you to cook a larger quantity of food and get it to school tomorrow in a larger tiffin. I want everyone in the class to taste it.”

Disha did as she was told. The next day, she cooked a large amount of tamarind rice and got it to school. All the boys and the girls of the class tasted it. It was yummy! Everyone was surprised that Disha could cook so well, and complimented Disha on her skills!

That day onwards, everyone wanted to share Disha’s tiffin. And Disha had a lot of friends!