The saying – “a friend in need is a friend indeed” – describes the most important characteristic of a true friend. A true friend is one who helps out in the time of need! A short story will help us understand the concept better.
Rahul was one of the best students in class eight of St Christopher School. He was smart, intelligent and everyone loved his personality. Most of the boys and girls in class claimed to be Rahul’s friend. Rahul did not discriminate between his friends when it came to helping in matters of studies. He readily participated in group study sessions, shared notes and helped with project work. Rahul enjoyed his popularity!
One day, about three weeks before their final exams, Rahul got hit badly by the football while playing. He fell down in the wrong angle and immediately felt a sharp pain in his left ankle. He was rushed home, the doctor was summoned and Rahul ended up with a cast on his fractured ankle. Rahul could not attend school and his parents were extremely worried about his exams but Rahul was positive that he will not miss out– practically half of the class was his friends! But to his shock, except for a few phone calls and messages all he received were replies like “I have tuition classes”, “I need to go for swimming”, “I don’t have time today as my relatives have come over”. Even his best friends Mohan and Sonia turned a cold back. Then a miracle happened. The next Saturday morning, a shy girl in his class – Shreya – appeared magically at his doorstep with the notes given by the teachers all throughout the previous week. Shreya said that their class teacher has asked her to help Rahul as she lived quite close by. Shreya had also copied an extra set of notes for him. She had also started with his project work! “Even my tuition teacher could not help me with the Physics diagram that you had so easily taught me to draw. I would have failed in Physics that year if you had not! When the teacher asked for a volunteer to share notes and lessons with you, naturally I put my hand up.” This was all she said by way of explanation. That day Rahul realized the meaning of the saying – “A friend in need is a friend indeed”.
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