There are always a few new faces in class, at the beginning of the new school term. This year was no exception. The new kids from different schools were sitting quietly, looking around at others, trying to make friends. Out of all the newcomers, everyone noticed the small-made boy who was seated at the back of the class. He had no hair. The boy was staring at the floor looking very shy.

Gihan was the most popular boy in class. He was also the school cricket star. He came to school in a luxury car and always used very expensive things. When he walked into class everybody lost interest in the bald-headed boy and looked at Gihan. He walked in carrying an expensive bag and wearing a pair of very expensive shoes.

Gihan stopped and looked around the class at all the newcomers. Even though they smiled with him he didn’t smile back. His gaze then stopped near the bald-headed boy. He stared at the boy
in amusement and started to giggle pointing at the boy. Most of the boys joined in the laughter, just to support Gihan. He was a bully and everyone was scared of him.

The next few days the new kid was teased continuously by Gihan. Soon the others also joined in and bullied the boy, just because he had no hair. A few students were against this. But no one dared to protest or complain, as they knew how hot-tempered Gihan was.
No one wanted to get into trouble.

The new boy was given a rude nickname. Whenever he passed by Gihan, he would put his leg out and make the boy trip and fall. The boys laughed, watching him struggle to get up.
They hit him with crumpled paper and scribbled on the back of his shirt.
There was no end to the harassment they caused him.

One day the class teacher told the class that they had to act out a small drama for the school English Day.
During a free period Gihan sat on a desk and discussed with the class, what they should do for the event. “Let’s do a
short drama about a Super Hero!”
he suggested. Everyone agreed;
some because they liked the idea and the others because they were scared to go against Gihan’s suggestion.

“I know who should act the part of the Super Hero!” said Gihan. “Let’s give that role to Saroj,” he said pointing at the bald-headed boy. The whole class went silent. They all stared at Gihan in disbelief. Saroj, the bald-headed boy’s eyes lit up. He smiled with Gihan for the first time. “I’d love to!” he said.

Gihan started to howl and laugh. The whole class joined in. It was only then Saroj realized that he was being teased again. He looked down with tear-filled eyes. “Oh look, the bald Super Hero is crying!” mocked Gihan and there was more laughter.

That day after school when Gihan was going to his car, he saw Saroj waiting for the bus. Gihan shouted as loud as he could, addressing him by the embarrassing nickname he had given the boy. It was just then Gihan saw his class teacher watching the incident from not too far. “I am in big trouble,” thought Gihan, when the teacher walked towards him.

“Gihan,” the teacher spoke calmly, much to Gihan’s surprise. “Did you
call Saroj by that name because he’s bald-headed?”

“It was just a joke Miss,” said Gihan, smiling sheepishly.

“Actually, it’s not. Do you know why he has no hair?” asked the teacher.

“I don’t know and I don’t care,” thought Gihan. But he kept silent.
What the teacher said next shocked Gihan as if someone had shot him.
“Saroj had cancer!”

Gihan looked at the teacher, feeling as guilty as if he had killed somebody.
He never suspected something like this. Gihan knew what cancer was and how it affected not only those who suffered from it, but their loved ones as well. His own grandmother had passed away from the same disease.

“I am so sorry Miss! I had no idea…” muttered Gihan, struggling to hold back his tears. Sad memories of his grandmother came to his mind.
“Saroj lost his hair due to the treatment he underwent. He’s clear now but has to continue with his treatment and tests, to make sure that he’s going to be alright.” the teacher said.

“I wouldn’t have been so mean to him, had I known,” said Gihan, wiping away his tears.

“What you must always remember Putha is, we must always be kind to others, because we don’t know what battles they are fighting!” said the teacher.

“I understand Miss,” said Gihan, “I really do.”

“Good,” said the teacher, “be nice to him from now on. It has not been an easy road for him. He needs our support.”

The next morning, as Gihan entered the class, he walked straight to Saroj’s desk. Everyone turned around expecting Gihan to tease him. But instead, Gihan laid his hand on Saroj’s shoulder. “Saroj, I am sorry!” he said. “I have been really mean to you. Will you forgive me?” The whole class stared, trying to understand what was going on. Some even giggled thinking that this was another trick of Gihan’s before bullying Saroj. But soon everyone understood that it was a genuine apology, as Saroj smiled and said, “That’s okay!”

On English Day, the class drama went really well. Saroj played the part of the Super Hero well. He was such a talented boy. Everyone congratulated Saroj and said that it was the best school drama they had seen. Saroj looked so happy and active. Gihan was surprised by how a little kindness could make someone so happy. He knew that he would always remember his teacher’s words,
“We must always be kind to others, because we don’t know what battles they are fighting!”

Funday PDF