A Word of Encouragement goes a Long Way

"Leave the room right now!"

It was a shout that made Ian jump.

It was tuesday and Ian received an invitation from one of his colleagues - Mr. Hermosa. Ian was glad to receive the invitation but surprised as from the past 2-3 months Mr. Hermosa was trying to make trouble for Ian using crooked means. However, Ian decided to attend his party.

The party was going well. Everyone was merry. Their boss was also invited. His wife was wearing a diamond necklace which was the talk of the town. Suddenly, the lights went out. All yelled a shout of surprise! Then the lights came back the same way they had gone out. Everyone exclaimed a sigh of relief and resumed what they were doing before. Ian was sitting comfortably on the sofa chatting with someone. Suddenly, came the shout from his host which made him jump. He asked Mr Hermosa for an explanation. 

"Mr Ian Dcosta, all of us here saw that necklace hanging out of your pocket therefore I request you to hand over the necklace and leave the room", came the answer.

Ian was surprised. He said "Mr Hermosa I think you are mistaken but for your satisfaction I am ready to empty my pockets so as to show you what I keep in them". He started emptying his pockets. Suddenly, he looked down and saw what? The diamond necklace!

"Mr Ian can you offer an explanation", said Mr Hermosa.
"No", came the answer.
"Then please be kind enough to leave the room", said Mr Hermosa.

Ian left the room with his wife. When they got into the house, Ian was sulking. He would not look at anybody, and he was not talking either. He was sitting in his place at the kitchen table with his head down. He attacked the yolk so viciously with his bread that he even destroyed the yellow clot at the bottom. He pushed the mess away from him. His wife tried to console him.

The next day Ian gave his resignation letter. Later in the day Ian received an apology letter from his boss which read like this:-

Dear Ian,
I am very sorry for my conduct the other day. Later we came to know that it was a thief hired by Mr Hermosa who placed the necklace in your pocket as per Mr Hermosa's instructions. Actually Mr Hermosa wanted to bring your downfall in my eyes. I hope you'll forgive us and join your own very office.
With apologies,
Mr Rao

This letter made Ian happy and he started back on his work.

This is a story I wrote when I was 12 years old, in my English class.
We were given 2 lines - He was sitting in his place at the kitchen table with his head down. He attacked the yolk so viciously with his bread that he even destroyed the yellow clot at the bottom. He pushed the mess away from him; and were asked to make our own story that used these few lines. I always liked English a lot but never ever thought I could write. I got the remarks below from my English teacher - Mr. Joseph:-

Later, I think he recommended my name for Creative Writing competition to other teachers who coaxed me to participate in it and I went on to win the1st prize in it. I used to take part in singing, recitation and even drawing before that but writing was never a quality I thought I even had.  This first story with Excellent for a comment, the first Creative Writing competition and the first win in it gave me a whole new confidence and perspective. I took part in writing competitions and won prizes again. There is so much in us, sometimes even unknown to ourselves and it takes a teacher or a mentor or any other person sometimes to harness our talent. A word of encouragement goes a long way.