Who is the Best?

"I am the best!" Diya boasted to her friends after ranking top in the class.

- S Varalakshmi

Like everyone else, she had just received her report card from the teacher and found that she had beaten everyone once again.

She was proudly showing it to everyone.

On the other hand, Sanjana was sulking as she glanced at her report card.

As usual, she had secured only average marks.

She hurriedly thrust her report card inside her school bag in case somebody asked to see it.

Suddenly, she heard someone call out to her.

"Sanjana!"

She looked up to find Diya and her friends looking at her.

With apprehension, she asked, "Yes?"

"How much did you get?" asked Diya with a smirk.

Diya knew how Sanjana had fared in her studies and just wanted to put her down.

"I...uhh..." Sanjana stammered, not wishing to let anyone know her marks.

"Hmmm... knew it! As usual, I guess!" Diya and her friends laughed.

Cringing, Sanjana wished she could disappear.

One of Sanjana's friends, Lori, came to her rescue and said loudly, "Congratulations Sanjana for winning the rangoli competition yesterday!"

Diya scoffed and said, "Hah! What good is winning a rangoli competition? It is simply a waste of time! Now, look at me! I have achieved excellent scores, which will help my admission to a good college and later help me get a great job with an equally great salary! Doesn't that prove that I am the best?"

Unknown to the girls, the teacher, Miss Arpitha, who was busy handing out the report cards, had been listening to this conversation.

She spoke up.