I looked up, for I'd put my head down on my desk and was trying to calm myself after my outburst. I imagined how my tear-streaked face must be looking like! I must surely have made a mess of myself. I usually don't cry at school, and it takes almost all of my self-control to prevent myself from crying in front of the whole class(well, it wasn't exactly 'the whole class', because I only broke down once I was on my seat and had safely hidden my face behind the open book I held in my hands!), but after my drama teacher, Akash sir, came and told me that my script contained a lot of slang, and even at some places, abusive words, I was so shocked I couldn't say a word! Everyone who knew me even a bit, also knew that I never supported--and instead was strongly against--the use of such language, let alone use it in the script of the play which I myself was directing!!

Even then Akash sir scolded me, and warned me against the use of such words anywhere, ever again. Then, it seemed like it was too much for me to handle. I couldn't hold it anymore, and so my eyes watered.

But now, with a jolt, I realized that my friends were absolutely correct! I dabbed at my face with my handkerchief, and sat straight, looking at all the expectant faces waiting to hear what I'd decided--to drop the play, or continue.

"Well, I think you're both correct. Only four days are left now, and I can't let my weeks' hard work and effort go down the drain just because I'm being spooked by a girl who's envious of me and evidently, thirsty for fame." I stood up. I wasn't letting Parul, 'the mean girl', control me and my emotions. Not anymore. No way.

"I'm going to do this. Are you in?" I asked the students of my house gathered around me.

"No doubt about it. Yes!!" Richa exclaimed.

"Not a question of not being!" Mansi said, happy to see that I was once again my old cheerful self.

"Of course!"

"Yes!!"

"YAY!!"

"Hurray!"

The students, crowded around me, chorused. It filled me with renewed enthusiasm. I wasn't going to let down my house. I wasn't going to give up and quit--not so easily.

"Thanks, all of you...for your faith and support in me. If it were not for you, and especially Mansi and Richa here, I'd never have been able to get my confidence back. But now, we'll do it together--make our play the best, and jump high over all the obstacles in our way. I just know it, our belief in ourselves will lead us to the top! Cheers!"

 I would put in my best. I was determined, and ready to swing into "ACTION" mode!

A/N: I know my parts are a bit too short, but anyway, it's supposed to be a short story! So please go through it carefully, and do not leave a single chance to criticize any of it. As I said before, it would only help me improve!! And I know there's a lot of scope for improvement. Thanks a lot for reading!! Just a few more parts to go :D