There are days in life when you want to be a kid again. Those were the wonder years. Carefree. Innocent. Impressionable. There are so many little things I remember about my childhood that it's nearly impossible to pen them all down. But there are also things that have stuck with me..for life.

I very clearly remember my early school days. The incidents are so fresh in my memory that I find it surprising at times. One incident that I clearly remember is from my third grade. My school had its annual function and there was a song which was part of the celebration events. Some kids were selected to sing the song. I wanted to participate but I wasn't selected. I felt terrible because although it was bad enough that I wasn't selected, what was worse was that my best friend was selected! I asked my class teacher to try me again for the selections, but she gave a blunt 'No'.

Some days later, the rehearsals and practice of the song started. Everyday, a group of kids used to go to the music teacher to learn the song. My best friend too used to join them. One day in the school bus, on our way back home, I asked my friend if she could teach me the song. I told her I had heard them sing and I liked it. She agreed!

After that, almost every day she used to teach me the song in the bus. I used to practice it at home. One day she told me that all singers were supposed to wear a pink dress on the annual function.

On the day of the function, I wore the school uniform like I was supposed to but packed a pink dress (that I had) in my bag. In the class, the kids had to go for the final rehearsals and their names were being called out. There was a kid who was absent that day. The music teacher was disappointed because the kid was not present. I knew what to do. This was the time for me. I quickly took out my pink dress and went to him and told him I could substitute the kid. He looked at me and said I couldn't since I didn't know the song. When I said I did, he couldn't believe me. I sang the song for him. He was surprised. I told him I had learnt it from my friend and had practiced it at home. He was so touched that he made me the lead singer.

When I went on stage, everyone was surprised to see me. My best friend too couldn't believe it. I, on the other hand, was delighted. I gave just a good enough performance that day but still feel happy when I think of that incident. It still helps me when I feel weak and disappointed. It makes me try..just a little harder..just one more time :-)