Change of Heart .

- Riya grew nervous. What if I lose? she thought. I can't let that happen.

- You don't need a scoreboard to prove how good you are. You don't play to win - you play because you love the game itself.

- Shivangi 

Hardik Doshi

O nce upon a time, there lived a girl named Riya. She had many good qualities - she was bright, hardworking, and cheerful. But there was one thing that everyone noticed about her.

Her parents, teachers, and friends often said,

 "Riya doesn't know how to accept defeat."

And they were right.

Riya simply could not bear losing. She thought that losing was the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. When she won, she felt so proud and happy that she never wanted to lose that feeling again.

If Riya ever sensed that she might lose a game, she would stop playing it altogether. She only played games she knew she could win. No one could beat her in badminton, and that was her favorite sport.

One day, a new girl named Swati joined Riya's school.

Swati, too, was an excellent badminton player.

Riya waited eagerly for the last Friday of the month - the day the coach held friendly matches during games period. On Monday, the teams were announced. As everyone expected, Riya and Swati were chosen to play against each other.

Riya practiced very seriously all week, determined to win. Swati, on the other hand, seemed completely relaxed. She laughed, joked with her friends, and didn't look tense at all.

Finally, the day of the match arrived.

The game began. Swati played wonderfully and scored point after point. Still, she didn't seem to care much about winning. Sometimes she even stopped to talk to her friends near the court!

Riya grew nervous. What if I lose? she thought. I can't let that happen.

When Swati wasn't paying attention, Riya quietly changed the score on the scoreboard.

And just like that - she "won."

But Swati didn't seem upset at all. She smiled and said warmly,

"Nice playing with you, Riya! We should play again sometime."

That night, Riya couldn't sleep. Normally, winning made her feel proud and thrilled. But this time, she didn't feel happy at all. She had cheated to win - and somehow, that victory felt empty.

The next day at school, Riya saw Swati playing basketball. Swati tried again and again to throw the ball into the basket, but she didn't score even once. Yet, she kept smiling and laughing with her teammates.

The following day, Riya noticed Swati again. This time, she was playing table tennis. She wasn't very good at that either, but she looked just as cheerful.

Day after day, Riya observed Swati. Sometimes she won, sometimes she lost - but her smile never faded. She seemed to enjoy every game, no matter the result.

Riya finally understood something important.

To enjoy a game, you don't need a scoreboard to prove how good you are.

You don't play to win - you play because you love the game itself.

From that day on, Riya's attitude changed. She started playing all kinds of games - not just the ones she was good at. Sometimes she won, sometimes she lost, but she always smiled.

Her friends began to say,

 "It's great fun playing with Riya - she has such a good sporting spirit now!"

And this time, Riya's happiness came not from victory - but from the simple joy of playing fair and enjoying every moment.