The Lost True Friend .

- Too late, Krina realized her mistake. She had lost her truest friend because of her jealousy.

- Siddharthini Deshmukh

O nce, in a beautiful village nestled in nature's embrace, lived two best friends-Siya and Krina. They grew up side by side, yet their natures were as different as the sun and the moon.

Siya was kind, caring, and humble, always ready to help others. She loved studying and found joy in simple things. Krina, on the other hand, was clever and bright, but she was also a little proud and selfish.

The two did everything together-walking to school, visiting the temple, finishing homework, and playing until their mothers called them home. Siya cherished Krina so much that she never felt the need for other friends. Krina, however, made many new friends, though none as close as Siya.

In exams, their scores were always close-sometimes Krina scored higher, sometimes Siya. But one day, Siya did better than Krina for the first time. Krina's heart burned with jealousy. She rushed to Siya's house to check her marks, her smile fading.

Slowly, Krina's behavior changed. She began avoiding Siya, convinced that her friend had studied secretly to outshine her. Without a word, she drifted away, spending more time with others and leaving Siya confused and hurt.

Siya wondered what she had done wrong. Krina had always been her only friend-she never let Siya get close to anyone else. If Siya tried making new friends, Krina would chase them away.

Then, one day, Siya's father got a promotion, and the family moved to the city. With her warm heart, Siya soon made new friends and found happiness again.

Krina, however, struggled. Though she had many friends, none truly liked her selfish ways. No one wanted to study, play, or share secrets with her. Loneliness crept in, and she began to miss Siya-her kindness, her help with homework, and the way she never held grudges, even when Krina scored higher.

Too late, Krina realized her mistake. She had lost her truest friend because of her jealousy. Now, with an aching heart, she understood-true friendship is not about competition, but about love, trust, and joy shared without envy.