First time.

He was nervous. This was the first time he was taking part in an inter-class elocution competition. He was in the sixth standard. With reluctance he had given in to the teacher’s demand of representing his class for this competition. Now, with just five minutes away from going onstage, he hated his decision. To make matters worse, the girl representing the rival class was an established champion. She was winning this competition since last two years. With the kind of look she was giving him now, she looked determined to make it three in a row.
He closed his eyes. He could see himself practicing his speech in front of the mirror late at night. He had by hearted the five page speech, which he would have to read in front of the whole school. He had worked hard, no doubt about that! But at this final moment, his confidence had deserted him. It was now replaced by fear. He had never faced a crowd before in his life. Nor had he been on stage for a performance. He wished he could back out, but it was too late.
His name was announced. It was his turn.
With hesitant steps and a weak heart he trudged to the center of the stage. His opponent had just completed another flawless performance. She smiled at him when she met him on her way from the stage. Though he smiled back, there was no happiness in it. He was feeling wobbly. There was something strange going on his stomach, which he had never experienced before.
As he made his way to the microphone, he glanced at the audience. There were close to five hundred students, forty teachers and four judges staring at him. His brain froze, but his legs kept moving as if someone else was controlling them. He adjusted the microphone-stand height and bought time to adjust to the circumstances. Finally he started his speech…
At the end of five minutes, he was done. Strangely he didn’t remember even a single second of the five minutes now. But he had a feeling that he had done a decent job. He had not fumbled and given his best.
The applause was thunderous. Over one thousand hands clapped incessantly. Someone from the backbenchers whistled. The moment was magical. With an elated feeling he left the stage. He had discovered a new identity in himself today. Something that was always hidden had made its way out. There were congratulations waiting for him backstage. A lot of them, including his opponent.
Thirty minutes later the results were announced.
A new champion was born.
Me!