Vashti's weakness

 Vashti and Sharma had always been inseparable. Born just a year apart, they shared everything, clothes, secrets, dreams, and even the small apartment they rented together in the city. They had promised each other as children that no matter what, they would always be each other’s biggest supporters. But lately, Vashti felt a growing distance between them, and it wasn't physical, it was emotional.


Sharma had always been the ambitious one. While Vashti struggled to find her footing in her career, Sharma had already climbed the corporate ladder, earning promotions and recognition. She was thriving, while Vashti felt like she was stuck, running in place.


One evening, Sharma found Vashti staring at herself in the mirror, tears threatening to spill over. "What's wrong, Vashti?" she asked, placing a gentle hand on her sister’s shoulder.

Vashti sighed. "I am... worthless. You're achieving so much, and I feel like I’m failing at life. It’s like I can’t catch up, no matter how hard I try."

Sharma frowned, taken aback. "Vashti, don’t say that! You’re incredibly talented, and your journey is just different from mine."

Vashti shook her head. "But it’s not just different. It’s way slower. I keep telling myself I’m not good enough, and maybe that’s true."


Sharma turned her sister to face her. "Do you remember when we were kids, and you taught me how to swim? I was terrified, but you told me to talk to myself the way I would talk to you. You made me say, 'I can do this. I am learning. I am strong.' And because of that, I kept trying until I swam."

Vashti blinked, the memory rushing back. "Yeah... I remember."

Sharma smiled. "So why are you talking to yourself in a way you would never talk to me? Would you ever tell me that I’m failing if I was struggling?"

Vashti hesitated, then shook her head. "No, I wouldn’t."


"Then don’t say it to yourself either. Your journey isn’t a race, Vashti. You’re learning, growing, and becoming the person you’re meant to be. Start talking to yourself with kindness. I promise, you’ll see the difference."

That night, Vashti stood in front of the mirror again. But this time, she whispered, "I am learning. I am strong. I am enough."

 And for the first time in a long time, she believed it.


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