Spotlight

As the little boy walked on to the stage, the applause died down to a hush. The hall was packed with parents, eager to watch first graders perform at the annual School Night.

Avi’s parents looked on proudly when the emcee called out Avi’s name, their mobile phones in position to capture their son’s first stage performance.

As the speakers started belting out a Bollywood song, from the wings the class teacher gave the cue for Avi to get into position.

The little boy stood transfixed to the center of the stage, silently scanning the crowd. His eyes came to rest on his parents in the front row, with both of them mouthing words of encouragement as if to say, “Go on, you can do it.”

A minute went by, without any movement from the boy. As the beats intensified, the teacher hissed, “Do SOMETHING”.

“Mummy”, bawled the kid, as tears started streaming down his cheeks.