Celebrate with comfort

After a very long fight, and Malik returning safely everybody celebrated welcoming him back. He was extremely happy to be in a place familiar to him.

During the party, Malik wanted to announce something to the tribe and for the ones who saved him.

"Thank you everybody, for this moment. I am very happy to be back and see familiar faces. I will reward all of you one day for your hard-work. I know it must have been very difficult being under a totally new person leading you. 

I heard from Bandar that many of you did not trust him and i understand why. You were not ready to trust someone new and someone who you bullied. i am sure many thought he was useless till now. But i taught him everything and now i have a very important announcement to make."

Everyone was curious about what Malik was about to say. Bandar too, was left puzzled. After, Malik cleared his throat .

"These recent activities, I have not been there. I have decided to make a second ruler, who would take charge when I am not here.

I want Bandar to be the one." Said Malik. Bandar was as equally shocked as everyone in the crowd and he made eye contact with Malik.

It looked like his eyes were saying 'What? Me? Are you serious?' Malik smiled back and looked at everyone who were discussing amongst themselves.

There was a very loud sound of people talking continuously. At last Malik finally said " Quite everybody. Settle down."

Many shut their mouths knowing Malik would eventually scream on top of his lungs if they did not listen to him. A few were still talking not caring about what he had just said.

"I TOLD YOU ALREADY. SHOULD YOU MAKE YOUR RULER REPEAT HIMSELF?"

Screamed Malik in anger.

Bandar knew this would go wrong the moment he said his name. He got scared and ran back to his hut.

Everyone had finally settled down and only the sounds of birds chirping could be heard.

Malik continued, "Why? Do you not like him? Because I think I would not be standing here today if it were not for him. It is also my decision who I should take in charge."

Suddenly came an old man's voice, "He is not experienced. All he did was fight and you are praising him for that? Making him the person to take charge after you?

I fought and assisted in many battles with 2 rulers of this tribe. Shouldn't I be in charge?"

Many agreed the statement of the old man and testified in making Bandar second in charge.

Bandar who was in his hut curled up into a ball on the floor heard everything. Everyone bad mouthed him.

Malik got off the stage. He walked towards Bandar's hut and said " Hey."

Bandar did not reply. He was hurt about what everyone said to him. Malik was afraid that Bandar's confidence level would hit rock bottom.

"They are right." Said Bandar in a very low tone. Even though Malik could not see his face, he knew Bandar was crying his eyes out. He was crying so much to a point that he would run out of water in his body.

Malik sat down besides Bandar and patted his back gently. "It is okay. It is all okay." Said Malik to comfort Bandar while patting his back.

Bandar slowly looked up, sobbing. His eyes looked like he just ate the hottest chilli in the world, bright red. "Maybe they are right. I should not be the second in charge. I mean, what have I done?" Said Bandar while looking at Malik with his scary red eyes.

The party was still going on. A few were still discussing about Malik's announcement. Some did not care and were enjoying the party. Many people were dancing to the coconut drums and some were happier than ever.

After Malik heard what Bandar said, he said, "I was the son of Malik The Second. He was the ruler of this tribe before me. When I was around 5 years old I was taught the art of fighting ,yet I never had interest. I rather enjoyed, well, lazing around and eating everything I could find.

I only did that because whenever I did something, either I could not do it or I would create another problem. When my father's servants would teach me, I would end up hurting myself or hitting someone else. When I was cooking, I would always burn something or the other.

I only knew, just like you, how to climb trees lkke a monkey. It was always when someone else would teach me things I would do it wrong."

After a short pause, Malik continued, " One day my father decided to teach me himself. For some reason, I learnt literally everything. Do you remember that day? When you came forward and asked me to help? I taught you exactly what and how he taught me.

I too, used to be critised for not being able to do anything. But the day my father stood up from his seat and walked forward, nobody, and I mean nobody came in front of me to bully or argue with me."

Bandar was shocked that a man like Malik would be critised. He did not believe the story, as he thought Malik made it up just to comfort him.

"What do I do now?" Asked Bandar. Malik replied,"Go out there and enjoy the party. If someone talks to you about this, just walk away. You are after all, the second in-charge."

Bandar nodded and got up and Malik did the same. "After you." Said Malik and smiled. Bandar went outside and nobody really seemed to care now.

Maybe everyone had forgotten what had just happened. When Malik stepped out of the hut many kids cane running to him. They were atleast 3-4 years old and spoke broken english.

Malik bent down to match the children's height and said while pointing at Bandar, "Do you see him? He is the second in-charge. So whenever I am not there and you need help with something, ask him okay?"

Bandar who was standing in front of him heard that and he looked back and smiled. The children nodded and said hello to Bandar. Bandar did the same.