As my exams were approaching, I was busy in my room preparing for it. After studying for a while, I drifted into another world. I found myself in a beautiful garden with beautiful flowers. I felt an intimate relationship between me and nature. Along with many beautiful blossoms and fragrance which added more beauty, the rose bloomed in the middle as the king of flowers.

The panoramic view of garden gave me unlimited happiness. I compared my life with the rose. I should be like the rose. Though it has thorns, it is delicate and can win the hearts of millions.

After a short span of time the colour of the rose changed. I was astonished. The rose which was so beautiful and fresh was now discoloured and had lost its fragrance.

I was so lost in this garden dream of mine that it was only when my mum called me that I came back to reality.

Where was the garden and where were the flowers?

In front of me was a book and amongst its leaves was a faded rose.

I remembered the moment when my friend had given me a rose and I had kept it in my book. The rose which I had received had been soft, but now it had discoloured and had lost its softness.

It made me think that everyone’s life can be compared to a rose. When life goes on swiftly, everyone is there to hold our hand and smile with us, but when life discolours, it is difficult to find a place for yourself in this self-centered world.

— Aagya Dahal, Class IX, Centennial English School