Once upon a time there were two little girls who were best friends. They did everything together and were always there for each other. One girl's name was Story and the other one was called Truth.
Years passed and these little girls grew up to be beautiful young women. And they were still quite close.
One day, as it often happens, shadows of ego crept into their friendship and the young women thought about playing a game to find out who was more popular of the two.
To settle this ‘fairly’ they decided that they will takes turns to walk to the end of the village and back. Whoever is able to attract and keep more people on the way is to be the winner.
Truth decides to go first. As she walks through the village few people come to see her, shy at first, and then they politely walk away. Some see her, make eye contact and then look away. Some just shake hands, and let her pass. By the time she reaches one end of the village Truth is very saddened by the dismal crowd. “I am surely going to lose this bet. So few people are interested in me..."
In a last bid to do whatever it takes, she decides to use her beauty and youth to her advantage. Since now she had to walk back, she decides to shed all her clothes hoping to attract more crowd. But, alas, as she starts walking people run away, they shut their windows, divert their paths, close the eyes of their children, scurry off in a hurry, and the village is pretty much deserted.
By the time Truth returns to the starting point where Story is waiting she is devastated and has given up
“You are clearly going to be the winner” she tells Story. “Look how few people came…" laments Truth.
Story comforts her and says that the game is not over yet and that she still has to walk.
So Story now starts her journey through the village. Many people, young and old, come and flock around her, excited and curious, and they slowly drift away, back to their old lives as usual. On her return journey, Story walks more slowly hoping to keep people with her but since many people have had an initial experience with her and think they now know her, they don’t turn up…
She does get more people to come, but not as many as she thought she would.
A thoughtful Story comes back to the starting point, where Truth is still upset, and quietly consoles her: ” See? Clearly you are more popular!”
Story then makes Truth understand, that is wasn’t that she was not popular or beautiful. It’s just that most people can’t face truth for long - and certainly not naked truth!
Similarly, many people are fascinated by Story, but without something to anchor them, the novelty quickly wears off.
Story then removes her beautiful colorful cloak made of stars and animals and trees and she wraps it around Truth and tells her that from now on the two of them will always be together. Because, by themselves, it is difficult for them to play their roles.
Henceforth, from that day on, where there truth there is a story - and where there is a story there is truth…
Sometimes wrapped in a beautiful colorful cloak - but we all know there is Truth inside.
