The Great Coming Together

 

A grand congregation of shapes was organised by the wise Octagon. There was only one condition though. ‘Only complete shapes can participate’, was the clause. So, on the day of the gathering, one by one, the shapes started to arrive. Circles followed by squares, rectangles, and hexagons. It was all going as per plan till a Semicircle showed up at the entrance.

“Sorry, complete shapes only,” said the doorkeeper.

“But I am a complete shape,” it defended. “I am a Semicircle!”

“You’re cute,” the doorkeeper giggled. “You’re just half a circle, my friend.”

Soon, a triangle arrived.

“Wait, I’ll have to check about you,” said the doorkeeper and went inside.

“Sorry, they say you are just half a square,” the doorkeeper said once he returned.

“That’s not fair,” said the triangle. “I am a Triangle!”

“Listen, guys,” said the doorkeeper. “This isn’t cute or funny anymore. Complete shapes only is non-negotiable.”

“We want to speak to the wise one,” said the Semicircle.

“Yes, I second that,” said the Triangle. “We want to meet the Octagon.”

A Circle and Square came to the door upon hearing the commotion.

“What is all the ruckus about?” they enquired. 

The doorkeeper explained the situation.

“I understand you want to join the gathering,” said the Circle. “But Octagon’s rules, complete shapes only!”

“I am a complete Semicircle!”

“And I am a complete Triangle!” They affirmed.

“You are just half of me,” the Circle said to the Semicircle.

“And you are half of me!” the Square addressed the Triangle.

“If you see,” said the Semicircle, “You are just two of us together! How can you say I am half of you? Why can’t we agree that we are different, but we are complete in our own way?”

“Your argument is good,” replied the Circle. “But rules are rules.”

“We accept the rules wholeheartedly,” said the Semicircle.

“Then what is the issue?” asked the Circle.

“We do not accept your interpretation of the rules. You bend them as per your convenience and use it to keep those like us out of the gathering.”

“Your points are good to argue upon, but not true,” said the Circle.

“Wait a minute,” said the Semicircle.

It called another semicircle forward. They stood there, flat sides facing each other. There was a flash of light as the two came together. They were now a Circle.

“I’m sure we can enter now,” said the Semicircle.

“Nope,” said the Circle. “You are just two semicircles together!”

“Isn’t that what you are also?”

“See that line between you two? I don’t have any such line, see for yourself.”

“The diameter is what keeps us together and it is also a boundary that keeps our individuality safe!”

“Enough,” yelled the Circle. “Doorkeeper, throw them out, please.”

“Wait!” came a baritone voice that silenced everyone else. It was the Octagon.

“I have been listening to this,” it said. “You are an intelligent fellow, Semicircle!”

“Thank you,” it replied.

“Doorkeeper, let them in,” instructed the Octagon.

“But they aren’t complete shapes!” the Circle protested.

“Just because it isn’t like you, doesn’t make it incomplete,” explained the Octagon. “Understand this, my friend. We are all different, but as far as we are contented with ourselves, we are complete. Being complete, or feeling complete, is a state of the mind and not an external definition. When I say only complete shapes may participate, I mean only shapes that want to be completely here and contribute their best may come. Their best may not be as good as your best. Your best may not be as good a someone else’s. But it doesn’t matter as far as you are giving your best!”

“Forgive me, wise Octagon,” said the Circle. “We got carried away by the literal meaning of your words.”

“It’s ok. Remember, eventually we are all just a set of points called lines. Some straight, some curved but just lines after all,” said the Octagon. “You need to ask someone else for forgiveness.”

“Yes,” replied the Circle. “Forgive me, Semicircle. I have been a fool.”

“Please don’t worry about it,” said the Semicircle. “We all make mistakes. The important thing is to identify them, learn from them, and make amends.”

“Yes,” said the Circle. “I welcome you all to this great coming together. Come and grace the occasion!”