Asmita: You know what still feels unreal? We actually got selected for Jessup.

Amisha (with a smile): I know right.

Asmita: We were so confused initially, whether to participate or not, and hadn’t even started the memorial drafting till the time we were so near to the memorial deadline.

Amisha: Hmm, Participating in Jessup means a very long term commitment to the team and research and we got a bit overwhelmed thinking if we could handle the pressure along with our academics. 

Asmita: Yeah and that is why we were not able to make the decision quickly.

Amisha: And as you already know, I am bad at decisions and directions.

 (Both laugh for a few seconds.)

Asmita: But even with your bad decision making skill, we eventually decided to participate in it.

Amisha: Right, I feel like that was the best decision we made.

Asmita: Yes, I feel the same. But let’s not get carried away in this happiness, there’s a lot to be done. It’s just the beginning of the journey. 

Amisha: Yeah, but I also know that we will do great on this journey as long as we work hard. So, let’s work together and rock this!

Asmita: Of course….. by the way, you were the one who was unsure about it before, even after we made the decision to do Jesssup, and now you’re the one trying to motivate me?

Amisha: Ahhh right, I almost did not participate, but all thanks to you, I did participate and got in.

Asmita: How could I have let you off without participating in Jessup when it was your “let’s do it, mate” text that forced me to draft the memorials and participate in Jessup. 

Amisha: Forced???

Asmita: Yepp, I was afraid you would beat me if I didn't participate when you literally texted me at midnight saying “Let’s do it, mate. Let’s participate in Jessup”.

Amisha: Such a big allegation! (in a sarcastical tone) When have I ever beaten you?

Asmita: So many times that I cannot even count it.

Amisha: Then I could say the same about you, because you literally threatened to beat me with your bottle if I didn’t submit the memorials. 

(Asmita tries to deny it but they end up laughing.)

(After a pause) Amisha: Jokes apart, but honestly you worked really hard for it.

Asmita: Absolutely, it was my first time drafting the memorial all alone. I was confused, frustrated, tired during the process, but eventually I made it.

Amisha: Yeah and I am so much proud of you for doing so. I feel like the trying was itself a beautiful part of the journey because even with the nervousness and unsure feelings, you did not give up on Jessup. I was already proud of you the moment you first decided to try it out. Then you worked hard for it and made it to the team. 

For me, it was very challenging as well, as I had a lot of improvements to make after my previous memorial drafting and oral pleading experiences. Last year too, I had tried to participate in Jessup, but our team was not formed, and I remember feeling quite disappointed. For a moment, I even wondered what was the point of putting so much effort into researching and drafting such lengthy memorials if I wasn't going to get the opportunity to compete.

Asmita: But you didn't give up, and continued to participate in moots. And now, here you are, on the Jessup team! 

Amisha: Exactly! I'm glad I didn't let that disappointment stop me from trying again. This year, getting the opportunity to be on the team was a great motivation in itself. And I guess this experience added to the previous ones and helped me become a little better than I was during my previous journey.  

Asmita: I know and I feel really proud of you as well. 

Amisha: I know you are.

Asmita: Haha, do you remember how nervous we were the day when it was oral pleading round?

Amisha: Ha, how can I forget how nervous we were?

Asmita: Honestly, I remember feeling like my heart was going to come out of my chest before my turn. I had prepared so much, but during the time I was waiting for my turn, everything suddenly felt different. I kept thinking, “What if I forget something? What if they ask me something I don't know?”

Amisha: I remember watching you before your turn. You looked so nervous, but you were actually well prepared and you did good.

Asmita: Really? Because I remember thinking that I was going to mess up. 

Amisha: You didn't. In fact, you handled it really well.

Asmita: And then it was your turn. I remember how nervous you were, but you did well too. 

Amisha: Yeah, I had so many things running through my head. But once I started pleading, I think the nervousness slowly settled down.

Asmita:  Even though we were competing for the same team, it never really felt like we were competing against each other. We could discuss our arguments, clear each other's doubts, and help each other whenever one of us got stuck. We were mentoring each other.

Amisha: Yeah. Then after the results, I remember being happy that we both made it to the team.

Asmita: Of course. I was so happy to see both of our names in the team.

Amisha: Do you know what I liked most about this whole experience?

Asmita: What?

Amisha: That we were competing for the same opportunity without wanting the other person to fail.

Asmita: Yeah. We pushed each other without pulling each other down.

Amisha: And I think that's what made the whole journey worth it.

Asmita: From one midnight “Let’s do it, mate”

Amisha: to the Jessup team.

(They both laughed.)

Amisha: Thank you for motivating me every time I doubted myself and calming me down when I was feeling nervous before my pleadings.

Asmita: Thank you to you as well for clearing out every one of my doubts and helping me whenever I was confused about anything.

Amisha: You are very welcome.

Asmita (in a curious tone): By the way, were you not jealous when I scored more than you in the selection round?

Amisha: If you were in my place, how would you have felt?

Asmita: I would have felt proud and happy for you.

Amisha: Exactly, why would I be jealous of you? I also felt like a proud friend and a proud mentor.

Asmita: Ohh yeah, miss mentor (in a sarcastical tone).

Amisha: No, I mean it, honestly.

Asmita: Okay counsel, you got me in this argument (with a subtle smile).

Amisha: Thank you, Madam President! (jokingly) Now, shall we head home?

Asmita: Yes Counsel, we shall. Let’s go.