One day at school

The best of being in class XII is that there is no need of going to school as most of the study is done in coaching classes or by oneself. But then why is it that I refuse to miss even a single day of school?

I woke up with first rays of the sun and checked the clock half-asleep and half-awake. “7 o’clock, shit!” I exclaimed as I jumped from the bed. Hurriedly I cleansed my teeth and took out my school uniform from the wardrobe and changed as fast as possible. All set, I picked up my school bag and most important of all, my comb, which stayed with me 24X7. What? You know even one lock of hair misplaced can create a bad impression on girls. I rushed through the living room where mom was reading the newspaper.

Mom: and where do you think you’re going?

(I came to an abrupt halt)

I: school of course.

Mom: I don’t understand (helplessly). Why do you go to school daily when no serious study takes place? You even have your coaching classes in the evening. Why are you overexerting yourself?

I: I know mom, but today’s day is very important.

Mom: each day is important according to you.

Ignoring her comment I hugged her and ran outside towards the bus stop and caught the bus just in time. Exhausted, I took a deep breath and slumped into one of the seats. “Ah! Mom would never understand” I thought to myself.

I entered the classroom and occupied my regular seat, last row and corner most one. The classes passed one by one as I eagerly waited for the recess. “Only one class to go before recess” I consoled myself. Kukreja Sir entered the classroom with his usual angry expression on the face and carrying a fat physics book in his hands and an old tattered bag on his shoulders. To me he seemed as an old salesman carrying a shoe box in his hands. “Thud”, he placed the physics book on the table and laid my imagination to rest. “Just one hour of ordeal more and then I would finally be able to see her”, I thought and sought refuge in thoughts about her. I felt myself drifting away from the classroom and to a time when I first saw her. She was walking down the steps with a book tightly held to her chest. The childlike innocence on her face seemed to be demanding love and affection. The sunrays passing through the window and falling on her brown hair, making them shimmer. Her white satin-like skin, ‘ah’, it was a magical moment. “Aaah!”, I cried as pain shot through my back. I looked upwards and saw Kukreja sir standing right in front of me.

Kukreja Sir: Are you here or where?

(He speaks in offbeat English)

I: no sir, I am here only.

Kukreja Sir: What is your father?

(Puzzled by the sense of the question)

I: Sir, what does that mean- “what is my father’s name” or “what does my father do”.

Kukreja Sir: You fool; don’t you know the meaning of “what is your father”?

(I was appalled, whether to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. But was rescued by the recess bell)

I rushed to the canteen where she usually lunched along with her friends. I entered the canteen and hustled through the crowd, while cautiously looking for her. Ya, there she was near the table fan and surrounded by her friends. I occupied a place from where I could see her clearly, without her getting to know about it. Her tresses were moving here and there due to the fan and she was busy sipping her cola. Her friends were laughing and chatting but she seemed completely engrossed in herself. And her…………, “Hey! What! Get aside man”, I said in my mind as someone came and stood before her, blocking my view. After about a minute or so, the person moved aside and proceeded to leave. And there she was, with a rose in her hand and a smile on her face. She got up and left the canteen along with him.