ALONE? NO MORE!

DEBASMITA GHOSH

Class 11 Section C

Ritabhari hated her teacher Sanjay Sir. Sanjay sir despised Ritabhari. They were never meant to like each other. They were never meant to be bonded by the relationship of father and daughter. But as the saying goes, “In life what is unexpected is expected.” Sanjay Srivastava or Sanjay Sir to the students was now the proud father of one Ritabhari Bepari, alias Ritabhari Srivastava.

Sanjay was the chemistry teacher at Rita’s (as her friends call her) school. He had a reputation of being extremely strict and mean with his students. No student had ever seen him smile or speak politely with anyone. He was known as the ‘Snarky git’ to the students.

Rita was a thirteen years old orphan and a student of eighth standard. Her parents died in an accident while returning from conference outside the country. She lived with her paternal uncle and his family and attended the same school as her cousins. Her uncle Shyam Bepari and his family were quite unkind people. They never cared for Rita or loved her. But Rita could never inform anyone about it as she was scared that her uncle might find out and also that she never wanted to seem weak in front of others.

Ritabhari was quite a pleasant girl and had a group of four friends at school. Though her friends were quite close to her they were never aware of her treatment at house as Rita was always very reluctant to talk about her family.

Rita had suffered for as long as she could remember in the hands of her so called ‘family’. But it was one simple incident in their chemistry class that day a year before, that Rita’s life took a turn for the better

It was the morning of 16^th September, 2013 and eighth standard students had their first two periods of the day as double chemistry. Rita, along with her classmates was waiting outside the chemistry lab for their teacher Sanjay Sir to arrive.

“Every one, please leave all your belongings except your pens and lab manuals outside. Put on your lab coats and enter. Quickly, please, as dillydallying”. A deep baritone voice snapped at the students. Everyone felt silent and hastened to do as told and then scurried towards the lab. Sanjay strode in behind them.

“Today we will be doing some simple experiments. The instructions are on page 52 in your lab manuals and also on the board. Those of you who pay attention in class will not find any difficulty in understanding the procedure as I have explained to you before. The chemicals are separated in vials in the store cupboard. The monitor will distribute them to you. You have 90 minutes. Begin” Sanjay so Sanjay looked towards Rita in distaste and moved to sit at his desk.

Rita had no idea why her chemistry teacher despised her so much. She always tried to follow his instructions to the letter but he was never satisfied. It seemed that Sanjay had some personal vendetta against her. Rita, therefore, decided to ignore the looks Sanjay was giving her and continued with the assignment.

Rita’s work was progressing quite well and she was in the last step. It was 60 minutes through and she decided to finish her experiment. She was about to take her last vial of the chemical required when the volatile liquid dropped on her hand and she let out a scream “Ah”. Sanjay stood up from his desk hearing the sudden scream. “This is the result of not….”Sanjay had begun to make a rude comment to Rita, when he noticed the condition of her hand. It had a bad burn and rashes had started to form near the wound. He moved towards her in long strides and took her hand by the arm to inspect clearly. Rita flinched and tried to move away but unable to do so due to Sanjay’s firm grip. “The rest of you will continue with your assignment. A substitute teacher will be sent to the class shortly. Till then, the monitor will take over.”Sanjay barked out instructions to the class and then immediately pulled Rita along with him to see the school nurse.

“I don’t understand why the children are allowed such volatile chemicals during experiments” the school nurse muttered angrily to herself as she checked Rita’s hand and bandaged it up. She then proceeded to write down a prescription for Rita.

“Is it your first time in sick room here? Were you never hurt at school before?” the nurse questioned Rita suddenly. Rita was startled; “Yes it is the first time I am here. But why do you ask?”--confusion was evident in her voice. Because it seems that your guardians never submitted any of your previous medical records to the school.” Replied the nurse.

“I don’t have any medical records!”

“And why is it so?”

“I never needed to go to a doctor. I am quite immune to diseases.”

“But it is impossible to never once fall ill enough to go the doctor” exclaimed the nurse. Then she asked skeptically, “Are you sure your guardians treat you well?” Rita was shocked at the sudden question. O- Obviously, Why would you even th-think that? She stuttered but fear was clearly visible in her eyes which did not go unnoticed by either Sanjay or the school nurse

Very well, I would like to do a complete medical checkup of yours.” Said the nurse and started to drag Rita away behind the curtains. Rita put up fierce fight. She could not let anyone know about her weakness. ‘Let me go! Leave me!” she cried ferverently.  But it was Sanjay’s no- nonsense voice that broke her out of her trance, you will do as the nurse says”, he ordered in a tough voice. Then in a very gentle voice he opposed for his own, he added, Remember, you are not alone. We are always here for every one of you children should you ever need us.” There was something in his voice that compelled Rita to obey. She moved with the nurse without any more protests.

The nurse was shocked seeing the bruises that covered Rita’s body. She could barely restrain her anger at what the child’s relative had done. After the check-up, she helped Rita dress back up and called Sanjay to show some of the bruises that were on her neck, arms and legs. Sanjay was shocked. He had expected neglect but not direct abuse. After only a moments’ hesitation, he took Rita gently by her hand and guided her to seat on a chair and he himself sat on another facing him.

Rita had blocked out all her emotions after getting ready for the check-up. She knew she could not hide the marks anymore and how everyone will think of her as weak. It was only Sanjay’s voice calling her name broke her out of her thoughts.

Miss Bepari! Miss Bepari! Ritabhari! Rita! Can you hear me? Please answer me!”Sanjay’s concerned gentle voice called her. Rita could not control herself anymore. She began to cry softly covering her face with hands. Seen, her soft cries turned to painful sobs.

Sanjay was at a loss as to what to do. He was never good at providing comfort. He moved awkwardly and started rubbing her backs to sooths her. After some time when Rita had calmed down considerably, Sanjay attempted to question her, Rita, I will ask you some questions. Can you please answer them honestly? He asked gently.

I will try sir!”- whispered Rita.

“That is all I ask! Now can you tell me who hurt you, child?”

“My uncle, Sir.”

“Thank you! For how long has this been happening?”

As long as I can remember. He treats me like a slave, beats me, deprives me of food and locks me up in my room!” Rita answered, her voice cracking in the end.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone, child? We could have helped you!” Sanjay asked curiously.

 By now, Rita felt completely vulnerable and frustrated. She did not want anyone’s pity, I DID NOT WANT PEOPLE TO THINK OF ME AS WEAK, TO PITY ME, OKAY! AND WHY DO YOU CARE? YOU’VE ALWAYS HATED ME? WHY DO YOU CARE HOW I AM TREATED AT HOME?  She shouted, trying to cover her vulnerability with her anger.

Sanjay was taken aback by her outburst. He hesitated for a moment but then decided to answer her. I never hated you”, Miss Bepari, it was my fate that I hate. If it was not for my fate, you would have known me as ‘the loving uncle Sanju’ instead ‘the snarky Git- Sanjay Sir’. I was your parents’ best friend. Your father was a brother to me in all but blood and your mother was like my baby sister. But, it was my stupid mistake that led me to become distant with them.” Rita looked at Sanjay, shocked at the revelation. Sanjay continued, “I was engaged to your maternal aunt but I had no intentions of marrying her. I only wanted her property. You see, your mother’s family was quite rich. So I made your aunt to give me all her share of the property and then called of the engagement. Your aunt was completely shattered as well as your parents.”Sanjay’s voice cracked. Though he knew that her fiancé and her family forgiven him when he had apologised, he still felt guilty for his deed and then the sudden death of Rita’s parents did nothing to lessen his guilt. “I loved your parents very much. They were my only family as I was an orphan like you. But at that time I was blinded by the love of wealth. Although, later I realised my mistake and returned everything I had taken from your aunt and apologised, but I was never that close to your parents again for obvious reasons. You know I was chosen to be the Godfather when you were conceived, but after my misdeed, the choice obviously changed to your uncle Shyam.” Sanjay’s voice was now a strangled whisper. Rita looked up to see his eyes bright with unshed tears. “You were a continuous reminder of both of your parents. The moment I saw you I convinced myself that I could not afford to allow you to be close to me but I hurt you in the same way I hurt your parents. That is why I pretended to hate you!” Saying so, Sanjay broke down to tears. It was not like Sanjay to show emotions, but, he had suppressed them for too long and could not do so any more.

Rita listened to Sanjay with rapt attention. Everything was a lot for her to take in. She was trying to take in and process all the information she had just heard when her reverie was broken by muffled crying noise coming from just in front of her. Rita looked up to Sanjay sitting with his face forwards and head in his hands. His shoulders were shaking and heavy sobs wracked his body.

Rita did not know what to do. She hesitatingly moved and slowly wrapped Sanjay’s tall frame in her arms and rubbed his back in the hope of offering some comforts. Sanjay looked up. He had never thought that would offer him comfort after hearing what he did to his parents and he was greatly comforted by the child’s gesture.

Seeing Sanjay look up, Rita said “It’s OK Sir, I forgive you and I also know that if my parents had said that they forgave you, they did so from their hearts. You don’t need to feel guilty and sad anymore. I want to get to know you. I trust you, Sir!” she herself started crying. Hearing her, Sanjay pulled her closer and wrapped her in his arms lightly. They both were crying on each other’s shoulder and trying to comfort each others. Their painful life was about to end.

The next day itself, Sanjay contacted the child care services and informed them about Rita’s uncle. He helped Rita overcome the pain her relatives had put her through. They both continued to spend time with each other. Rita loved to hear stories about her parents from her ‘uncle Sanju’ Sanjay just loved to spend time with his ‘teddy-bear’ The nick names they had for each other was the proof of them growing closer. Rita had informed her friends about her uncle and had told them about Sanjay. They approved whole heartedly and were very happy for her.

Nearly six months had passed after the incident when Sanjay had said to Rita that she wanted, he could make the relationship official. Rita was thrilled at the idea of being adopted and having someone to call ‘Dad’ and have him loves her and care for her. She had replied by squealing, jumping and then throwing her arms around her would be Dad’s neck and giving him a light hug. And now after one complete year and few more days, the adoption was approved and Ritabhari Bepari was now officially Ritabhari Srivastava, proud daughter of Sanjay Srivastava. They would never ever be lonely or alone in their life again.