Moonlight Romance

PRATIKSHA GUHA

Class 10 Section B

The sudden stream of cool air current rushed into the moonlit darkness of the room accompanied by the creaking sound of the door that now stood ajar. The steady flame of the candle flickered with quick graceful curves as the soft air blew over it. Susan’s sweet dilemma was sweetly disturbed with the much-awaited arrival.

Her longing gaze acutely transformed into a rapid thoughtless search, the dusky shadow of her bend lashes in the smooth cavity below her eyes, disappearing to the glorious aureole, that now apparently was sourced from her ecstatic face. Her lips quivered with excitement. She folded her hands and pressed it against her chest to subdue the loud thumping of her heart, her ‘Biological’ heart that behaves in a similar manner whenever it perceived the signal of the arrival of her ‘Philosophical’ heart ---her true heart, her soul, the love of her life—Max.

Her lips curved into a beautiful smile with the touch of her beloved on her shoulders. She turned, she looked up. The man with his hand on her shoulders gleaming happily, his handsome features glowing with awe at the soothing beauty of his girl, a similar that grips him when he is in the vicinity of his love, of her fragrance, her touch, her affectionate eyes bubbling with Love.

“You missed me, Max?” was the childish question.

“Of course I did!” came the laughing reply.

“Lie….. You couldn't miss me when you were battling the Romans?” She asked, shaking her head.

“Of course I was! I was physically battling them and mentally battling out the two opposite emotions, whether I should die for the century or live for you!” She said with pretence of amazement, suppressing a knowing smile.

“So I am!” he said happily. Susan slipped her fingers through his and stood up resting her head against his brave chest. Max touched her bun and unmade it, letting her hair roll down her neck, then shoulder, brushing her back airily and swinging with its unmade ends at her waist. The dark strands engulfed her completely. Max caressed the soft curls and brought his lips close to her ears, whispering eternal words of Love and then the request for dance.

“Dance?” she breathed and fully gave her arms into Max’s strength, his arms, his love. He pulled her close, holding her y the wait. The dance began to the tune of the several realms--- the moonlight, the sea waves, the rain-washed garden around, the unpredictable nocturnal breeze and to the melody of the inner realms, the untouchable realms, of the distant insides, that served to be the magnetism of attraction between the two Lovers, Susan’s floral printed gown seemed to be the paintbrush, brushing the air with the diverse colours of her dance steps. Her hands were tightly clasped in Max’s, her feet raised to lift her posture to meet Max’s bent face. The dance continued as they touched each other lips, rubbed their faces and shut their eyes to the world, completely drinking in the mirth of true Love, everlasting bonding, their bodies cutting the air at perfect angles moving to the silent tune, punctuated by Susan’s laughter following the playful whispers of Max. The dance continued; the dance of the most romantic couple, Susan and Max.

Across the garden, in the servant’s bungalow, two servants sat in the verandah couch watching the spectacle through the open window, with astonishment. Astonishment, not pleasant but fearful. They watched as their mistress dressed in a floral gown, danced away, clinging to the air, to nothingness, laughing aloud to herself and fiddling through her locks.

“This has become a regular task. It is high time we take our step” said the male servant. “No please,” piped in the female, wiping her tears off,”We should take care of her, Master would be disappointed”. She wept looking up at the star –studded firmament. “Please be practical”, came the firm reply. “It has been a year since the death ceremony” he paused. We need to do this, We have no other alternative, I will  take the blame if anything happens to her” he said, and ignoring her wife’s violent he dialed the number of the asylum.

Susan fully gave into Max’s arms, his west windy room, however the dance continued ceaselessly to the silent tune of Love, eternity as Susan and Max kissed Each other fondly never pausing their late night dance, everything and completely drinking in the mirth of their romance, free from the fear that tomorrow might separate her from her love- her eyes, that still dwelled in the past, reflecting love and anticipation, eyes blind to the present, eyes whose real tomorrow was going to reflect the coldness of the living dead.

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. 

First Love

 Sunidhi Smriti Horo

Class 7 Section A

 

She contemplated, closed her eyes. Her vision took her back to those days, days when she did not care about what her present actions would lead to.

 Love stories were boring; love songs were something unheard of:

 And she, a tomboy. Until you happened. Until you changed her

Until she found herself entrapped in love for you. Stupid, isn't it?

 Smiling without any reason, humming love songs, love stories began to make sense. Your name found inscribed on her books.

Embedded in her heart, day dreaming lost in thoughts. Imagining a hypothetical world comprising only of you and her. You, basically “Poor girl” Does not know what lies ahead ! Insecure thoughts .

A care free mind, infatuation, a loony idiot obsessed with you, she did not know what fate had in store for her. Years passed,

Her Infatuation – Oh, love grew staring at your pictures was something she got accustomed to stammering in front of you, she scolded herself to make changes in herself to make you notice her,

 “Poor girl” I sighed again , but I was just a spectator.

Yes , the day finally arrived ,

When you turned her down

Asked her to stop being foolish ........

Rejected her…

 Shattered,

 Betrayed,

Numbed,

 As if reality slapped her hard.  She said “I have been so foolish “.

 I just smiled and replied back “Now you finally grow up ” .

A MIDNIGHT CALL

Srijani Ray

Class 8 Sec A

It had been quite a tiring journey. It had not been more than an hour that I had returned from my patient’s house. After some time, I took a relaxing bath, had some food and sat on the couch thinking of the patient’s condition at this moment. Her name is Sharmila Jain, a renowned retired teacher at St. Lawrence. She had suddenly developed symptoms of severe headaches and frequent vomiting. At first she did not pay heed to the matter but as the days passed the pain crossed bearable limits. I am a neurosurgeon at ‘Woodlands’. Later, a malignant growth was diagnosed in her internal brain, which was growing rapidly. I feared revealing the horrific truth. But I did. And the way I thought that she would react was not actually the case. With a wide smile on her wrinkled face resulting in a lot more wrinkles she said, “A tumour, and well. I had put a lot of pressure during my early days on my brains. May be this is the reason. Never mind, man is mortal, I had to die some day, so what if it is a little early?” as if death was something to play with. Now, by God’s grace she had earned enough  to bear the medical expenses as well as her regular needs, rather she was quite prosper though she never made a show of it. She had a daughter who had married and migrated away to England with her foreigner husband. Initially, she used to send an amount monthly, but it had ceased a long ago.

  However, it did not affect the lifestyle of the woman. Her husband had died 12 years ago and she lived all alone in her big house. As she had no son, she developed a liking towards me. And here, in my case, my mother had passed away too. Therefore I gave her a bit of my mother’s place which was enough for her. I visited her at regular intervals of two days. She had noted down my name, address, phone number and all my details. However, I was ignorant of the reason. She waited for my arrival and even recognized the hum of my car.

She prepared meals for me though I repeatedly requested her not to, many times. But it seemed to make her very happy when she saw me having the food and praising her for her cooking skills. So I thought, “Let her be happy………..these are her last days…….let her enjoy.” I did all and everything that could make her smile. Meanwhile, another important patient had appeared in the queue. He was a colleague of my college mate. Thus, I could not ignore him even for a while. He had a sudden heart attack probably due to stress or anxiety. However, he was going to take quite some time to recover. I wished to pay more attention towards the lady but my new patient was having greater span of my attention as there was a good chance of his recovery unlike the lady, whose fate held nothing but death. It had been three weeks that I did not visit her, even for once. She must have thought that I got busy with my toil and forgot about her. But actually every day 5’o clock her face was held before my mind’s eye as that was exactly the time when I used to visit her. On the other hand, the next day my friend’s colleague was going to get released from the hospital after a bypass surgery.

That night I lit up my cigarette and took a stimulating puff. The lady haunted my mind. The clock stroke 12. I counted. The phone rang. I picked up the receiver a little irritated. -”It’s Dr. Sanyal speaking. What is the matter?”

-“Hello ‘beta’ I need you just now! Please come, it’s urgent!” -“Hello, aunty, hello!!”

 No one replied. I put on my blazer and rushed to my car. I reached there in no time as the streets were almost empty at that hour of night.

I rang the door-bell several times.

 I was relieved for sure but even annoyed a great deal. “Why did you call me so late? Do you know what all things I thought of?”I shouted at her. She said nothing. She just took me to the dining table and oh! What not on earth was there? All types of curries, dals, rotties and a lot more. It seemed that the table would collapse by their weight. I asked her if there was any party to be held. She simply said, “All this is for you my ‘son.’ But before that you have to sign these papers.” She handed me a bundle of official papers. I signed all of them as if I was controlled by some unknown power. Then she served me all the food until I was stuffed. She asked me to stay back that night. I hesitated, but couldn't deny. I slept in a big room opposite to hers. Wishing me a good night she said “Thank you for coming today ‘son’. Sorry to disturb you, but it was very important.” She said those words as if it was the last and final time that we were meeting each other.

 The next day I was woken by a crying sound just opposite to the room that I was staying. I rushed. A lady of about 30-35 was sitting beside Mrs. Jain and crying with all her might. I was puzzled. Moreover, Mrs. Jain was not even breathing, her body still as wood. I approached the lady. I asked her what was actually going on. She said– “M-my mother is dead…..dead…..the neighbour hood people called me and informed…… ”

 Then I asked her how the neighbours’ knew when I myself staying in the house was ignorant about it. Then she said that the maid of this house who was also the maid of the neighbour's had informed them of the event. They searched Mrs. Jain’s phone directory and found her number. After hearing all this I showed the papers to her.

She glanced through them and looked at me. Her eyes met with mine. Again and again. I didn't even read those papers. Then she gave it to me asked me to go through. It stated – “I Mrs. Sharmila Jain readily hand over all of my property and belongings amounting to a total of 1 crore 15lacs to doctor Siddhartha Sanyal.”I was absolutely numb. My eyes did not blink. My muscles did not move. I stood still. I think it was the greatest shock I ever got in my entire life of 29 years. After some time, I recovered and sat beside her. I checked her pulse……… there was no movement. I leaned down towards her chest…… no heart-beat. She was absolutely cold and stiff. My experience said that it had been a minimum of 16 hours before she died. But last night... All the food? The papers. And everything else. All was confused. I never believed in spirits. But now I do. All night I walked, ate and slept with a ghost. I understood that she needed someone appropriate to have her money and her daughter was not the one. She chose me to give that 1 crore 15 lacs that she had secured. I planned to donate it to my hospital and help it develop. A month later she came in my dreams and smiled.

Smiled, as if she was contended and happy.

I never saw her again. But thought of her always the little place that I had given her had pulled her back to me even after death.

The Rise

Name:  Haimi Jha

Class: V Section: A 

“Asha, get up, the sky is getting clear”. The sound came in her sleepy mind like a song she

used to hear daily. Opening her eyes, she saw her father’s smiling face, stretched her hands

and finally jumped into her father’s lap, as usual. Both of them came out of their cottage.

The four kids of Kamli, the goat, started hopping, Dhabali, the cow, cried “Hamba” in joy.

Asha jumped off her father’s lap and seeing her the birds started chirping on the trees, the mist started melting and the sun jumped in the scene. The day began for Asha, like everyday.

           While she was in class four of Primary Valika Vidyalaya of the village, she knew that there was none to chase her report card as she always follows her father’s advice –“Never

Rise late”.

           On the way to school with her mother, she crossed the  big pond, behind the orchard and met her friends Meena, Rekha and others.

            Nalini Babu, the head teacher of both the primary and secondary sections of the school greeted them near the gate. The head sir had special feelings for Asha because of her poor peasant father and because he knew secondary section was not free of cost.

          In the next committee meeting Nalini Babu raised the issue with the Secretary of Asha’s good results and further free status for Asha from next class.

            “ This instance may invite other applications Nalini Babu “ – said the Chairman.

            Another member said – “ Development of the school cannot be compromised.”

            Nalini Babu could not say a single word, but from the next day Asha noticed that the smile had vanished from his face. One day Nalini Babu came to her house after final examination, met Asha’s poor crying father, but Asha did not get any clue of the cause.

            So one day the poor girl of the poor father left the village to accommodate herself at the free boarding school at the city.

            Her poor little heart could not understand why she was missing the kids, the cow, the birds, the rising sun, but the strong mindset told her something else.

            To grow a tree is the main issue. Fruits come in time, automatically.

            The days passed by, the kids were growing young. Dhabali gave birth to a new calf, her father was growing older day by day and slowly Asha was lost in the memory of all village folks.

            Some twenty years later in a rainy afternoon the new headmaster, in the school committee meeting proposed – “ This Independence Day we must invite the new District Magistrate to hoist the flag, so that we can request for more grants”. Their proposal was accepted and soon the final day at 8:45 am in the morning a convoy of cars stopped at the main entrance of the school and a lady in white sari came out smiling. She greeted by the president of the school and the head master.

            On the way to the stage she saw a little boy with a Tricolor in his hand standing near the gate. An old man in his dhoti and kurta was holding the other hand of the boy.

            The lady came forward, bent down and asked the boy, “ What’s your name?”

            “Arka”, the child said

           

“Do you know the meaning?”

           

“The sun”, the boy replied.

            The lady knelt down in front of the boy, her eyes meeting his, and said, “So be it child, never rise late”.

She stood up and said “ Thank you sir” to the old man.

            This lady was Asha who returned after twenty years and thanked Nalini Babu. 

A Day Light's Dream

Natasha Ahmed

Class 10 Sec A

I was aroused suddenly from sleep. The night was intensely dark and quiet. I felt that there was someone else in the room. I tried to switch on the light, but my wrist was seized……….

And at once I knew it was him.

The little moonlight that strayed in from somewhere made him look like the perfect sculpture ever. His eyes were down, with a deep touch of dismay. A long silence bore down between us, sometimes interrupted by the heavy rustle of grass. I kept staring at his face, and he fixed his gaze on the floor. His lips twitched a bit at the corners, and he finally began, “It’s hard for me to do this, terribly hard, but I’m persevering this time.” He let out a sigh.

Moving his eyes towards the edge of my bed, he couldn't withhold his chuckle, “You‘re reading this again?” He raised his brows. There, at the edge of my bed laid carelessly my torn legacy of “The Notebook.”

“Yeah.. Um, I jus- I just cannot go on without it.”

“It’s good that you think of going on.”

“Just trying to be a little Optimistic..” my voice broke at the last word.

“I think I should leave now. It’s almost dawn .”

He advanced towards the balcony, ready to leave. I couldn't help but say, “Are you coming back again?”

He turned to look at me, a heavy look of grief on his face.

“No” he said. And then he was nowhere.

I sat there on my bed, in dim moonlight, breathing in the scent he had left behind… The coming back of Soviets to power, achievements of the big ideas of the Czechs, the political disturbance at Budapest, today had caused my love, refugee from Communist Hungary, to come meet me for the last time. He had just announced his departure forever.

Silent tears rolled down my cheeks, and I looked at my wrist which had been under his hold a few minutes ago, the feelings still not very comprehensible. But there was one thing , which I was totally certain of now…

“No more hallucination. No more pills.”

Go For It Bablu!

Laiba Hassan

Class 7 Section B

It happened on the day school started after a heavenly two months of summer holidays. Shankar refused to wake up at 6 am. He wanted to dream more about his visit to his grandparents' home. They lived in Mysore. He actually wanted to remember his trips to the Bandipur National Park. It was a magical forest in the shade of the Nilgiri. Shankar had been lucky to see the Asian elephant, the Mugger crocodile, the four-horned antelope, and the leopard. “Next time,” Shankar told himself happy at the thought.

He wanted “next time” to be now! However, his mother’s and father’s voice forced him to get up though it seemed terrible but the Shankar felt happy to be back from his dreams once he saw his friends in his school bus.
When Shankar returned home he was surprised to see his mother in front of the gate as she didn’t go to the office. When his mother saw him she said “Shankar, I wanted to tell you that your father has met with an accident. But the good news is that he will be discharged in two weeks. He will be absolutely fine. But I think it is high time to get a driver. You and I shall find a fine young man to drive Appa carefully to office.”
Amma’s words calmed Shankar. In the next few days after many interview they selected a young man as a driver. His name was Raj. Finally Appa arrived back home and a lot of exciting things happened on Sunday. Raj’s family used to come and stay with them in the small flat in the small flat nearby. That’s how Shankar met Bablu, Raja’s son.
An eight year old boy with a monkey face, bright eye and spiky hair. From the day he met Shankar, he became his fan. He always used to follow Shankar. To eight year old Bablu, Shankar being of eleven year seemed a big boy. Whenever Shankar looked up to find his book, he used to see Bablu staring at him through the window. While brushing his teeth he would often get confused when he saw another face staring at him in the mirror! And when coming back from school he used to find two shadows– one was his own and the other shadow was Bablu walking a few paces behind!

Bablu did not go to school. Shankar felt sorry for him. One day, when Shankar went to the garage to take out his bicycle to go to his friend’s house, that when he saw Bablu sitting under a tree holding a book in his hands.When Shankar came closer he discovered that Bablu was holding one of his books and that too upside down. Since he could not read it, it did not matter whichever way he held it, Shankar took the book and turned it the right side up and told “This is how you are supposed to read,” affectionately. Two big tear droped rolled down Bablu’s cheeks. Bablu told Shankar, “I want to be like you but I can’t do anything.”
The bicycle went back into the garage. Shankar went inside the house and told  his parents they had to help Bablu get into a school. Though it was too hard to admit Bablu to a school as admissions were over.But somehow he got admitted. Wearing a new shirt, shorts and a tie,he was going to school proudly.
But when he returned he was sad."They all teased me; they all said I am much older than them. I don’t want to go to school."

Shankar said, “Don’t cry Bablu. I will teach you to read and write. Very soon you will be better than your classmates.” From the shelf he took out all the books -Hindi and in English, Shankar's favourites were Chandamana, Twinkle and Target. There were several fairy tale books also. Shankar read out to him, drew pictures in boards, and gave him a workbook.
Bablu would be rewarded by Shankar if he worked hard.
Two months later, Bablu returned from school with a beaming face. “Bhaiya, the principal praised me, everyone clapped for me”.
Shankar embraced Bablu with a tight hug.
Now Bablu has another wish. He wants to work on the computer like Shankar. He wants to visit websites for kids, and he wants to play the online treasure hunt games.
“Go for it, Bablu!”,that all Shankar can say.

THE TAJ MAHAL

SREJA CHAKRABORTY

CLASS -5 SECTION -A

India is very famous for her ancient temples and historical buildings all over the world and the Taj at Agra is the most famous among them. It was built by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was built about three hundred years ago.  It was built in about twenty two years and about twenty two thousand masons and workers worked day and night. After the completion of the Taj mahal, it is said that their hands were chopped off, so that they could not build a replica of the Taj anymore.

It is enlisted in the Seven Wonders of the World. It is located outside Agra city on the banks of river Yamuna. The gateway of Taj Mahal is made of red stones. Symmetrical trees the Taj is built on raised marbel platform. The outstanding spiral minarets enhance its beauty. The marbel tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are situated in the middle of the main building. They are inlaid with precious stones on the walls of the building and are carved with verses from the holy Quran. The eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal is on a moon lit night. One really feels that one has never seen such a charming spectacle before. Tagore hails the Taj as “a tear frozen on the cheek of eternity”. I visited the Taj two years ago.

The Trip I Will Never Forget

Krishitika Karmakar

Class-7 Section-A

It was 2012, 21^st December 6.30pm. We were dressing up and got ready to go to Tarapith for three days. We were total nine people. My parents, my uncles, aunts, my cousin brother and sister. We took a hired taxi and reached Sealdah Station. We were waiting for the train to come. The train reached the platform we boarded. We sat down and waited for the train to start. After few moments, the train left the station. We all took our and chatted. After that for a while we slept for five hours because soon we would reach. My brother, sister and I decided to keep awake entire night. It was a very dark and scary night, outside and we all were feeling cold. Suddenly we heard some noise after that we saw that it was my uncle who was snoring. We were scared before but laughed when we found out. 

Dawn cracked and was going to reach. We decided to stay at the waiting room till the morning because it was quite still dark to manage any transport. We took an auto and reached the hotel. We decided to stay at the Bharat Sevashram Sangha . There the behavior of the people was very rude but just because they were sages and ashram people my father controlled his temper. Atlast we got the key for our room and went it. It was quite early in the morning. We brushed our teeth and took a bath in the cold water. We changed our clothes and then went to the temple to offer puja where Goddess “Tara” is worshipped. There was a huge queue so , we stood there in the morning and we were able to offer puja at afternoon. After that we went back to our hotel and had food. After that we took a van rickshaw and went to visit side seeing. When we returned back every one was tired and we took our food and slept that night.

Next Day we prepared ourselves in the early morning and took a hired car and visited Bakreshwar, Shanitiniketan and other places. It was a very joyful trip. We returned back to Bharat Sevasharam Sangha  and took our dinner and slept early. The next morning we took an auto rickshaw and reached Rampurhat Station. 

We bourght tickets and were waiting for the train to come. It was quite late. Our legs started paining since we were waiting for the return train from morning. There was a sudden announcement that the return train would arrive Rampurhat at 10am. The train arrived nearly 10 am and as it was heavy crowd every one was trying to catch the train pushing each other. Under this hustle bustle I got separated from my parents and I was very much worried and my eyes turned gloomy in utter fear and shivering very much. After some moments I heard a loud voice from my parents. My eyes were filled with tears of joy. I ran and hugged them. I thanked God.

“God Today You Gave Me,

My Parents whom

I was going to

Loose Forever, And,

My Parents were

Going to Loose Me”

“Thank you! Thank you”

“Always be with me as you have been today”

After that we reached home safely. I will never forget that day. Even today while I am writing this experience I am shivering in fear.

THE BROKEN PROMISE

SWARNALI CHAKRABORTY
CLASS 6 SECTION B

Once upon a time there lived a prince whose best friend was a shepherd. The two boys spent most of their time together. The prince would always tell the shepherd, “Friend when I become the king, you shall not work anymore. You shall be my royal guest.” Thus the two friends dreamt of the future.

Time passed. One day the old king passed away and the prince was crowned on the throne. But Alas! As soon as he became the king he forgot all his promises.

When the shepherd went to the palace, He was turned away unceremoniously by the guards. The shepherd was shocked and sad to see his old friend turning away from him.

One morning the king awoke in unbearable pain. He could not open his eyes. His body was pierced with countless needles. He could just lie in his bed screaming in agony!

That very day, the queen went all alone to a lake. It was a hot day and she decided to take a bath. Leaving her clothes and ornaments on the bank, she plunged into the water. A farmer was passing by. When she saw the royal clothes, she quickly put them on and pretended to be queen.           The poor queen still in the water was horrified, for, who could believe, her without any clothes or jewels? The imposter gave her some old rags and took and took her to the palace as a maid servant.

The imposter entered the palace and began to live with great luxury. The king was in great pain but she did not bother to nurse him. The ministers summoned many doctors, but none could remove the needles. When they failed magicians from the whole world were send for, but none could cure the king.

The queen was having a bad time too. She was given little food and was made to do all sorts of work. One day when she was washing clothes, by the lake she fainted. The shepherd who was happening to pass by took her home and nursed her back to health and treated her with great respect. But the queen 
could still not be happy.

One day the shepherd asked “Sister tell me what worries you?” when he heard the whole story, he at once realised that the king’s plight was due to his broken promise. However he loved his friend dearly, and wanted to help him.

At night the queen and the shepherd made their way to the palace. They climbed up to the king’s room by a ladder. The sight of his friend groaning in agony brought tears in his eyes. He took out a reel of magic threads and chanted:

                    

“Thread thread enter the needles

Take them out and make my friend fit as a fiddle.”

At once the thread looped itself and slipped through the holes of the needles. Gently it began to wind into a reel and pulled the needles one by one. Soon the king was free. After so many days he was able to open his eyes and sit up again. He saw the shepherd and the queen in his room. He was shocked to see the queen in this condition.

Hearing all this commotion, the imposter queen bustled in. seeing her king shouted “Who are you? How dare you wear the queen’s clothes?!”

The real queen then told the hold story. The king, at once banished the imposter from the kingdom.

The shepherd was made the Chief Advisor and they remained good friends ever after...

Bullying

Zainab Ali
CLASS-6 Section-B

There was a little girl whose name was Martha. She was timid and quiet .She would study in ST.MARY’S High School. All the students would tease her. Thinking that the students would disturb and tease her, she stopped going to school. 

When Martha's mother saw she was disturbed she got tensed. For this reason she stopped talking with her society friends. The only friend who helped Martha was John. He was very kind-hearted. One day it was John's birthday and she did not tell Martha, but she told her that he wanted to play with her. In the evening when Martha went to John's birthday and many boys and Students were present there.Those boys and Students started talking with Martha. Martha also ate and chatted with them. By 8'o clock Martha returned back home happily. This way she grew better every day. This happened only because of John. After that Martha and John even went for shopping to nearby malls, markets, and shops. Somehow like this Martha again started to go back to her school. This time also the Students started bullying her. But this time, Martha was not quiet, she had her self confidence. She went to her class teacher and complained about those Students. Their class teacher warned those Students not to do that again and also gave those Students severe punishment of one month suspension. 

When Martha's mother got to know this from their class teacher, she hugged and kissed Martha and tears fell down from her eyes. She told Martha that if anything happened to her she would first inform her parents she promised Martha that they would help her at any cost .She also thanked in return.

After that, Martha threw a party where John got a warm welcome .At the party, Martha with her cousins acted on a play on John and her friendship. After that they both lived very happily ever after.

      People there are many, But real friends very few,        

Respect friendship. Treasure friendship. The world will bully you and point fingers at you wherever you go. Only a real friend will protect you and save you and give back your lost confidence.