Three days old in the new campus. Yet again, I became a new teacher in the old system. I hoped everything would fall in place with time was the only hope I had burning deep inside. Backed by His Majesty's praise for Bhutanese being so resilient and astute, mindful and respectful, I relied on self-trust to build my image again in a new place of many smart people. I would win the heart, or simply lose the race of my career built on trust and hardship.
It was during recess. I met a good-looking boy around the corridors busy lurking with another boy who had a much deeper look. They seemed to be caring nothing, but their existence. I could hear a few exchanges like town, mobile, data, yesterday, etc.
I saw one of the boys hanging "Liverpool FC" badge in his doktha (a small tie-like piece, which drabs the loose end of the front pocket to the other end). It gave me a nostalgic feeling of a boy I met in a similar fashion at my previous school.
First few days elapsed with different engagement –knowing people and the system, planning and meeting.
Only a week later, I knew that I was handed down a popular class since they had multiple indecorous narratives in the previous year. I was ready for the job even if the sky was falling down.
In a few days, everything was ready –classroom, name-list and SUPW area.
One morning, I came across the same boy I met a week ago in my class. He was wearing a different badge "Think Big, Dream Big". The badge looks so nice. I believed in his big dreams. It was trust at first sight. However, the badge was in the wrong place. I was concerned about dying of our homegrown good values. Therefore, with this little hope and moreover as a teacher who carries secret responsibilities to nurture the future citizens of the country to a greater path, I promised to work with the boy. As small as this action, it's a big test for a tiny nation.
We just sat for a few discussions, many things came in-between and our whole conversation ended in an amicable manner. We promised to work together. However, he did not have enough cash to buy His Majesty's badge, which deeply sunk my heart. Indeed, very touching because I know the pain of going penniless. I promised him a beautiful badge of His Majesty.
He agreed with surety.
Hours of free flowing conversation gave a perfect start to our mission. I liked his critical openness in our discussion. I was convinced by his submission that our dream would only get better. On the other hand, I have equally anticipated an untoward situation.
Immediately, I couldn't visit town. Indeed, it was a blessing in disguise to know more about my class members and the boy. However, sadly in between he came to class with the earring in his ear. Perhaps, to me this encounter was like a Nagasaki bomb. But there is nothing wrong with it. It is a newly evolved fashion among youngsters and celebrities, especially with men.
I hanged my temperament outside, in the air.
I took a chance to drive straight to town on Saturday only to look for His Majesty's badge. It took some time to select the best one from the customer's tray. I took the best one to impress him. While returning home, a lot of mixed feelings started to grow in my head. What if he doesn't like my choice? What if he doesn't come to school on Monday? What if he doesn't like to wear it? I dumped all my naive feelings on Mackey's corridors.
Sunday went so well with family engagement.
The next day, I went to school with great excitement. As usual I was early. I did all the day's preparation before morning SUPW and eagerly waited for my students to come.
As the bell signaled for the day's program, I quickly grabbed the class register and went straight to the class area. I make sure everyone is present and working in their respective areas.
As I was roughly checking them, some boys were still coming and few were missing.
After a few minutes, the boy I was looking for came and straightaway settled down for his work. I went near his area and called him and showed him the badge. We exchanged warm greetings. Like me, he was so happy. As I put His Majesty's badge on his chest, over his heart, we prayed for His Majesty's long life and good health. I told him to take care of the badge since His Majesty is so, so special to all of us, and more importantly to all the Bhutanese. He is our role model. He is our superstar. He is our source of inspiration. Please take care and wear it everyday. Lastly, I assured him, the invisible power of His Majesty would protect him in all his actions and bring him peace of mind.
The story twisted within a few days. Third day he came as barren as the first day. I didn't say a word. I kept watching him. The other day, I found him in informal shoes and handkerchiefs nicely knuckled around his neck, a fresh and rough tattoo on his hands. By then he had already been absent for days and even missed several morning social work. I kept observing him for some more days. Deep within, I was burning in pain. After that day, I couldn't find any trace of the badge I gifted him. Despite discussion, he started to portray hard behaviors, few were utterly bitter to digest.
With all these happenings, I didn't lose an inch of hope. I only want to turn obstacles into opportunity. I wanted to help him get on with life because I believe in the value of a good education.
It pained my heart out like bombing Hiroshima, when one of his classmates casually informed me of his plan to discontinue school. It hurt me even more after knowing that he came from an affluent family and even has a building nearby the town and runs a shop. Rest, God knows the truth!
In our several discussions, these things have never come up. He continued to be innocent.
I was made foolish in my doings. I encountered very odd affairs in my life. I felt sorry for the situation between us and some part of guilt is still hanging around my head. Human beings are only getting worse. I only had regret that education is free and these many years of schooling had taught him only to deceive someone honest.
As he left the school, I only wished him good luck in his business and future life.
Declaimer: These are little things that happen in the life of a schoolteacher. Teachers try their best to support students from all walks of life. Whatever, little, teacher won't mind sharing. Goodness of teachers is never seen by society. Hundreds of sacrifices made by our teachers are heroic but unseen. Every teacher assures at the end of the day, they impact each life. Teachers are the nation builders. Please accept teachers' flaws and wearing the same old gho.
The views shared are the author's own. The characters I made are all fiction.
