Arnesh Nag
IX-A
The King’s School
That night it was raining cats and dogs. It was witchinghour and David was sitting curled up in one corner of his room. He was cryinghis heart out over what he had heard.
It was frigid outdoors. David’s parents, Mr. and Mrs.Lawrence were having a conversation in the drawing room, and it seemed to bevery grim.
“I understand what you mean. But even we can do that job,”shrugged Mrs. Lawrence.
“Yes, but who has time?” replied Mr. Lawrence “Sending himto a hostel is the only idea I get.”
“But later, if he turned against us, then?” she quailed.
“No, it’s final!” I gave him time to change his don’t careattitude but he did not improve. It’s time. It’s time for me to him, to ahostel.”
“Do you know one?” enquired Mrs. Lawrence.
Mr. Lawrence took out a printed letter and began, “Icontacted the ‘Indian School of Elegance’ in Darjeeling. They have gone throughDavid’s report cards and the admission has been done. He will have to join onthe 18th of August.”
“That means he has to leave for Darjeeling within a fewweeks.”
Mr. Lawrence’s lips curled into a smile.
Weeks passed away. Finally, the day came when David had toleave. He was not in a mood to bid his parents a good-bye as he was annoyed,but at the same time he knew that it was done for his own good will.
David reached Darjeeling after two days. There he wasfascinated by the luxuriant greenery and the incredible tea gardens, but astime passed these turned irritable to him. His life turned to hell. He wouldnot tolerate others’ happiness any more, and would often lie on his bed in hiscubbyhole and cry for hours. He strongly missed his city, his mother’s love andall his friends. His mates in Darjeeling understood the pain he was sufferingthrough but they could hardly do much.
Two months passed away. David’s class teacher, Miss Jennystrongly felt that something was wrong with David. At first she thought him tobe dull and spoiled but it was one day when the Principal told her that Davidtreasured some rare but brilliant habits and hobbies as well. After knowingmore she took up the task to give David back his joyous life.
It was an afternoon with a pleasant weather. David wassitting in the garden under a tree with a fruit basket, when suddenly he hearda voice.
“Hi!” cried a voice.
David looked over his shoulders and found it to be MissJenny. She came closer and sat beside him.
“Hi!” she repeated, “So, how are you David?”
David did not reply. He took his fruit basket and gently hidit behind him.
“You know what David. If we were birds how nice it wouldhave been. We could have flied higher and higher in the sky and go wherever wewant. But human is a series of changes. It changes with time. As you grow youknow the joy of life, more and more.”
She took out a book from her bag and handed it over toDavid.
“Take this. Just go through it once,” saying this Miss Jennyleft.
At first David was not interested but as he flipped throughsome pages of the book he gained a keen interest and started reading it. Thebook told a story similar to that of David. He turned so emotional thateveryday, he would natter and discuss his day-to-day life with Miss Jenny andthe ice was finally broken between them. With time they came close to eachother by the small but significant moments they shared. This embarked thebeginning of his new life.
At last his joyous life was resumed. He would often sit inthe sprawling lawns and pen up stories and poems. His interaction andtalkativeness developed so rapidly that it amused Miss Jenny and his mates aswell. For him his life was quintessential and he would often talk a blue streakon this. All these attitudes made him vivacious and amiable.
Months passed away, it was time for Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence totake David back home. But, David did not want to leave the amity of Miss Jenny.He took time but ultimately had to leave with a heavy heart. Miss Jenny got thenew late. She wanted to meet him for the last time but in vain. After two dayswhile cleaning her desk, she got s letter in a sealed envelope. She opened andstarted reading it, as she recognised her name on it, written in a spideryhandwriting.
