Dear Dad

“Shhhhh. How many times I have told you, I want Pin-Drop silence in my class!“, Miss. James shouted thunderously.

The back-benchers hurriedly repositioned themselves back on to their seats. “Note down your today’s homework”. Everybody quickly took out their slim H.W. notebooks and pointy ink-pens.

Miss. James wrote on the black-board, ‘Write an informal letter to your father. The letter should contain your progress in studies and a request for additional money to buy a new cycle.’

Everybody tried to match up to the teacher’s speed and finish writing. Suddenly, the bell rang. “I want this complete by tomorrow. I will check every notebook!” she maimed her throat pointlessly as at that point of time, kids wouldn’t even listen to Doraemon himself. Bags were packed. Students dispersed like bees from a stone-hit hive. School was over.

Next day again, English was the last class. Last 10 minutes of the school were remaining. It seemed Miss had forgotten about the homework. Out of nowhere, “Sharad!“, she ordered. The class monitor Sharad stood up. “Collect all the notebooks. Let me see everyone’s work. If at all you learn anything I teach you. And yes, those who haven’t completed the homework please stand up.” Two boys stood up reluctantly. “Stand up properly!” she bellowed.

“So, Pawan what is today’s excuse? Enlighten us!“. “Mam! Actually , actually I was not feeling well yesterday. So I.. I”

*Taappppp* ... Echoed the voice of cane hitting the palm. Pin-Drop silence was finally achieved. “Shreyas, you too? Any problem?” Miss concerned. She knew Shreyas was the class topper. Shreyas calmly put forward his hand and said “Sorry Miss. I forgot.” *Taappppp* ... The echoes were definitely louder this time. And the loudness of each blow surpassed the previous one.

Harish who was sitting besides Shreyas, couldn’t bear it anymore, he interrupted, “He has written the letter Miss. I have seen. I don’t know why he is not showing it to you. Here, see yourself”, he handed over Shreyas’s English Notebook to teacher.

“No Miss! I have not written”, appealed Shreyas, but by that time Miss. James had reached to the page. He had indeed written the letter. Tears emerged from Shreyas’ eyes. Miss. James couldn’t fathom what was going on. The bell rang. Everybody ran out of the class. Shreyas trudged behind weakly.

At her home, Miss. James started checking all the letters. She couldn’t wipe out Shreyas’ crying face off her eyes. She searched for his notebook. ‘Why was he lying? Even after getting hit, why did he keep denying?’ questions clogged her mind. She started scanning the letter, it read