My teacher who could NOT be a hero

Everyone loves to show off. In front of your boss, you want to be seen as the most hardworking employee, the best student in front of your teacher, the obedient son of your parents, the most handsome boyfriend etc etc. I had a teacher who wanted to be a hero in front of all the students and other teachers.

It was the summer of 2004. Even at 8:15 am of an April morning, the heat was unbearable in Delhi. I was on duty during School Assembly, which precisely meant I had the mandate to check anyone's uniform and send that person to defaulter's line if he/she wasn't dressed properly.

After checking the seniors, I would usually roam near the primary and pre-primary classes. It gave an inner peace that a lot of people may not understand, given my reputation as Hitler in school.

Suddenly I heard a thud. I turned to see that a petite girl of class I-B had fallen on the ground, unconscious. Her little classmates rushed to see what happened, scared. None of them had the 'courage to touch her'. Her class teacher was standing in the shade somewhere, head covered with a dupatta and big ugly sunglasses hiding her eyes.

I ran towards the girl, and other kids scattered, murmuring, 'Hitler didi, Hitler didi.'

I lifted her in my arms (yes, feeling like a hero already), and started running towards the medical room, which seemed like a mile away. Let me admit that the girl actually felt heavy, but I was not supposed to show that she was. Heroes don't display such emotions.

To reach the school building, I had to cross lines of many other classes. With each step, the gazes towards me increased. Nobody was interested in prayers. There were ohhs and OMGs all around, giving me the encouragement to run faster. For a moment I even thought I was going to fly like Superman. But just as I was about to take off, one of my teachers came in front of me. Enough of me, it was his chance to be a hero now.

'Poorva bete, give me the kid bete.'

Yes, he had this habit of saying 'bete' 2-3 times in one sentence.

'Sir, it's fine. I will manage.'

'No bete. The kid must be heavy. I will take her to the medical room.'

'No Sir. She is quite light. I will take her. Please don't bother.'

I realised I was losing my mission.

'No bete, give me the kid now.' 

He almost snatched the girl from my hands and started running. I think I know why he took a longer route and crossed senior students and teachers. Our Super Sir was to be hailed a hero in classes and staff room that day.

I kept running behind him, thinking he might need help. And he did.

After some time, he stopped and turned.

'Poorva bete, you still there bete?'

'Yes Sir.'

'Bete, please go and ask Rajesh Sir to get me a shirt and a pair of trousers from my home. This girl has puked on me.'