Half Girlfriend

‘And in this backward Bihar is this extraordinary school. This
school with seven hundred kids, three teachers, negligible fees, no
proper classrooms, no toilets, no real government support and yet, a
lot of riches.’
Riya gave me two thumbs-ups. Okay, no mistakes so far.
‘The real riches here are the kids. I am supposed to teach them.
However, they have taught me so much. We grown-ups complain
about what is lacking in this school, But these kids, they never
complain. Come to our school at any time and you will hear only one
thing from them—laughter.’
The front row, the people who understood me, broke into
applause.The subsequent rows followed a minute later, if only to show
that they understood as well.
‘If you ask these kids, they will say this is the best school in the
world, They love their friends. They love whatever they get to learn
here. However, I know this school can give them more. I know kids
deserving more only.’
Riya frowned. Damn, I’ve made a mistake. It should be 'I know
the kids deserve more’.
I was panic-stricken. Riya gestured for me to breathe. I inhaled
deeply and exhaled slowly. Composed, I continued, ‘I know the kids
deserve more. Because I have seen the value a good education can
add. It is not just to get you a job. It is not just about knowledge and
the new things you learn either. A good education gives you self-
confidence.’
I paused to consult my notes. I looked up and spoke again.
‘Today, I speak to you in English. I didn’t know this language well.
I was scared and ashamed. People made fun of me. I spent my whole
college life with a complex. I don’t want that to happen to these kids. I
don’t want anyone to tell them they are not good enough.’
People clapped. I don’t know if they understood me, or if they had
just connected with the emotion in my voice.
‘For that I need resources. I need good teachers. However, good