Teach me to love: Contemporary Romance ✅

7.Aaryan

I had arrived at the school early in the morning to set up my laptop and projector for the lecture. 

I had spent the last four days going through project options and preparing for the class, and I am eager to get started already.

As I was setting up, I noticed students who had shown interest in working on some tech projects had started coming in and taking their seats. I glanced at the time and realized they had been in the class for 15 minutes already.

I grew increasingly frustrated as the person who was supposed to assist me hadn't shown up yet. I stood up to call for the principal and complain when I suddenly saw her come into the classroom.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, Had she come to meet me? I was about to ask her to leave when she greeted the group of high schoolers. I am confused.

"I'm their English teacher," She told me.

I was taken aback. "I thought you taught kindergarteners," I said, my tone serious and uninterested.

"I do," she replied simply.

"And you teach high schoolers too?" I asked, incredulous.

She shrugged and nodded. "Fine, whom you teach is none of my business, but what are you doing here? wait don't tell me you are partnered with me"

"I wish Aaryan, but, I'm here to to inform you the it'll take a few mins for Ms. Neha to arrive," She said.

"What are you doing?" I asked as I saw her pull out a box.

"I got some cookies!" she said excitedly.

"what?"

" I baked cookies for you." for me?

I didn't reply, but I don't think she was waiting for a reply; she kept going.

"You told me you didn't like flowers so I brought cookies"

"I don't like cookies either" (-_-)

Her face visibly fell but lit up again. I don't think there's anything anyone can do to make her sad. People shouldn't be this optimistic. It hurts.

"No problem!" She turned towards the class: "I've brought some cookies. I'll keep them on the table. If anybody wants them, come and have them. Don't forget to share!" She adds at last, I shake my head and I don't think anybody will eat those.

I was about to tell her to take her cookies and get out when I heard someone come in.

"I'm sorry Mr. Singh, I'm late, I had to take care of a class-" 

"I don't need any explanation, let's just get on with the class" I said, very uninterested with what she wanted to say.

"Thank you Maya, I'll take it from here. " She said to Maya very quietly.

Maya took her exit waving me a childish bye and I just sighed wanting to get over my day already.

---

"Good morning, class. I hope you're all doing well today. I'm Aaryan Singh, and I'm here to help you with your project this year. Today, we're going to talk about different topics you can choose for your project and what you can expect from each one."

I click a button on my laptop, and a slide with several topics appears on the screen.

Robotics Arm: Build a robotic arm using servo motors and other mechanical components. The arm could be programmed to perform specific movements and tasks such as gripping and releasing objects using hydraulics.

Laser Harp: Create a musical instrument that uses lasers to produce sounds. The harp could be programmed to produce different notes and sounds when the lasers are interrupted.

Smart Home Automation: Create a home automation system that uses sensors and microcontrollers to control lights, appliances, and other devices. The system could be programmed to respond to voice commands, temperature changes, or other triggers.

Solar-Powered Car: Build a car powered by a solar panel. The car could be designed to race or travel a predetermined distance.

Arcade Game Machine: Build an arcade game machine using a Raspberry Pi or other microcontroller. The machine could be programmed to play classic arcade games or other games of your choice.

"These are the different topics that I'm offering for your project work. Each one has its own set of challenges and rewards, and I encourage you to take some time to consider which one you'd like to pursue. Since you don't know programming yet I offer to do it for you entirely, but the projects that I have chosen don't necessarily involve software building."

I pause for a moment, allowing the students to read through the topics.

"Now, I'm going to go through each topic in more detail, and explain what you'll be expected to do if you choose that topic. Please feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear."

I begun to go through each topic one by one, explaining the research questions, methods, and expected outcomes for each one. As I speak, the students listen attentively, taking notes and occasionally asking questions.

At the end of the presentation, I look around the classroom and ask, "So, which topic do you think you'd like to pursue? Take a few moments to discuss it with your classmates, and then let me know."

---

"So have you researched about the topic? "

Students have chosen to make a Robot arm and I've given them some time about researching about the topic.

I looked up from the screen when I got no response from their side and I asked the question again.

"Have you done your research?" I asked again, my voice laced with frustration.

"Since you are unfamiliar with the concept behind, I'd like to explain the topic in the next class with a brief demonstration of the topic, and then we can start working on the rough model, Building something requires patience more than anything, especially the project we are working on." I conclude the class.

I started to pack my bag once the students have left the class. I saw the cookie box untouched on the table. I don't know, it's better I say nothing.

I saw her outside the class speaking to some guy maybe a faculty I don't know but she was so happy with him, she's happy anywhere and everywhere and I don't know why I'm so hell bent on seeing her sad, as if it's my mission. 

She saw me come out of the class and excitedly started towards me, tripping. I sighed.

She was not on the floor but rather in his arms; he caught her before she fell; he was quick with his reflex; his arms were around her bare hips. I didn't like it. They laughed a little before she thanked him. I hated it. I can feel my anger building up every second. 

"Today was good, right, Aaryan?" She kept going, "Where are my cookies by the way? have you eaten all?" She laughed.

"What's your name?" I asked her. 

"Maya Anand, but you can call me Maya," she said.

I looked at her for a moment contemplating what to talk, but then why should I even talk to her.

I then stride towards my car making a mental note to talk to the principal to change my partner, She was so incompetent, I'm better off alone. Her incompetence was enough to off my mood but now I see oh so beaming English teacher which is irritating.

 I sat in the driver's seat, and I was about to start the car when I see Maya at the school gates, leaning against the wall and having a conversation with the security guard, who was eating the cookies she made for me. I think I am being harsh on her for nothing; I should probably apologize. 

 A car stopped beside her, and she boarded the car; I saw the same guy driving as they crossed me. 

 OK Nevermind the apology.

---

Word count 1264

---