She's Taken

Such A Hectic Day

Third person's POV

(Alarm Rings) A man woke up at 5 AM and turned off the alarm. He went to washroom then changed his clothes into track suit. He never skips his jogging.
After running for 10 Kms, he came back after 1 hour 10 minutes. He did his routine business then went to kitchen.

Anav's POV

For the past ten years, I have lived separately from my parents. There are no conflicts between us; it's simply that they are farmers who cannot leave their farms for my dreams, and I wouldn't want them to. Although not highly educated, they ensured I received a good education, even sending me to a village with a college that ours lacks. Initially, I survived on canteen food, which was so sparse that finding vegetables in the water was a challenge. After a few years of struggle, I finally learned to cook from my mother, who is an excellent cook.

Thanks to my IQ, I received an offer from a renowned university in the city, but I have grown attached to this place and wish to contribute to it. So here I am, packing my lunch. Today, I made aloo parathas because my friend Rajeev insisted, claiming I make the world's best (his words, not mine).

I teach Maths to students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Teaching is an underrated yet immensely challenging and important profession since a student's entire future depends on it. Today, the 12th grade has a monthly test, and I can already predict that Ajay will score the highest. His parents, both teachers at our school, are very strict and ensure he studies diligently.

When I entered the class, the students stopped talking and stood to greet me. Though I don't care much for formalities, I let them continue the ritual. After writing the test questions on the board, I surveyed the room to see that everyone was present—good. With one of my students, Avinash's help, I collected the test papers and headed to the staff room. I often randomly select students to assist me, avoiding a few female students who have crushes on me to avoid giving them false hope. During lunch, my colleague cum friend Rajeev, as usual, praised my cooking and joked about how much he'll miss my food once I get married.

***

I graded the 12th-grade test papers, and as expected, Ajay scored the highest, while Jaya did not perform well. I'm not one to punish students for poor performance. I don't tolerate disobedience or disrespect, but I believe I am a good teacher. Punishment can make students obstinate and ineffective over time. Instead, I prefer to talk to them individually to understand their challenges, which is more helpful than humiliating them in front of their peers.

Jaya, along with Rahul, Ajit, and Priya, scored below the passing mark of 3.5 out of 10. I called them to understand the reasons behind their low scores. Jaya's grandfather had recently passed away, and she was too distraught to concentrate on her studies, compounded by the constant visitors at her home. Rahul had been on leave for 15 days due to chickenpox, and Ajit had mistaken the test for an English one. Had I humiliated them, they would have resented me, but by talking to them, they promised to improve in the next test, and I believe they will. Priya admitted she didn't understand Maths, so I encouraged her to ask questions and warned her that I wouldn't tolerate such low marks again.

***

It was an exhausting day. I wake up early and exercise to feel refreshed, but preparing lunch and constantly asking students to stop talking drains my energy. My mother is calling. I never share my hectic schedule with her because she always responds the same way:

"That's why I ask you to marry. How long are you going to live in loneliness?"
And I always reply, "Maaa, not again, pleaseee."

"Hello, Ma."

"Did you have dinner?" she asked.

"Yes, I had dinner."

"How are you, son?"

"I'm good. How are you and Baba?" I asked.

"We are also good. By the way, I forgot to tell you, Chinmayi got engaged today," she said with excitement.

"What? Chinmayi got engaged? What's the marriage date?" I inquired.

"Her fiancé is going to Bahrain for a job. He'll settle there first and return by the end of the year to marry Chinmayi and take her with him. He even asked her to apply for a passport," she informed.

"That's good, Ma. I'm so happy for her."

"Please give us a chance to say the same for you," she complained.

"Maaaa...I'm hanging up now."

Chinmayi, my first cousin, is 18 years old and soon to be married, meaning she won't attend college. I always change the subject when Ma brings up my marriage, but one thing is certain: I want my future wife to be at least a graduate, if not working. It may seem unusual when everyone else wishes for a housewife, but as a teacher, I want the women in our society to keep pace with men. I aim to bring about change, and I am determined to succeed.

*****
Hey Everyone! How was the chapter? Anav is a simple middle class guy just like everyone of us. I will introduce our heroine in the next chapter. Stay tuned and Vote Now!