Ananya's World: Tales from Nellore

Chapter 3: The New School Adventure

The morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room as Ananya and Arjun woke up, their hearts pounding with excitement. Today was the day they would go to their new school for uniform fittings and to collect their books for the academic year. The promise of new classmates, new stationery, and a fresh start filled their minds with eager anticipation.

"Are we ready to go?" Appa called out, adjusting his helmet and giving a quick look around to make sure everything was in order.

"Yes, Appa!" Ananya and Arjun shouted in unison, their voices bubbling with excitement.

Amma smiled as she secured Arjun between herself and Appa on the pillion. Ananya stood in front of Appa, clutching the empty school bags that would soon be filled with new books. This was her favorite way to ride; the wind rushing past her face felt exhilarating, and the solid presence of her father, with her brother's small arms encircling Appa's waist, created a comforting bubble around her. Amma's loud conversations with Appa against the wind were incomprehensible but soothing.

As they weaved through the bustling streets of Nellore, Ananya's eyes darted around, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds. The market stalls were already lively, with vendors setting up their colorful displays of fresh produce and other goods. The smell of hot idlis and vadas wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of jasmine flowers worn by women passing by.

They soon arrived at the imposing structure of the convent school. The grand building, with its tall gates and busy courtyard, was bustling with activity. Sisters in their crisp habits moved swiftly, directing parents and children to different stations. Appa carefully maneuvered the scooter to a stop, and Ananya hopped off, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"Stay close to me," Appa instructed as he parked the scooter and joined them at the entrance. They waited for a moment, observing other families, while Ananya noted many young girls and boys clinging to their parents' hands. She ventured a shy smile at a girl with twin plaits and large owl-eyed glasses, who returned the smile before hurrying after her mother.

"Let's go to the fee counter first," Appa said, leading them to a long line where parents were holding receipts and paperwork. After a brief wait, they handed over their documents and were directed to the tailor's room for measurements.

The measurement room was a revelation for Ananya. She watched in awe as the tailor's tape flew around children's bodies, the measuring process fast and precise. Parents coaxed their children to blow out air for accurate waist measurements, and teenage girls threw tantrums over skirt lengths, a scene that puzzled young Ananya. She couldn't imagine raising her voice at home, let alone in public.

As the tailor called Arjun's name, Amma noticed Ananya's unsettled expression. She tried to comfort her but was distracted by ensuring Arjun's measurements were taken correctly. Ananya's turn came quickly, and as the tailor wrapped the tape around her waist, she felt a sharp pinch and an unsettling touch that made her stomach churn. She shifted uncomfortably but said nothing, unsure of how to voice her discomfort.

With the measurements done, they moved on to collect their books. The sight of neatly stacked books brought joy to Ananya's heart. She immediately began exploring her English textbook and supplementary reader while Appa and Amma checked the books against the provided list. The scent of fresh paper filled her with excitement as they carefully picked up their books and headed to the parking lot.

On their way home, Appa made a quick stop at the stationery store. Ananya's eyes lit up as they chose brown cover paper, tape, labels with flowers for her, and football-themed labels for Arjun. Their scooter, now laden with books and stationery, made its way back home as the sun dipped lower in the sky.

Back home, Appa had to leave for work, leaving Amma, Ananya, and Arjun to the trusted task of covering their books and notebooks. Ananya's neat printed handwriting filled the labels as they sat around the kitchen table with scissors and rolls of cover paper.

Amma, recalling Ananya's earlier expression, asked gently, "Ananya, what happened at the tailor's? You seemed upset."

Ananya hesitated, a shadow crossing her face. She looked down, avoiding Amma's eyes. Amma, sensing the gravity of the situation, sent Arjun to fetch something from the kitchen. She then asked Ananya again, softly, "You can tell me anything, Ananya. What happened?"

Amma, recalling Ananya's earlier discomfort, gently asked, "Ananya, what happened at the tailor's? You seemed upset."

Ananya hesitated, her face shadowed by the memory. She avoided Amma's eyes, feeling a mix of fear and confusion. Amma, sensing the seriousness of the situation, sent Arjun to the kitchen to fetch something and then asked again, more softly, "You can tell me anything, Ananya. What happened?"

With a deep breath, Ananya recounted how the tailor had touched her waist and chest inappropriately and pinched her. She remembered Amma's teachings about safe spaces and felt a mix of fear and confusion about how to voice her discomfort.

Amma held Ananya close, whispering reassurances. "You did the right thing by telling me. Remember, you can always come to me with anything." Ananya felt a sense of relief wash over her as she continued labeling her books, now with a renewed sense of security.

While the children were busy, Amma quietly stepped out, telling them she had an errand to run. She called Appa at his office, explaining what had transpired. They decided to visit the school that very day and file a complaint with the school board. Despite the era's silence on such issues, Amma and Appa were determined to teach Ananya and Arjun to stand up for what was right and speak out against what was wrong.

Later that evening, after filing the complaint, Appa and Amma returned home. The children were already in bed, exhausted from the day's adventures. As Amma tucked them in, she whispered to Ananya, "We will always be here for you, no matter what."

Ananya drifted off to sleep, feeling the strong support of her parents and knowing she was safe. The promise of new adventures at school awaited her, and with her family's unwavering support, she felt ready to face them all.