A Sew Through Time [Banbudh And Budbak]

35: Dilemma of the diary

Lowering her G.K book, Ananya's eyes dashed left and right, scanning the school library ardently. Snippets of hushed voices reached her ears, the excited murmuring of the 'UFO' or more practically the 'drone' incident from last night. Her classmates giggled and whispered secretively till the old librarian had to put a finger on her lips. She was turning pages of a Hindi notebook, a red pen in her hand correcting Hindi akshars and mistakes.

The library turned quiet till someone continued murmuring again.

Placing her book on the desk, she noticed Souvik reading in the boy's row. His cheek rested on his hand as read the frivolous text. 

Feeling restless, she crouched slightly and called him in a low voice.

He wiped his eyes and yawned.

She hissed his name again, wagging around her hand to catch his attention. Her ballerinas tapped the floor a bit louder, yet he did not turn towards her direction. Clenching her fists and clicking her tongue, she expanded her eyes like a startled goldfish.

"Maaaaaaaaaaam!!!!" screamed Ishani, "Ananya is disturbiiiiiiiiing!!!!"

Closing the notebook, the librarian rose up and went towards her desk. Adjusting her glasses, she scolded in a low voice,

"The library is not a fishmarket, Ananya"

She cowered away, noticing Ishani grinning at her demise, 

"Sorry ma'am..."

She nodded slightly and returned back to her desk. Souvik noticed her when his gaze drifted across his best friend, his head bobbing up as if asking what happened.

She made a T-sign with her hands, indicating 'urgent meeting time'.

"Ma'aaaaaaam ANANYA!" Ishani pointed at her, "MAKING BAD SIGNS!"

"ANANYA!" shouted the librarian

"But ma'am! I didn't do anything!" she shrugged defiantly.

"Finger on your lips!" Her forehead creased, "If I see you doing anything again then I'll throw-"

"Are Ananya Souvik here?"

The students turned their heads in unison. At the door stood Patel uncle, the old school peon, He stepped inside the library and looked around for the two. He has exaggerated features; puffy, wrinkled cheeks, a bushy grey mustache, an old, tattered faint blue cap on his head, and a slight hunch, always carrying a wooden cane either for support or scaring the kids back to their classes. After years of dealing with mischievous students, he still remains ever watchful and wiser.

"Ananya and Souvik?" The librarian asked, "Why?"

"Rathi sir called them to his office right now"

Leaving their dull books behind, the two children exchanged triumphant smiles at their reunion. Meanwhile, Ishani clenched her fist, her lips curling into a sneer of disdain.

The winter season was dull, with grey skies and frequented unpredictable temperatures. But for students who despised the scorching sun, it was the perfect excuse to run wild outdoors. The school playground buzzed with energetic kids from some junior classes who were dashing at each other, playing chain-chain, or the famous red light green light game, with someone pretending to be the doll. Some scrambled for the swings or loitered in groups.

 Ananya continued watching them, an uninvited sense of guilt clinging in her chest. It was interrupted by the rhythmic knock echoing against the principal's door.

"Come in!" Uttered a raspy voice.

Patel uncle walked inside. The children followed quietly, their eyes scanning the cabinets holding shiny golden trophies and memorable mementos. Dubey sir, their class teacher, stood next to the principal's chair, beckoning his fingers on his half-crossed arms.