Boy, I Can Hear You

Prologue

He stopped right outside the gates of the new college and sighed as he read the large, block letters: DAVID BROWN COLLEGE.

He had been changing colleges ever since the start of his college life and it was getting frustrating. Too much happened at every previous college of his- bullying, the constant teasing, and the never-ending amount of stress the teachers had placed on him. Every time he step into a new college with brimming hope that the 'bullies' wouldn't notice him, he would be proven wrong. Every. Single. Time. It was all too much for him to handle! And besides, He'd probably run out of tears to cry so it might be best if he changed Colleges.

"Kabir," his mother's voice startled him and pulled him out of his daydream. "What are you doing? Come over here quickly." She was standing in front of a reasonably taller security guard. We had to get our Identity Cards checked before we could enter the college. Nodding, he quickened my pace and stood beside her.

"May we know where the principal's office is? My son is enrolling into this college and I was asked to come and settle some paperwork."

Without even the slightest smile or smirk, the security guard took our ID cards and gestured for us to follow him. The guard led us into the college's canteen and he was instantly taken aback by how noisy it was.

There were boys laughing loudly and jumping on chairs while some girls were parading around the college with their flashy new phones. Kabir kept his head down, avoiding any eye contact with these people. He was uncomfortable and wanted out but my mother's grip on his shirt made it hard to escape.

He could almost hear them thinking aloud; Who is he? What is he doing here? A new kid, again? What a pain in the *ss. It was the same in every new college - new kid gets isolated, new kid hates the college, new kid transfers school and BAM, the cycle repeats.

"Wait here," said the security guard suddenly. It was the most he had ever spoken to them within those three minutes of bringing them in. 

They were standing outside the principal's office. Kabir's mother, clearly more nervous than he was, was fidgeting and clutching on to his shoulder a lot tighter than before. He turned to smile at her but was surprised to see her already looking at him. "Are you alright?" she asked softly. He nodded and she gave him a tight-lipped smile. "Good," she replied. It's nice to know that someone in this world cares about him but the concern his mother showers him with can sometimes get a little too much to him. And annoying.

But maybe he was that useless at taking care of myself. He couldn't even stand up to a bully - much less the whole, entire world.

Hesitantly, his mother watched out and knocked on the door. After three taps, they heard a 'Come in' and they did. To my surprise, the principal wasn't as old as Kabir had imagined. Sure, the college had been here for a really long time, but the principal looked only about forty - although the wrinkles on his forehead made him look much, much older than his mother.

"Please be seated." He addressed them and pointed at the two chairs in front of his table. Sitting down, Kabir's mother extended her arm for a handshake. "Hello Sir, I am Mrs Ray. I called yesterday to confirm with you my son's admission into this college and I have gotten the paperwork ready. Would you like to see them?"

"Yes, yes please," he replied, removing his spectacles and putting them on the table. "But may I ask, why the sudden decision to come here - to David Brown College?" Kabir looked down and held his breath. He hated this question.

"Well, um," his mother hesitated for a little bit and turned to look at Kabir, before shifting her gaze back to the principal. "We had our difficulties with the other colleges and I've heard many good academic successes about this college...so we're here now." She said with a smile so fake it wouldn't have bluffed a child.

But apparently it did butter the principal up a little and he smiled. "Yes, that is very true. Our college is known for grooming the world's best students. We live by the motto 'Work Hard, Play Less' and it really gives our students the added advantage no other college can give. It takes great discipline and I'm sure your son will fit in well!"

"Yes, I hope so," his mother replied, handing him over the paperwork for college. Skimming through it and setting it aside, the principal looked up and smiled at Kabir. Uh-oh. "So, which college were you from?" asked the principal, his attempt at starting small talk clearly failing.

Almost instantly, his mother jumped in and replied "He just transferred from St Gabriel's Institution."

The principal frowned. "What is your name, boy?" And again, his mother answered. "Kabir. Kabir Ray." She turned to look at Kabir. "Kabir, please shake hands with your new principal." Kabir did as he was told but the principal kept still - he didn't even extend his hand out.

"Sorry for being rude but, why don't you speak? If you're going to keep silent for the rest of your years in college then I am sorry, my college won't be of help for your son." Last sentense she said looking at his mom.

Kabir became red and so did his mother. If he didn't speak - or if his mother didn't come up with a better excuse - he wouldn't have a college to attend to. Quickly, his mother spoke. "He can't speak, sir. That is why we transferred over here. The bullying in the previous colleges was too much for us to handle. Please..."

"But he will not fit in and I doubt he will even understand what the teachers are teaching him." the principal insisted.

"Sorry to interrupt you, sir, but my son is not stupid. He learns perfectly well and such judgment against my son is not needed. My son can't speak  but that does not affect learning abilities... and  you should know that. he isn't speaking because..." her voice got sadder and softer with each word she said. His mother was defending him - as always - but he could sense that this time, she was struggling. Sighing, she shook her head. "Unfortunately my son had been involved in an accident that affected his speaking abilities. If anything, I would love to trade places with him...but I can't..." Almost on the brink of crying, his mother sniffled and that caused the principal to quickly interject. "No worries, no worries Mrs Ray! David Brown College will be happy to accept Kabir. Please, take this tissue." He handed my mother a piece of tissue and she accepted it with a sheepish smile.

"Thank you, sir," she replied and turned to face Kabir again. She gave a quick smile of assurance and Kabir smiled back - instantly hating himself for not being able to tell her anything. He loved his mother dearly for everything that she has done for him but...not being able to tell her that really kills him inside. He knew that his smiles meant the world to her. That's what he always tried to do, smile even though he was crying inside while silently hating himself.

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A/N:It is just an introduction. There will be much more on the next chapters. Music, cute Romance and many more...

As English is not my first language, I am sure there are grammatical and spelling mistakes. If you find any mistake, please comment :) I will edit as much as possible.

But I hope you like my story and continue reading :) Next chapter will deffinately be longer.

And if you like my story 'Vote' and comment must. I Can improve myself from your valuable comments.