What is the question? │✔

{ 3 }

"So, did you understand anything?"

He watched the tiny heads, shaking up and down, indicating the message, a 'yes'. However, call it experience or a general fact, Masterji knew that he had to wait till the exams to know if his teaching was effective or not. Shunning down his musings, he caught hold of the sudden twinkle in the eyes of the children, not taking a second for him to guess the reason behind them.

"Oh, Masterji! Do not ignore me! Your V!"

Rumors had it that the always present Masterji was taking a half-day leave that day. But those who were sensible, including the fellow teachers, hushed down all the whispers which blew throughout the school premises. They knew it was hopeless yearning to see that Math teacher take a break. And forget about family issues, he was a bachelor, single, and forever free.

Alas! They should've had a bit more faith in their luck, for even God cannot be that cruel.

The chalk placed neatly on the table, the board wiped spotlessly clean and the chair put back to its place, Masterji and Veer, walked away together as the latter, with a lazy smile plastered on his face, acknowledged the gratitude of the kids in the classroom. Masterji stopped by the principal's office and came out as soon as he went, heading towards the lifeless Chetak which stood waiting for him.

"Neel Ba, can I ride your Chandni today?"

"No."

Chandni grunted and once again, came to life. Riding away, Veer grumbled about Masterji's speed under his breath, making faces at the black leather bag which was locked inside his arms, while its owner sat on the front seat, watching the side-mirror, amused by the range of expressions crossing the young boy's face.

A light blow of humid air hit their faces, as they rode past the familiar lanes. A lush of green rushed past them, leaving the toothy boy confused, whether it was them or the trees which dashed at such a high speed. Peeking above the rigid shoulders, he was struck by the sight of the needle, his eyes glued to the speedometer. To say that he was surprised, would be an understatement. Masterji, who never let it go past a safe forty, was driving above eighty, not giving a damn about the love of his life, his Chandni.

Stopping in front of the large iron gates, Chandni was parked near them, facing the old and wise Banyan tree. Steps falling together, 'V' and his 'Ba' strode towards the staff-room. At the sight of 'the Masterji', the carefree college students rectified their positions as a sign of respect. Turning around the corner, the duo came to a stop, staring hard at the dusty wooden door. Pushing it open, they walked in, the room and all the creatures inside, silenced. 

The college professor, raised his head, his face broke out into a grin. Glancing at his colleagues, he walked up to the intruders, offering a hug to the unofficial guardian of his star student.

"Fellow professors, meet the most famous person in this city, and also a very old friend of mine, Indroneel Biswas!"

The latter twisted his lips into something of a crooked smile. A polite gesture or rather a formality to maintain his high esteem among the academia. The trio headed towards the big tree which occupied the central spot of the campus and settled down, a comfortable stillness seeping between their lack of words.

"Veer, my child, why don't you join your friends? Let me and your Masterji catch up a bit, long time since we met eh?"

With a grin, the boy jumped over the fence, running away to join his mates.

"So, my long lost friend, what was that about?"

Giving a small smile, the man in question, let out his question.

"Neel, why are you not taking up the legal guardianship of 'V'? The poor boy looks up to you so much!"

Eyes ahead, watching the insolent college kids arguing with the watchman, he snorted.

"How long has he been working here?"

Confused, the History professor shifted his attention to the old man who stood by the gate. The old man, with a stick in his hand, was trying to drive away the kids, just the way he used to drive away the cows who tried to enter the college premises without an admission. However, failing to understand the relevance of that question to the answer he was expecting, he glanced at the Masterji, eyes clouded with uncertainty. Catching onto the bewilderment of his friend, Indroneel decided to break the silence.

"You have known me for a long time. As long as that old fellow has been working here. And yet you ask that question which should not be a question for you?"

Dusting his pants, he left the place, catching hold of Veer. Stepping out of the gate, he let out a sigh. Digging for the Chetak's keys, he got lost in his thoughts, similar to how the keys got lost in his pocket. Each push of his finger inside the cotton patch reminded him of why he couldn't agree to the wishes of the boy who stood in front of him.

Responsibility. Duty.

As he got hold of the metal piece which was sleeping inside his pocket, he threw it towards the boy staring expectantly at him. Veer, a cricket fan, caught the perfect catch. Pushing the key, he waited for Masterji to settle down comfortably on the back seat. Inspecting the gem, he let out a grin.

"Oh Chandni! We are a match!"

As they drove away, the yellow taxis and tarred black road, mouth agape, stood in awe of the disappearing Chandni.