9c

Rajguru was in a foul mood when Shwetha his niece entered the room along with Rajguru’s wife.

‘Look I know it’s tough..but you will be able to..I know you can..’ Shwetha said.

It’s easy for you to say. But adapting to the technology at this age is tough Rajguru thought.

‘Rajguru did you see the message in Whatsapp group… ‘ his friend asked hurriedly.

‘Yes?’ Rajguru replied.

‘Come on..Online classes daily like regular school…more parents are demanding worth for the money principal claims..’ his friend responded. They took some pleasure in bashing up the principal on how insensitive he is to the staffs.

Rajguru spent some time sulking over this. His wife and Shwetha were taking a practical approach of how he should get on with live classes.

‘I’m a senior staff aged 51, I can’t be forced…it’s tough to manage those boys in class how can I do so in online class. Many of them think history is a useless subject.’ He ranted. When there was no other option he got a white board , started taking mock classes before the camera arranged by Shwetha.

Instructions provided by Shwetha regarding muting audio for all students went over his head.It didn’t help matters his class was one of the first to be scheduled.

On the day of his first class he was as nervous as a new student on first day school. He was afraid that his students are well versed in technology where he just knew the basics. His confidence went for a task as the first class was for 9C, brattiest batch in the school.

Praying he started the class.Shwetha agreed to remain outside the room and be available when he really needs help. Class leader did mention something about recording the class, asking questions in chat which he answered awkwardly. Many of students who had joined class were in weird names like Modern caveman, Uncrowned Prince, Miss India. While he was in the process of taking attendance the voice cracked in.

‘Good morning sir..’ said the voice.

‘Good Morning..Don’t disturb me while taking attendance..’ Rajguru roared.

‘You don’t even know to take a class. What the f..k do you think of yourself? You ba….d think you know to…..’the voice went on.

Rajguru started sweating and was at a loss for words.

‘Who is this..’ he asked by the time damage was done.

Shwetha who rushed immediately found Rajguru in almost tears. Rajguru felt ashamed and didn’t come out of the room. Incident spread as wildfire to other teachers of the school. They all refused to take further classes until action is taken against the student.

‘I would like to take action, if we know who did it. I spoke to the class. They are not admitting anything…They have been warned severely…’ Principal said.

‘That’s right..but we need action..It could happen to any of us next time…’ Teachers protested.

In the next few days students of the class 9C has sent an apology mail, some parents volunteered to offer technical help.

‘Parents are complaining about classes not being taken after paying enormous fees. With apology from students we will have to resume classes from tomorrow else there will be demand to reduce/refund the fee. I’ll attend classes randomly, that will keep students in check.’ The principal announced in conference call with teachers.

‘Uncle ..you will have to forget that incident and move on. ..’ Shwetha said. ‘I’ll sit near you to help you out..’ Shwetha assured him.

Rajguru resumed the class but fear of what might happen was at back of his mind. Thankfully that event didn’t repeat which increased his confidence. Principal too kept his words of attending classes in random which spanned out fine.

Rajguru began to relax and was taking the students of 9C through an interesting update about world war when the voice came.

‘You spineless coward feel confident now? You are an a..h… ‘ the voice went on.Shwetha sprang up and tried to mute the person but she couldn’t find out who was speaking, disconnected the call.

Shwetha could see fear has completely engulfed Rajguru. He decided to visit principal and report the incident.

Rajguru was furious when he got home. ‘That principal asks me why it happens with my class with 9C only..as if I know..He says I will have to take class else parents will agitate.. I said I’m not taking.. till we find who did this...I’m not bothered about loss of pay ’ he said in a agitated voice.

Principal tried to convince Rajguru and when he didn’t relent appointed a substitute teacher.

At Principal’s house

‘You have scared Rajguru..look how the poor man was trembling..’ Principal asked seriously but his face turned into smile when looking at his son.

‘He behaved as you expected. Whom do you want to go next?’

‘Heavy weight this time..Murali , physics teacher of 9C.. he is the highly paid among staffs and I want him to go.. ‘ principal replied. ‘Don’t look at me like that. We must find ways to cut cost..substitute teachers are paid ¼ of these senior staffs salary..9C students are known for misbehavior we can ride on that…’Principal went on.

 

Thanks for your feedback Muggs

 

Many many thanks Ammusatheesh for your feedback. Have a great week ahead.