She was up in a trice! There was a skip in her step and a song in her voice. Everything had been planned out well. It would be a special day. She believed Ms. Aparna completely. It was up to us to choose. To choose to be happy or grumble. She was going to be happy, a gift to herself. It was a special day, and she would make it memorable.
Mom was taken totally aback. She kept wondering what had happened. Was it the prasad of the havan? Or was it the soothsayer’s prophecy… things will change on her 12th birthday? Whatever it was, who cared… as long as the little girl was happy! ‘Thank you, Shri Mataji!’ She mumbled her thanks to the family deity.
Off she went to cook some payesh (rice pudding) the auspicious dish for the birthday girl. Her husband was posted at the border. A dashing young army officer, he relied on her taking care of the needs of the family in his absence. Rhea did all that with grace. She also kept in touch with the wives of other officers and the wives of soldiers, who like her lived with their families, while their husbands were posted in forward areas.
Papiya had packed the chocolates, taken out her new blue blouse to match with her denim skirt. She had also got her trendy white and blue sneakers to match. Mom had also gifted her some fancy earrings with feathers. She would look so cool. She hoped Tia and Amanda would finally approve of her fashion sense.
It could be quite disappointing and depressing to have no friends in class and no one to talk to. She had cried enough at being ridiculed and bullied. She did not want to add to mom’s worries, so she did not share all the details with her. But she was lucky to have Ms. Aparna, not just a teacher but a friend, adviser, and confidant.
Once in class, she could sense the reactions more than see it. Rahul came and politely wished her ‘Happy birthday’ followed by Sunny, Rashmi, Kiyara and Bobby. She thanked them shyly and felt her cheeks burning and turning a bright red, possibly.
Tia was shocked to see the smartly turned out Papiya. Her clothes and accessories were trendy, and she looked different. Immediately she felt the green dragon raise its head and a mounting rage engulfed her.
Today she would teach this girl a lesson! Who cared if it was her birthday? Only she would be the queen bee of the class. What’s this? The pip squeaks Rahul, Sunny, Rashmi, Kiyara and Bobby even spoke to her? They wished her a ‘Happy Birthday’?
Oh, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Ms. Aparna walked in. It was poetry that day and they were to study
Caged bird by Maya Angelou.
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
As the class proceeded and the students analysed and discussed the freedom of the bird and of humans, the class of teenagers seemed to suddenly grow up. Ms Aparna enjoyed this transformation in students, when poetry liberated them from the shackles of parochial thinking and flung them into the deep ocean of learning, realization, and knowledge.
Today Papiya shone in the class as she voiced confidently how the caged bird was caged as much by society as its own fears and perspectives. The class was stunned to hear her melodious, clear voice, dripping with confidence, while she argued and debated with all who were considered excellent students. She spoke about choices and the choice each one has to break the shackles in their own minds.
Ms. Aparna was stunned… as the class broke out into a spontaneous applause.
Couple of months back she had spotted Papiya, alone and despondent on the back bench, looking miserable. She had walked up to her and laid her hand gently on her shoulder. The girl was startled and the look of fright in her eyes was frightening. As a teacher she was aware of the differences among her students. Always striving hard to make students understand they ought to reach out to others in love and understanding, to harbour peace and compassion rather than differences, Ms. Aparna herself was a role model.
She spoke with her at length, trying to get to know her better and understand if she had any difficulties, allowing Papiya to meet her and talk to her any time she wanted to.
That was the beginning. Slowly and steadily, she gained the child’s confidence and could guide her, in case she sought it. The mere presence of a friend, philosopher, and guide, helped.
She recalled the soulful conversations; on the purpose of life, teachings of the Gita (imparted by her grandparents) and her worries about her father in the thick of life- taking skirmishes in the Kashmir valley, where her father was posted.
Slowly the child had started interacting in class. She would respond to the teachers and answer the questions. Her assignments were promptly submitted and were improving.
“ That was a wonderful perspective Papiya! Well said! We all have to ensure we don’t pull ourselves down. Let’s sing for her, class. It’s her birthday too,” said the teacher and the class broke into a rendition of Happy birthday, making the girl smile. After thanking everyone she joyfully distributed chocolates to all, the class favourite…
‘Fruit and nut’! A smile flitted across her face as she recalled her dad saying, “All fruity and nutty with you in class, my Darling.” “ Glad it’s not tutti fruti Dad!” and they both roared with laughter.
“Ma’am thank you for everything!” she said, as she offered a few chocolates to her teacher.
“May I take someone with me to distribute chocolates to other teachers please?” she requested.
“Of course! Who would you like to take with you, dear?”
There was a hush in the class. Everyone wondered who she would name as her friend. Looking at Tia, she smiled and said, “Ma’am Tia!”
The teacher was as stunned as Tia. The children were astonished to see, the hard-hearted girl blink back tears, step forward and smile. “Lets go!” she said.
Well! Well! Well!
By the time they reached back Tia’s mouth was smudged brown, her eyes were sparkling with mischief and Papiya had a tough time to close her mouth. They had stuffed themselves with chocolates in the corridor… a punishable offense if Sister caught them, or any of the teachers.
The day went off in a blur. So many hugs, cards, gifts. Mother made her favourites for lunch: Pooris with aloo matar, mutton curry and the prize winning payesh. There was much laughter and leg pulling with her grandparents.
The birthday party was a surprise, as many from her class had dropped in too, laden with gifts and most importantly big smiles. Mom had arranged interesting games like treasure hunt, travel around the world and even a magic show.
That night she pulled out her letter pad as she sat down to pen a few words to her father.
Dear Daddy
You know you are the best!
Thank you for all your gifts, Mom gave them to me one at a time, through out the day, like a treasure hunt. I was jumping with joy with the books, pens, games, and sunglasses.
The day went off well. I followed Ms. Aparna’s advice and chose to be happy. As I was going through the day, I was reminded of you constantly. Whether it was the fruit and nut…. Incidentally they are all fruity and nutty (Ha! Ha! Ha!) or taking Tia with me to all the classes. She was so much fun. That was your suggestion… to go and speak to all those I wanted to.
You know, today in class we studied about ‘Caged bird’ a poem by Maya Angelou and Ms. Aparna was very happy with my perspective. That felt so good.
But this letter isn’t about the best day in my life, but about you being the best father in the world.
I love Goldie, my own pet. Thank you, Daddy! (A hundred times)
It was indeed a special day! I am stepping into my thirteenth year and life seems beautiful. If only you were here.
We will wait, don’t worry. Another two months, that’s it. I will get time to train Goldie a bit hopefully. Right now, he is busy chewing my doll’s head off!
With all my love,
Your darling daughter
Papiya!
PS: It was truly a special day for me thanks to the special people in my life.
