Annie sat below a blossoming tree with tiny flowers that though looked inconspicuous to the onlookers, spread a fragrance and beauty that made everything else insignificant. Annie’s thoughts wandered to Richie, a student in her teaching career. She recalled, he had a cherubic face and his eyes lit up every time he was up to some mischief. She had taught him for four years, right from his kindergarten days. She was happy that she had made a change in his life however insignificant it may have been at that point of time. She mused that the journey to the heart could begin anywhere for her it had began at the bottom of a hill with rain falling and ushering in an anticipation of real experience in the mist clad hills. She was surprised that there were things that could still stir up feelings and emotions in her otherwise numb heart.
Annie loved everything about the hills- the clouds that touched the top of the hills; the mist that added an aura of mystery to its surroundings; the breeze that blew to caress and even the valleys. These myriad landscape and her experiences always enchanted her. The charming hill station filled with expansive plantations, the unending spice gardens and a panoramic view of the mist clad hills that she saw on her way to the school where she worked gave her immense joy. The majestic beauty of the lake, the canopy of the forest as she ascended the hills everyday provided not just a lot to see and observe but it also brought to her a sense of adventure.
Encircled by a string of hills, the school where she worked as a teacher was a place of inexplicable beauty dispersed with a combination of meadows full of flowers and a lot of natural beauty to appreciate. The winding hairpin bends offered a picturesque view with a beautiful array of wild flowers and exotic butterflies, a sight to offer solace to the soul.
Annie loved the solitude life gifted her in spite of the loved ones around her. The rollercoaster ride of life never bothered her. She found comfort in her school, the children she taught and the nature around her.
Now Annie's thoughts went back to those two years she had been Richie's class teacher. It was the first day of the new academic year and she was eager to get acquainted with her students. She had the typed list of the fifty odd students of her class. She was happy to note that Richie was in her class. After the assembly and the usual welcoming, Annie entered the class along with her students. She was shocked to see Richie's face. The lively eyes that he once had now appeared to be dead.
Richie, who used to talk continuously in her class and disturb other students, had become very quiet. Annie could not accept the fact that a summer vacation could change a child to this extent. She collected the books from the students and kept them in the shelves. Earlier Richie had always wanted to seat in the front row but that day he was seated in the last row, aloof from all. Annie was very disturbed to see Richie like that. As days went by it pained her to see him in such a state; her heart went out to him. She knew she had to get him to talk. Even his notebooks were incomplete unlike before. Annie knew his driver came at 5 pm daily to pick him up, so she started detaining him in class to get him complete his notes.
Annie noticed sadly that the once talkative Richie had become silent; whether he had muted himself or was muted due to circumstances was what she had to find out for herself. She thought of that version of Richie who used to top in all the subjects and the present Richie with red marks all over his books and failing scores in his class tests. She decided to have a talk. After a few days she called him near her and inquired what had happened to him. She drew him close and ruffled his hair with affection and care. Richie simply broke down, crying. Annie was at her wits’ end not knowing what to do, but she allowed him to cry knowing well that he had always been a rebel.
Richie narrated to her everything that was happening at home, including the fights between his parents, how they shouted at each other and how they slapped each other out of anger. He sobbed continuously, telling her that he wanted to run away from home. His parents had no time for him. He had none to talk to or to take care of him. The loneliness that life gifted him tore him apart. Annie spoke to Richie for a long time, explaining to him why it was important for him to study well and score good grades. She made him understand that he should copy down his notes and learn his day to day lessons if he wanted to become a topper again. She hugged him and planted a kiss on his forehead. Annie always believed that a school was like a second home for a child. She also called for his parents and spoke to them.
Months went by and she found that Richie was slowly getting back to his former self. Whenever he saw Annie there was a sparkle in his eyes. He started scoring well in his studies but still wasn't the topper he used to be. Annie was happy with his progress and made him promise that he wouldn't go back to his loneliness. He was very excited as the academic year came to an end because he was to stay with his grandparents during his vacation.
When the school reopened for the next academic year both Richie and Annie were happy to be in the same class again. She noticed that he was his cheerful self and the mischief in his eyes that lit up when he saw her was back. He was also mingling with the other students and playing pranks with them. At the end of the day, he went to her and just hugged her. He said he had spent a joyful time with his grandparents but he was still sad with the problems at home. Annie consoled him saying that it would straighten out with time. The happiest aspect of her teaching career was that he again topped in all his subjects and that year he got the best overall student award as he did well in all extra-curricular activities too. Richie had once told his wish to join an army school and requested her to speak to his parents. Though she felt he was too young to be left in a hostel, she knew that it was the best for him.
On the closing day, Annie spoke to his parents about his wish. Gradually she came to know that he was to take the entrance exam for admission to an army school. She wished Richie good luck when he hugged her before leaving with his parents. The last she saw of him was when he came to collect his report card and transfer certificate. She was very sad to know that his parents too would be leaving the place due to a job transfer. Though she never saw Richie after that, he had made a lasting impression in her heart. She was always helping the rebels in her class but none were close to her like Richie was. She wondered how and where Richie was currently. The flow of her thoughts was interrupted when she heard the school bell.
Years went by and Annie retired from school. She spent her time in solitude with nature. Nature was always her companion and healer. Time had brought lot of students to her whom she had helped in every way she could. She was always happy with the fact that she had been able to lay a good foundation for the future of many students who came into her life. It was a sense of satisfaction that enveloped her.
One day Annie was in the market buying groceries. She bought everything she had wanted and was walking back home. A military jeep screeched to a halt near her that made her jump. A handsome officer alighted from the vehicle and stood before her asking whether she remembered him. She could never forget that face and she was very happy to find that Richie remembered her after so many years. Richie offered to drop her home but before that she wanted to have a cup of coffee with him. He took her to the nearby Coffee Cafe, narrating to her on the way of his army school days and how he topped throughout until the time he passed out of the National Defence Academy.
Richie told her about his life and how he saw Annie’s reflection in all the teachers who taught him. He added that it helped him to do well in his studies and life. Annie was tongue tied and listened in awe to his journey of life. She felt her eyes moisten at the thought that he still remembered her and the fact that she was still close to his heart. Annie felt that it was the best gift a student could give a teacher and to know that she had inspired him throughout his academic life meant a lot to her. He told her that he was a Major in the army and stationed in the same place where he had started his life as a toddler.
Richie accompanied Annie to her home thanking her and promising to meet again soon. What better gift could a teacher get than the fact that she had inspired a child and that he held her in his heart forever! The only gift a student can offer a teacher is that of remembrance and that of holding him/her in high esteem with love and care. Annie felt the joy of having received the most precious gift of her life in the form of Richie’s achievements.
*********
