Shaheen

When I literally starved to buy a gift.

Next two weeks went just fine. The forty minutes she taught me made my day.

I soon realized teachers day was nearby. Like one and half month nearby.

I swear I felt like I was the only soul on earth who would be so excited about Teacher's Day.

After all it was the only day on earth when it was usual for a student to gift

something to a teacher.

And as for such a love struck was I, I already had a gift in mind.

Once while window shopping I came across a beautiful 'S' shaped diamond

pendant, immediately bringing me the thought of Shaheen.

The bitter truth that I had to face was that I had only a fraction of 3000rs that

the pendant worth.

Next came that one and half hungry months as I skipped every lunch to save

whatever I could.

I walked a hungry belly back home from the train station to save that auto

fare.

At times, I was tempted to steal some cash from Mom or ask a friend to lend,

but didn't.

The satisfaction of saving money this way was tremendous. Strong

headedness came to me naturally.

Commitment kardi toh kardi.

Teachers day was here and I tell you my class was a club, a club of the most

unenthusiastic people in the world.

Me and some other fans of Shaheen (whom I wanted to kick in the a**) decorated the class and brought a cake.

It was the most formal celebration as the Head of the Department sliced the cake and fed them to her colleagues followed by everybody wishing the

teachers.

Few gave roses and cards as I stayed back clutching the box in my pant's

pocket.

Smartness was in not handing out one teacher a gift while the rest four

watched my face.

After two and a half hours of waiting and carefully calculating, I realized all the

other teachers had left the college.

I stood outside the office pretending I had some office work. I walked towards

the computer lab, desperately praying she was alone.

Then, slowly opened the outer door, removed my shoes and shelf them(which

was mandatory) prior entering the lab.

Then, I slowly opened the inner door that led to the lab. Shaheen had

removed her burqa and headscarf.

As I thought the next few minutes would be some blessed moments with

Shaheen, it just turned out to be a great tragedy.