Again the poor boy had fever. Jeevan was crying and crying. Janhavi and Jaivik were trying to comfort the boy but all in vain. The boy had seen a nightmare. His temperature was denying to fall. Janhavi stroked his forehead with affection while Jaivik held his hand. At last, he was asleep. Probably watching another nightmare. Jaivik and Janhavi were very concerned about his health. Jaivik stayed behind and Janhavi left for school. Jeevan woke up screaming again. All night the boy had been awake unable to sleep. Jaivik huged him. By stroking his head he conveyed him his affection which will stay for eternity. Finally, the boy calmed down.
"Shall we have a walk. Ofcourse if you want." suggested Jaivik.
"No, I don't want to go out, just stay with me, hold my hand, stroke my head."
"Jeev, are you hungry?"
"No, why didn't you go to school?"
"Hey, how could we leave you alone in such a situation!"
"You had to take a leave just because of me! It's your Eleventh grade going on. You should focus on you studies but..."
"Stop being foolish! And eat something, or your fever will rise."
"I don't want any food. I am not hungry."
"That's not the way! Have some bread and butter. You will feel better."
"No!"
Jaivik ignored his brother and went into the kitchen. He prepared their meal and came back to Jeevan and started feeding him with his own hands. Jeevan ate without a sound. After having his food Jaivik offered him medicine. Jaivik ordered him to sleep but he refused to by saying he have been lying down for hours. Jaivik was worried as he knew Jeevan never takes his health seriously and always thought as if he was burdening the family. Jaivik somehow convinced his brother to rest for some time. Finally the caring sister was back. Jaivik had prepared the lunch so she needed not to make it and everyone had their food. Janhavi offered to teach tuition for the day and again the day was followed by taunts. She was perplexed how to handle the family as Jeevan didn't stayed well. They had consulted many doctors but they weren't able to find the real cause, they just said it was due to weakness or the changing weather. Once when advised by a doctor, they even consulted a psychiatrist but the outcome was same. However, she decided to consult to a doctor again. She knew that money was not a problem but convincing her brother was. He just said he was all right. Of course, he was not scared from the doctor or any injection but he believed that it was worthless to spend money on just a fever and followed by the thought of being a burden on his family's shoulders. After a walk she was back home.
"I'm home." she said as she entered the room.
"It's nice to see you back, he just had a terrifying dream. He had just slept a while ago." said Jaivik
"Oh, I just had a thought in my mind. I want you to help me in making up his mind to go to the doctor. It might help."
"Yeah, you do have a point. After all, just taking medicine and resting isn't helping but do you think he would listen to me?"
"Of course he will. You know him the best in the family and you two are so much like each other I believe if he will listen to anyone, it's gonna be you."
"Fine. I'll try."
"We'll talk to him when he is awake. Jai, you look so tired rest for a while."
"No, I'm alright "
"Don't push yourself too hard bro."
"That's what you have been doing since two years sis."
"It's not like that."
"You can't trick me."
"I am not."
Jaivik was a very understanding brother and knew, what the family's current situation was like. He knew how Janhavi has always taken the burden of being the eldest one and how she has been caring for them. His words weren't fake actually Janhavi had pushed herself too hard. As being the eldest she always thought, it was her job to take care of the family and to make the right decision. When she was younger she always thought, it was easy for grown ups to do whatever they wanted but as she grew older and older she realised it was nothing like that. Growing up meant a little fun but responsibilities also increases and she had learnt that. When she was younger she used to think, their mother did nothing much and it was here job to cook food, clean the house, wash the dishes, wash the clothes, waking them up and most of all caring for them. She used to scold them, help them in studies and supporting them in every difficulty but after those two years she realised it was never her job, it was her nature. The two brothers thought that as well. The same way they thought it was their father's job to earn for them, he always had the option of not sending them to a good school, paying for the food and all their expenses, in today's time when you need money to even buy a bottle of water, he paid for all their demands. He always had an option of not to but he never did so. Both their parents loved them immensely. Mother showed her affection by helping them and caring for them in a way which was easy to see. Their father showed his love by earning for them and giving them all the facilities. At that time when they were along with them, the three thought it was easy to manage cooking, cleaning and all the household chores, it was easy to earn money but now when they were actually doing it, they realized it wasn't easy. From a pencil to the house all they had was given to them by their parents. They were so crestfallen, when their parents were along with them, they never showed their gratitude and thought their parents weren't doing anything for them and now when the finally understood their struggles and willed to thank them and show their gratitude, they weren't around. It is our habit that we never notice in one's presence what they had done for us and in their absence we can see their importance. They got lost in sorrow whenever they memorized their parents and what all they had done for the three. They knew, their this sorrow will last throughout their lives. Jaivik and Janhavi were deep in thoughts when Jeevan woke up.
"Sis, you're back!"
"Yeah, I am here."
"By the way, what's the time?"
"It's 7:30 p.m." was Jaivik
"What! I should be in the kitchen" and Janhavi hurried to the kitchen
"Are you feeling well?"
"Yup. I am alright."
Jaivik touched his forehead. It was still hot. The boy was still suffering from fever. Jaivik placed thermometer in his mouth. The temperature rose from 97 F to 97.5 F to 99 F to 100.5 F to 101.7 F and finally 103 F. It has been a whole day and his temperature has not fallen down from 100 F.
"Hey, you still have that fever."
"Ah! I wish it can vanish for forever."
"I think it will be better if you visit a doctor."
"Never, I am gonna be alright."
"Maybe this time it will vanish but after few weeks you maybe in bed."
"No I am not going anywhere."
"It will be a permanent solution."
"No means no."
"Stop it! Stop being an idiot! You cannot be risking your health again and again! Just once more."
Jeevan looked in his brothers eyes they were full of concern. He really cared about him more than anything. Even if he would need to give his life for him he would be happy to. For his brother he decided to go to the hospital once more.
"Fine."
By this time Janhavi had prepared the super and came in with plates in her hands. After having lunch they were in beds. The next day it was Saturday so they decided to take an appointment. They were sitting in front of the doctor.
"What's the matter?"
"Our brother is having a fever."
"Oh! It's maybe due to weakness or cold."
"Actually, his temperature has not gone below
100° F previous day even after taking medicines."
"Is this first time you have got such fever?"
"No sir."
"What! What do you feel like?"
"There is throbbing in my head and something feels like, getting repressed inside me."
"I think their is no need to worry. Your brother has a little weakness, maybe due to his growing age. You should make his diet more nutritious, add some fruits, vegetables, milk, and some millets. He will be all right."
After paying the fee they returned home.
"It was useless, I told you, didn't I?" was the youngest member of the family.
"At least we are certain that you are not suffering from something severe." Jaivik tried to cover up.
The next day Jeevan was as fit as a fiddle and he was going to school. He was worried as he had incomplete work and he had to complete it within a week. It would be a tiring job after waking up at 5 o'clock and returning at 3 o'clock from the school, then going for teaching tuition and studying. When would he complete the work? He entered the class, and came near the bench. Moksh was talking to his friends and didn't realize his partner was siting beside him but when he turned over he saw him. He made a face and was thinking about he would tolerate him the whole day at school! What could be worse than this! It was better to spend a whole year alone than spending a week with him!
"Moksh, can you show me your notebook? I will return it in a minute. Please."
Moksh ignored him and continued his conversation. Jeevan realized Moksh was ignoring him. He knew asking him again would lead to the boy screaming at him. Moksh was a very short tempered boy, it was stupid to challenge him. Besides, he didn't wanted to lead a fight in the morning and after returning school in two or three days. Thus, he decided to ask Lakshmi but she was nowhere to be found. He proceeded towards Ojasvini.
"Ojasvini, where is Lakshmi?"
"She told me at Friday that she won't be coming to school due to a family function."
"Oh, can you tell me what work was done on the days I was absent."
"English, Maths, Physics, Sanskrit and Chemistry."
"By the way, will you lend me your English copy? Please."
"Actually, I had submitted it to Sujata ma'am. She will return it today."
"Can you tell me which questions were done in Maths."
"Yeah exercise 3.2 and the 13 examples."
"That's too much. What was done in Sanskrit."
"Shabdhroop and dhaturoop, it's there in the book."
"Chemistry and Physics?"
"F.C. work."
"Can I borrow your f.c.?"
"I gave it to Suhani."
"Okay. Thanks for telling."
As he expected the work was a large burden. He checked the timetable to know which subjects work he had to complete within the day. To his surprise only Sanskrit wasn't there. I should first try completing English. He thought so he proceeded towards Suhani with the hope of getting her aid. Suhani was talking to her allies. Ojasvini said she had lended her copy to Suhani but she ain't doing the work. Maybe she had completed it.
"Hi Suhani!"
"Hello!"
"Can you give me your English notebook?"
"I have not completed it."
"Then, what about Chemistry F.C.?"
"I have not brought it."
"Oh, okay."
Next period is English, that means Suhani should be completing it but she was not. Wait a minute she said that she has not brought her Chemistry F.C. then why would she ask Ojasvini for it? That means either one of them is lying and Suhani won't be talking to her friends with two incomplete notebooks. Anyways, I should focus on completing my work. Maybe I should ask Moksh. He proceeded towards his partner.
"Hey Moksh! Can I have your___"
"I am not lending any of my notebooks to a freek." He shouted at him.
Jeevan was worried when he saw the teacher entering the class. All the students wished 'Good Morning' to the teacher. Jeevan stood up too but he was lost in his thoughts. Roll. No. 1, 2, 3,4_____ the role call went on. Then, the bell rang.
"So class do you remember that I am going to check your copies. Submit them on my table. Cupboard incharhe give me a class list." the teacher said.
Oh no! iIt's really messed up this time. I have not completed my work. She is checking the copies and no one is lending me their work. She is even ticking in the list. Wait a minute, Ojasvini's copy was submitted, then how come she is taking it out of her bag and Suhani's copy was not complete she is submitting it! They were lying to me! But why? He was lost in his thoughts when his teacher asked for his work.
"Ah.... ah.... ah... actually..... I have not completed it, I was absent."
"Here have this copy." she gave it to him and further added "It's Mohan's copy."
"Ma'am, I don't want to lend my copy to him." said Mohan with disgust.
"You should help your friends."
"Okay ma'am."
Jeevan took it and started writing. He looked at Mohan's copy. Oh my! He had to complete a whole chapter and a poem. He hurried up. He was writing and writing, but he knew that English was not only the period which he had to pass like that. He had almost completed the work when the bell rang. Mohan hurried towards Jeevan's seat.
"Give me my notebook." He said
"Please just a minute."
"Hurry up you fool."
He managed to complete the work and then returned the notebook to its owner. The other boy grabbed it and went back to his bench.
"Which is the next period?" He asked Moksh
"You should check the noticeboard fool."
"Yeah."
No one liked to help him or even talk to him but Lakshmi was always polite and gentle towards him. Earlier Moksh, Suhani and Ojasvini were friendly to him but since the previous year their attitude towards him changed.
The next period was Physics. Sanjay entered the class.
"Good Morning class." He wished
"Goooodddd mmmoooorrrnnninnng ssssiiiirrr." The class sang together.
"Your weekly test is round the corner. Have you started revising for your weekly test?"
"Yes sir." The students said confidently though only few had started.
"Suhani do you have the list notting the names of students who submitted me their F.C.?"
"Yes sir." She took it out and gave it to him.
"Stand up those who have not submitted their work."
Few students stood up.
"I am calling out the names. Amayra, Aryan, Damishi, Dhruv, Jeevan, Khushi, Kushagar, Priyanshi, Rishit and Sumit. Ten students! Why is your F.C. not checked Aryan?"
"Sir I have completed it."
"Okay give it to me. What about you Amayra?"
"Sir I was out of station."
"And Damishi?"
"Sir I have completed it but I forgot to bring it."
"I want it tomorrow."
"Now what you have to say Dhruv?"
"Sir I have completed it."
"Sumbit it. Jeevan was not well. What's your reason Kushagar?"
"Sir I was absent."
"No, you were present I remember."
"Sir actually I was not able to complete it because I was sitting on the last bench, so I was not able to see properly."
"No you were sitting on the third bench."
"Sir actually my pen had run out the last day you were getting the work complete."
"How many lies you have in store! I know you were talking throughout the period. Complete it right now."
"Now your answer Khushi."
"Sir, I was in a family function."
"Priyanshi?"
"Sir I have got it checked, see." Her copy was checked.
"Rishit?"
"Sir I will submit it today."
"Sumit?"
"Sorry sir. I was in the clinic so I wasn't able to submit my notebook."
"Fine submit it now."
With lots of efforts Jeevan borrowed a copy and started completing his work. Periods came and periods went, now only one was left. Which is the next period? Jeevan wondered as he proceeded towards the notice board to check the timetable. He got goosebumps when he saw, it was Maths. Mr. Arjun, his Maths teacher was very short tempered man and Jeevan believed, incomplete work in his class meant being in a hot soup. Jeevan ran towards his seat and opened the book to complete his work. Twenty-eight more questions! He kept on praying the teacher to be absent or it would be an arrangement. Alas! None of it worked. Mr. Arjun entered the class, there was no chance that he won't notice Jeevan as he was siting on the first bench. He's gonna kill me! Jeevan thought.
"All the copies are checked, right?" He asked Ojasvini who had the list.
She stood up and answered with the list in her hand "No sir, not all. There are three left."
"Tell me the names."
"Yes sir, Madhav, Jeevan and Kushagar."
"Stand up you three."
"Sir actually Madhav is absent and Kushagar is in the coordinator's office."
"What did the boy do this time?"
"Sir, he got into a fight with seniors."
"That boy is really a mess."
Jeevan looked all around and saw he was actually the only one standing. The teacher was clearly furious. Jeevan knew this time it was realy messed up.
"What do you have to say about this?"
"Sir, I was not well."
"A nice excuse I see."
"Sir, I... had a very high fever... so I was not able to.. come school.."
"Jeevan! Your work is never complete!"
"Sir, I am really sorry. Please forgive me, I will complete it shortly and will get it checked tomorrow."
"Apologies not excepted. I want it today, just show it to me right now."
"Sir.. aug.. sir.. sir.. un.. sir..."
"Just show me your register." And he took Jeevan's register and got more furious at him. "Twenty-six questions more to go young boy."
"Sir... Uh... I will complete it today. I am really really sorry!"
Mr. Arjun looked at the scared boy. He then smiled at him and said softly "Jeevan, why are you so scared? Relax, I am not going to eat you. Start completing your work and submit it tomorrow. Okay!"
"Okay sir!"
Jeevan sighed with relief and started completing his work.
"May I come in sir!" Was Kushagar.
"Yes, and why were you in coordinator's office."
"Sir some seniors were beating me because I won in the Soccer match last week and they were all humiliated after loosing to me." It was not true actually, he was abusing a group of boys who were two years older than him. At first, they tried to ignore him but eventually started quarreling and then the quarrel changed into a fight.
"Soccer? Do you play soccer?"
"Yes sir!"
"Okay and why is your work unchecked?"
"Sir, I was going to get it checked in the lunch break and then those seniors tore it apart."
"Sumit, check his bag."
Sumit started checking his bag it didn't took even a sec to find his Maths register as he carried only a few books.
"Sir here it is!"
"Oh I see, someone pasted it so nicely that it looks untouched. Right!"
"Sorry sir, now I remember I was carrying my History F.C."
"What an experienced lier!"
"Sir I never lie." Hearing this the whole class burst into laughter. Everyone looked at Jeevan in surprise. Could that boy possibly laugh! The whole class thought. Meanwhile Jeevan took his register to the teacher and finally, got it checked. Then it was dispersal. Jaivik was waiting outside for his brother.
"How was the day?" he asked
"How was my day, was it good or was it bad? Fine I guess. How was yours?"
"Alright. Not too good, not too bad."
The three teenagers walked home. They got ready and went for teaching tuition. Jeevan never talked to the children much only taught them. This made him look boring. Today, when they were teaching, someone peeped in the room. This usually happened when any of the relatives arrives and wants to either talk to the kids or wants to know how the teachers were teaching. Jeevan noticed it but said nothing. The person was continuously peeping through the window, the person wasn't clearly visible. All of a sudden he opened the door! To Jeevan's surprise he was none other than Aryan his classmate.
"Jeevan!" Aryan exclaimed with surprise.
"Aryan!" Jeevan exclaimed with fear of answering his questions
"Do you know him?" The kids asked
"Well, he is my classmate." Aryan answered
"Your classmate!" Everyone exclaimed except him and Jeevan
"I think you should continue teaching." Aryan left
Throughout the time Jeevan was worried, worried of answering the questions that were going to follow. Questions like What was he doing there? Why was he teaching tuitions? And most of all he feared the fact that Aryan might disclose this fact with the whole class. He knew that Aryan would and then all the bullies will get one more opportunity to trouble him. Once again he thought if only he wasn't an orphan, he won't have to face this problem. He missed his parents and once again felt sorry for not thanking them for all they had done for him since he was a baby till he was mid thirteen. He knew if they had not passed away they would have still nurtured him and conveyed their affection. Now, when he had finally understood their hard work it was too late to tell them. Any how, he focused on the present and thought of being brave enough to face his curious classmate.
Soon, the class was over. When they were leaving Aryan stopped them.
"Why are you teaching tuitions, I mean you should focus on your studies, shouldn't you?" He questioned
"Sorry, but we are getting late." Janhavi hurriedly made an accuse.
The day seemed too long. That night it was hard to sleep. The new sun rose with worry and scarey thoughts. The worst part was, Jeevan's fear turned into the truth. He knew, Aryan was a little too talkative to not to tell the fact. He had shared it with his few friends and his few friends to their few friends. This way the whole class knew about Jeevan teaching tuitions. As Jeevan entered the class and sat down everyone looked towards Jeevan as if he was a V.I.P. (very important person). Everyone was curious to know why he was teaching tuitions where as, Jeevan didn't wanted anyone to know the reason. No matter how softly or kindly one asked it seemed a taunt to him. It wasn't his lucky day as Lakshmi the girl who would probably help him was at corridor duty and Ms. Sujata was absent making the homeroom a little longer as the kids would take the job of attendance and would continue asking him. He kept on ignoring all the kids. Now, the bullies came up. Technically it wasn't a big thing to make fuss of but the bullies tried to find opportunities to make fun of him.
"Hello there tuition teacher!"
Jeevan ignored him. He wasn't bothered about them making fun of him but he was once again feeling his parents' absence.
"Why do you teach tuitions?"
"Is it that your parents are a little too poor?" The bullies laughed but this time they had made Jeevan furious yet crestfallen.
"Shut up!" He yelled and went out trying not to cry.
"That wasn't needed!" yelled Moksh who was his partner
"Relax! We are not even talking to you."
"You shouldn't include his parents in this. Besides, it isn't a big deal." He said though he knew nothing about Jeevan's real sorrow.
Moksh had princely looks but when he was fumed he seemed like a irrupting volcano. No matter how aggressive or harsh he seemed deep down he was kind. It was almost impossible to see his compassion as he tried to hide it with his anger. For the first time in couple of months he supported Jeevan. It was the middle of the previous session that their friendship came to an end and since then he started disliking Jeevan. He disliked him so much that he won't even like to hear his words even if they were polite, and then, sitting with him was similar to a nightmare. This made him to dislike Jeevan even more.
Periods came and periods went and it was lunch break. He knew the lunch break was not a lucky time. One cause of this was all the school appointes and including few more students being on lunch break duty thus, there was no one to maintain discipline in the class. The bullies circled around him and started again. Hello there tuition teacher. Look at him! The students whom he is teaching must be failures. It is impossible for his students to ever pass. They bullied him and continued by saying Anyways, you didn't answered our question are your parents so poor that you have to earn by teaching tuitions? This time they were really getting to his nerves. Jeevan, afraid of getting in a fight with his classmates took his lunch and hurried to his brother's class just one floor above. Jeevan peeped in his brother's class. Jaivik was sitting alone. He was busy in watching the birds, lost deep in thoughts probably about their parents. He wasn't even tasting his food. Jeevan stood on the door looking at him. He reminded him of himself but in a more mature and strong way. Maybe I should go back, its my problem and besides he would be disheartened and worried to know that I am having problem in my class thought Jeevan. But I am terrified with the thought that everyone will surround me and ask me the same question. Mamma, Papa where are you please come back! Don't leave me here! He wondered with tears in his eyes and Jaivik spotted him.
"Jeev!" He called while walking towards him
"Bro!" He called back as he wiped his tears
"What's the matter?"
"Ah, Aryan told everyone in the class. Everyone is asking me questions and... and they are saying, our parents are poor. If only they were here everything would have been fine. Why is this happening to us!"
"Calm down. I don't know why this is happening, maybe it's what the God wants but I know one thing Mamma, Papa, uncle and aunt are watching over us from above and what they want is to see you happy Jeev! I am sure they will be glad to see you smile."
"Yeah!"
Jaivik's words were quite inspiring. Soon, the bell rang and Jeevan hurried back by the time he reached the class Gopal was already in the class. He entered the class with his permission. Periods came and periods went and it was dispersal time. Jeevan went to Jaivik's class and saw Jaivik talking to his friends.
"Bro, let's go back home."
"Bye" Jaivik said to his friend and soon they headed back home.