My Teacher // link to new thread on page 51 - Page 21

of course no need to say who is maan.. we all know it's ARJUN...
loving this story...

waiting

Amazing Update As Alwayz ... Loved it Very Much!! Beautifully Written 👏
Loved the way Geet arrange thing in Arjuns room..thier moment were Beautiful😳
Geet avoiding him n then Jelousy Part ws Fab...😉
I knw Arjun Is her Maan😳.so Pls Clear the MU btw them Soon and is her dadiji who told her that boy/Maan left her? but why he did this?❓
eagerly waiting for next update...continue super soon
Thank u ofr pm😊

Hi this is Avi (had2bu). I love your story Reet. Waiting eagerly for more parts soon.

Reet Update Milegi kya?

wow... reet ur online. ek update dedo yaar.plzzz ...

hume intezaar hai ek update ka...

sorry for the late


chapter -5

It had been few hours after arjun had come back to his quarter ..

He watched the dusk to settle down covering him with big long dark wings ...he was never so humiliated by a girl in his entire life..but it was not just any girl..it was GEET..

All I wanted for us to become normal again...i might have crossed the limit last time but she too was in it..did i held her against his wish ?then why was she behaving crazy after the last days incident ..more over dia's odd timing flirt had made the situation worse..

So I had only asked her to come to clear the air...she behaved like its only me who is attracted...damn it ...he swore loud

what is it then...? why does her doe eyes make me feel...like it has the slow burn mirroring my own heart .he sighed leaving his desperate wish to see the connection with her.

...may be its me who is getting all the wrong idea's here..its wouldn't be the first time...the way she behaved the last few days makes the idea pretty clear she wants to steer clear from me...i m the crook here...trying to take her in my arms again ...and what she did, what she felt all was my fault ? was it I kept her tied in my arms...why didn't she make a single effort to get out ...wasnt she the one ogling me .hypocrite...anger seethed through him...

Darn woman...!

she thought very lowly of me to invite her again . practically ran from me...like i was trying to force myself on her like Yadubans...well no geet .. if you want to say I was the only one involved in that fringe then be it ...i want out...wouldn't come in your way ever again'I m here for my duties not play games with you 'games whose rules only you decide..no amount of proximity or doe eyes can confuse me again ..enough humiliation .

after a while he decided to make the dinner as the servant didn't show up.. ..when he heard the knock on the door.

Who could be here at this hour . may be the man servant came to his rescue

He opened the door hiding the frown .but the sight changed his expressions from frown to stun as he discovered geet stood there with some books and copies in her hand .

Fresh scent of lilac hit him taking his mind off to myriad of emotions..

She lifted the kohl adorned enchanting eyes of her.. the neatly plated hair was placed on her left shoulder'..her gaze had that tinge of shied quietness. Her tiny fist held a puff of her scarf fiddling nervously..though she managed to put a calm mask on her face...but the eyes had a strange comfort in them the reason of which he couldn't make out.

Wouldn't you ask me to come in?.. her placid voice tingled his fray nerves..

He didn't answer her..its past 9 o'clock.what enchantment she has planned.why come to his door after the hurried escape from him at noon.he wished he could understand the girl for once.last time she was here was an memory etched in his heart..

Wouldn't you let me in'..she asked trying to fathom the molten caramel eyes thats pouring incomprehensible gaze on her that kicked her heart to pick up the pace ..

'she couldn't see him properly as the light was scarce there ..but the look told her he was definitely not expecting someone .not her at least.he wore nothing but a vest and something like sweat pant at bottom.his tanned chiseled chest peeped from the tiny ledges of the vest .the cologne mixed with enthralling masculine scent of his bare skin.. strong hands held the heavy mahogany door half opened..she immediately cursed herself for being here without letting know .it would be hard not to ogle him .

Is he not happy to see me ..was i wrong to read his jealousy .come on geet..small amount of jealousy,well if you term it forcefully doesn't really a proof of that he has feelings for me..she thought ruefully as her heart sank when he didn't reply her again.

he might be irritated by my disturbance..its pretty late .what should I do...why isn't he budging from the door..was it a mistake to come here..?oh god please help me.

She tried to mask her utter anxiety with calmness ..but afraid he could hear the frantic heartbeats ..

Its late'...'the baritone voice said covering the shortness of his erratic breaths..

I m aware.. it was a mere whisper from geet who wondered at her own voice.

I think you said you were preoccupied this evening .

I was.--

What do you want geet ? he asked cutting her midway..his fingers clasping the door tight. Not inching away from her path ..

What do you think sir...she softly asked daring him to read her mind..

she has come here after much thought .the venture to arjun's house was to understand her position in all of this..this might be forwardness...way too forwardness as she described in her dictionary but she was tired of being at the receiving end of everything. At least she needed to understand what was this between them.

Arjun felt a lurch in the pit of stomach as her question rang in his ears...what does she want arjun?he thought he knew a long time ago'but time proved he didn't ..he cant dare to guess anymore..why is she here..to enchant me for another painful journey. he bitterly swallowed the memories from the past.'its better not to seek conclusions when it came to women. Life taught him so .

I have been under the impression that you don't want to come here. ...

I dint say anything like that .so you would let me come now or shall i go ..because you had asked me to come in the first place.

though the quarter is in one corner of the campus ..but if anybody notices there will be rumors 'worst nightmare ever. she thought getting bit impatient .

But the way you fled meant otherwise.. arjun left the door and crossed arms on his chest ..

Geet avoided the last question . sir...i m here because you asked me to ..now if we are going to play rapid fire round here ...i had a quick question for you ...

how did you know vikas is my boy friend ? and why do you ask ?

Geet had waited enough to finally ask the question..he made such nuisance over such a ridiculous idea.yet no sign of at least showing regrets over it 'her heart prodded differently ...geet he did not know it was arjun whom you were lost thinking about in his class.you couldn't tell head and tail of what he said in the whole class..but geet wasn't going to admit that to herself'she was great cause she forgave him '

Really geet '? Why don't you just say you couldn't stay away from him '

I was not jealous...i don't care what she does in her personal life..i scolded her as because she was not attentive to my class..he rambled to convince himself...

but you overreacted as your constant feature around her.you loose control .even a boy could see that...the tiny devil with the horns sitting on his neck quipped back.

incoherent thoughts clouded him as geet taking chance of his stupor crossed the threshold and let herself in.

a wordless arjun stepped aside making room for her to enter . she had caught him off guard .

so I thought ...!!

she said stifling a chuckle..while arjun watched her intently ...she had no idea that she was playing with fire...unaware of his mind geet took a few steps forward In the room closing the door behind her.

When she was in front of him he suddenly lifted a hand to the opposite wall ... stopping her from advancing more..

She came to screeching halt ...looked at arjun wide eyed...

So late at night .into a bachelors house...at college you were terrified to come here.. now are not you bit scared I might be another yadubans... arjun said in such a low voice that tingled her sleeping sensuality ..

The sudden proximity made her braveness falter ...she took a step back tentatively. The passage was not much spacious.. She could feel the hard wall behind her.

You didn't answer me ...! he whispered huskily taking a step forward..

His smoldering gaze made an creepy sensation pass through her ...the hot breath fanning on her..the slight coarse stubble giving an irresistible look.may be it was not a good idea to come here at all.

You unease me..a lot of ways...!!..but this is not one of them..she didn't want to confess ,but astounded to find herself voicing it loud..

Arjuns eyes lingered on her a few moments swallowing the answer before turning around and making his way into the kitchen ..something burning on the stove .the smoke was everywhere..

Get your books . I will be there in a minute..the teacher emerged putting on the wall again around .is it the time to protect yourself?

Should I say sorry for disturbing you so late at night ..?

He stopped to throw back a piercing look on her to which she seemed unaffected.was she smiling ?

Geet watched his retreating form working around the kitchen ..he wore a cream sweats and white vest on it..the taut trapizius muscles. the rigid triceps of his tanned arm..the sumptuous black hairs ruffled by the unruly strokes of fingers..the broad shoulders of the tall man who is supposed to be her teacher.. geet continued checking him out a he worked in the kitchen turning his back to her.

after settling what was on the stove he looked for a tee shirt he might have thrown somewhere in morning ..pissed at the sudden disappearance of the damn piece of the cloth 'he swore under his breath..

he surely looked like a petulant kid than an tempered suave teacher of the college.

Geet chuckled and looked away .the room was back to its original shape in this few days..she shook her head in dismay..

What are you smiling at? He asked taking the seat opposite to her

You are a very neat person ..she smirked .

Arjun's jibe faltered for a second before he replied' ..should i thank you for your effort last day..wonder what on earth made GEET help me for once..?

Geet lowered her gaze at mention of last time she had been here ..you could have ..buts whats the use now..its all the same now.

Arjun stared at her a moment longer before digging in to the books'..you have messed my entire life geet ...clearing up the room would not make up for it.

Geet sensed a moment of unease in him. Wondered what could it be.but he channeled her attention into study.

They dove into discussion for some hours until foul smoke hit their nostrils.

Sir...

Shit.!! He swore loud before bolting into kitchen ..geet followed him quick.

It was another definition of mess around there.

He quickly jumped to switch off the stove..

Rice water and the burnt pot stared at them sticking tongue out ..

I would clear it up ...you go 'and go through the note we just made..

Geet didn't seem to hear him as her eyes wandered around the mess in name of cooking..

Do you even know how to cook ..that was mere a taunt that irked him to the core as he tried holding the extremely hot vessel and drop it in the sink.

Of course i know ..now get out of here and do your business'..as he turned back to look at her and give an extra authoritative look at her to find she had tied the scarf around her waist and taken up the mop'.

After cleaning up the mess in a few minutes she reached for a vessel to pour some flower in it ..the whole time she kept on saying what a mess he was !.arjun grumbled as he helped her to find the pot containing flour, utensils and other things..but the dexterity of her hands and the quick makeover of his kitchen did stop him from dragging her out from the kitchen and stop her constant blabber ..but there was a major chance of a fasting for the night .

You could take out some time to improve your housekeeping than planning vengeance against me you know.you are a disaster .who puts green vegetable soaked in water ..it will all waste..'why don't you keep a cook ? what do you eat...nobody can survive through this mess you know..he could feel her taunts were not as callous as it sounded..her utmost attempt to keep her concern bottled was not acting enough..

Or you can get a wife..!!!!.the last sentence came after a long pause from the nonstop chatter ..

The last word stung him like wasp.

You know what you talk too much for your own good. ..!

Saying he bolted out from the kitchen feeling instantaneously suffocated by her company .

He stood at the balcony surrounded by darkness..he has let her come too close to himself. He shouldn't have flinched at her comment.could have just ignored her.but then again he always acted weird around her.its like she snatched the control from him.may it comes to anger or affection.the girl always managed to do it god knows how..

This was not supposed to be like this.he was not supposed to be affected.he was here for other things .losing control was definitely not going to help.

Aaah '!! Her distresses loud scream flew to him from kitchen'

Instantly scare surged through him.he rushed to the kitchen praying hard to god for her to be allright.

At arjun's sudden dismissal geet's mind strayed from the oven 'as she turned to get some supplies from the shelf to make the vegetables her scarf loosened from the tie around her waist and fell on oven . it instantly caught fire which at first she didn't notice..when the heat burned her upper arm she yelped in fear tooo shocked to do something to put it out.

The sight in front of arjun took his life out of him'.the scarf is burning with hungry flames and geet is fighting to get rid of it '

He lunged at her and pulled the dupatta away in one strong jerk detacting it from her.by the time geet's sleeve too caught the fire..without thinking he patted the fire by bare hands of his 'running frantically in order to stop the fire'

The fire on her kamij had just started so it put off easily at the patting of his big hands. Quickly Ensuring he has put out the last flame he practically hauled her flush to him 'to hold her by her waist..clasping her tight to his chest securely. Ensuring himself she was fine ..the need to feel her was much more than the faade he had put up so long..nothing else mattered to him at that moment.he couldn't shake off the site of fire around geet .

The fire has taken away the sense of fragility of their recent situation ..geet too was much traumatized by the horrible incident ..as he pulled her in his chest she fiercely clutched his shoulder still quavering in fear . face buried in the crook of his neck .she didn't notice her sharp nails digging on his skin letting blood ooze . she clung to him like he is the life source of her.

He was too perturbed by the flames of the fire to feel the prick on his skin...he held her tight almost too tight in his arms until her breaths calmed down'soaked her nervous edgy body in his protected embrace. The warmth of her body ,the feel of her breath was calming his nerves slowly ..she was there..safe and sound in his arms'

He lifted his palm from his waist and rubbed her back to quiet her down..her quavering stopped with that..her body slowly relaxed against his chest ..but in process of quieting her as his arm rubbed her own she winced in pain'he anxiously pulled her from the embrace to examine her'

In the heat of the moment literally ..both of them had forgotten the fresh wounds in their body 'he painfully noticed the burnt edges of her sleeves on her right arm.her reddened skin was peeping from the tarred ends of he sleeve.to see the extent of the burn he torn the sleeve carefully not wanting to hurt her ..without caring the fresh wounds on his own hands.

Ouch '! Geet winced shutting her eyes tight..the pain was excruciating .

Its hurting'.!!

She managed to utter in tear choked voice.trying hard to control the sobs that escaped with every pull of torn sleeves.a large area reddened with patches of black marks on her arm.he grimaced wondering how sore it was.

Shhh'.!! I know..! its gonna be all right ..he whispered as he took out the ice tray from the fridge.still not leaving her.his left arm snaked around her waist.

As the cold ice touched the burnt skin she felt immediate relief from the searing pain.she gasped at how cold the ice was. Which he mistook for pain.

Shhh'.! Baby ..it would be alright..there now'He shushed her while rubbing her back with another hand while he was busy applying the ice on her skin.he was afraid it would leave a nasty scar if not iced properly.

Did he just call me baby..?her breath hitched as she realized how close she was to him .right part of her body totally pressed with his firm torso..she glanced at the discarded burnt scarf lay on the floor making the milky skin of her bosoms peep out from the dangerously low cut kamij. Her guarded youth was shamelessly revealed to him..but he seemed not to notice engrossed icing her burnt skin..he was unaware of the brazen allure of the cleavage that was pressed against his masculinity .the bare tanned skin of his firm muscular shoulder blazing with beads of perspiration of anxiety ..anxiety of her wellbeing .a drop of blood dried on his neck resulted from the attack of her nail'her mark on him ..the worry in his eyes for her.nothing could be more painfully sweet than this.

She had never been this close to any man..but surprisingly she didn't feel anxious. Didn't feel wrong.like she belonged here for ever n ever!.His touch was both reassuring and awakening her.both confusion and realization flooding her..this is what attraction is..this is what trust is..she had no confusion in her mind that it was not a platonic teacher student relationship anymore.she wanted him'yet she was so scared.

Heart pounded in her...his palm rubbing the small of her back..she could feel the heat through the fine material or her kamij...his breath was fluttering her hairs..glazing the skin of her neck ..sweet tingling in the nape'no cologne..no perfume..the naked scent of his skin.. the stroke of his fingers on her bare skin was agonizingly seducing making her body respond in such ways that she didn't think was possible. a suffocating sweet pleasure surging through her body. Pleasure that was driving her insane. She could feel the flushing of her cheeks. His lips were inch away from her cheek..she felt an odd urge to touch them. She held her breath in fear of a hitch to escape from her mouth.

Totally unaware of the affect he was having on her he continued nursing her wound..

After a few moment when he realized her unduly silence in there 'he looked up to find a site that stopped his heart.

Her face flushed red..marks of strained tears 'dry plump lips swollen in cry..more red than ever'loose curls falling on her forehead..her eyes had that look .the look made the world stop around him.

There was scorching heat in her eyes..laced with confusion ..a mangling scare entering uncharted territory .brazen desire mounting in her reflected in her eyes...the realization of changes her body going through '..Yet frightened at how her body reacted..yet the trust was evident in them'trust for him'being there clasp in his bare arms at almost midnight.

her exposed bosom heaving with erratic breaths..soft mounds pressed with himself.for the first time he realized how soft woman body is..he dared not to look below at the dangerous allure of her cleavage .the softness felt through the thinnest material of the vest set him ablaze..blood rushing through every part of his body..he scared she might feel the arousal she has sent him into..

He could feel want darkening in him'.aroused by the mere look of her eyes..her body had a different effect on him'her sumptuous body was perilously close to him.making his throat parched in desire .a desire that only she could awaken in him..awakening the demons that he managed to bottle up every time she was around..

The need to feel her lips was more than ever now when she licked her lips to wet them. The ravenous want to press her more against himself'taste every inch of her glowing skin.he wondered if she will melt in his mouth..the heavy scent of lilac was driving him insane'he needed to feel her right now.

.she scared at the amount of heat his body radiated .intense eyes blue in desire and an unknown emotion that lurched her heart to her throat .looking ferociously possessive at her.. .he had recognized the bared passion her eyes told..he knew she wanted him..and she could feel he wanted her too..

She closed her eyes in letting out a shaken breath as he touched her cheek..rubbing them agonizingly slow to clear her skin from the flour..it would be his touch that had the right to linger on her.nothing else..!

She didn't dare to open them as he traced her jawline letting her burn by every fraction of seconds.hesitated at the corner of her mouth'

Her eyes shot open at the contact of her lips with his thumb.the knee's felt like jello as his thumb caressed her supple lower lip. she suddenly felt lightheaded..he pulled her closer ..letting her full weight rest on himself.

He felt her body melting in his arm.at the response of her body against his touch ,gratified he drew her slamming against him by the other hand resting on the small of her back.. letting his own mouth inch closure to her mouth..he slowly rubbed her lips letting her know how much he wanted her..

She shuddered at his touch..an involuntary moan escaped her mouth as her nerves caught an wild fire.

He felt never like this before.how will this supple untouched lips feel in his mouth..the way long ago it felt...

His eyes shot up at the memory of the first kiss he had in the sprouting ages of his youth ..the kiss of goodbye..

His pulled away the thumb from her lips..at the sudden loss of warmth her eyes shot up in question to him.is it love that he could see in her eyes..?

He felt a zillion conflicting thoughts fire through his mind in all directions as he looked down again..

Geet 'the same geet in his arms..'the same bewildered astonishment as he had first kissed her ..the same tear strained face.

First time tears caused by the news of his impended departure .that day too she was holding the lapels of his shirt ,the same way her earnest eyes sought in him. some promise that he couldnt conjure up in words.only he could let his kiss tell her..she was thirteen .he was eighteen..it was merely a peak..a brush of virgin lips.

When will you be back..?her childish voice rang in his ears..past imposed on present..

Today her eyes asking him.

Why did you stop...?

Geet was falling for him.he could see that transparent in her.her desires for him.her unblemished trust in him.

But it was all to arjun,not to her maan'.

The only guy supposed to be in her life...!!

He thought ruefully'..all those years he craved for her,see her close to him .today she was there in his arms wanting him as ever.but it was not for whom she was supposed to feel for.

She didn't recognize him.

He wanted to laugh and cry at the same moment..

He wanted her so bad that it suffocated him.. '.but not like this.not in some facade ...his years of pain cant be forgiven..every thing happened with him cant be forgiven. He must have the answers..

Geet raichanda must answer him.and what answers possibly she could have for turning his life like this ..?standing all alone in the world.such humiliation.such hurt .oh he cant forget this..she had made him suffer for so long.made him loose the last tie he had in the world.his mother was gone !all this for nothing ? anger seeped through him.

Mostly he was angered at himself.how could he forget all the results of her cold ignorance of his existence . how could he forgive her after all the ruins she has caused . how could his own body betray him with such thirst to touch her. Not a inkling of past .his mothers tear strained face flashed in front of her.

His hands fisted at the memories flooded him .all the humiliation and one pair of shy eyes .

He hated at the effect she had on him. All his emotions wrapped up around her little finger.

He was not here to woo her..he was here for a certain tug of conscience .a certain promise he had made long ago to look after her. He came here partly because of that .partly because he wanted to peep in her heart and ask why did she do that..he can't get over unless he had her answers. Then he would go away forever..because there can't be anything more that could take away the years of humiliation .the life she, only she had made him live. How could she..? he had lost too much to rekindle the fire.

Why did she forget maan like he was never there. How could she '?did he not mean anything to her ever?

She could see in his eyes distancing from herself.she didn't understand what did she do so bad that the coldness crept up to her eyes slowly wiping off the warmth that was seconds before.him inching away from her without any emotion in his face. Like his mind traveling miles away from her.what happened so wrong.does he regret it ?

Dejection. was filling her up as his arm loosened around her to be slackened against his side..'her mind screamed at his sudden dismissal but her mouth clogged with thousand emotions..

She felt limp standing bared in his kitchen.. sleeves torn , scarf burnt .felt like a wrecked mess of unknown frightening emotions standing discarded by him.

Tears prick in her eyesshe had never though first moment of closeness in her life would be so aching.

His mind came back from allies of past as his eyes fall on her standing wretchedly '.scared by the turn of events.hugging herself from the emotions that brought blizzard on her.

something inside him lurched immediately at the sight of her dejected face at the same time when ire coursed through him ..he could never be hurtful to his geet. but he needed answers .much happened between them .some moments of raw passion cant wipe out the history ..'.his eyes wandered to her downcast eyes.sighing he moved forward , reached for her chin to tilt her face ..make her look in his own that he was not the one to abandon her .

She saw his eyes softened at her..he grazed her chin lightly by the thumb and whispered gruffly

You should go home '.its almost midnight'!

Home'.!!

What is that supposed to mean?

The tiny room in her dormitory or the magnificent palace of raichanda family she realized none of them made her ever feel like this . but this one..the middle class touch on the furniture among which books scattered..midst of which the tall dark haired sturdy man stood with an unfathomable tale on his handsome face looking at her intently with those gorgeous caramel eyes .such little known teacher and his quarter uncannily felt home to her.

Her doe eyes searched in him for a certainty 'a sign ,a certain flicker of warmth ,a promise that he would be there tomorrow. Would not leave her alone like everyone did. Her eyes begged him to stay..but her tongue didn't move.

He nodded slightly as if reading her silent question. There after slowly withdrawing the hand that touched her.

Sighing she slowly made her way to the drawing room dragging her heavy foots that felt like leads.arjun followed her silently keeping a measured gap between them...she was all confused now what was happening to her..she had crossed the fine limit long ago.today she crossed the line from where there was no return..

She didn't look back today from the doors as she always did.knowing she wouldn't be able to go..

Wait..!! He came behind her as she was about to cross the thresh hold.

She quizzically looked at him to find him behind her..

Here , wear this.

her eyes lowered to his hands that held his jacket .

he made her hand slip through each sleeves .securing her petite form in the jacket that reeked of his scent'

Satisfied that it covered all the bare parts of her he pulled the chain .let his fingers graze her neck for a moment longer than needed..

She limply obeyed him .. his concern towards her always bewildered her. But there was something more than just the concern she always thought..but what is it 'why does he stop every time from coming closer..Saying his thoughts loud 'what more emotions hiding behind the concern of his..Like he holds himself back. Does he regret what happened between them.

Of course he should be.its not their social relation to happen something like this..he was a teacher for god's sake..but it happened ..he was there so was she.it happened before they could stop themselves.or did they want it to happen? She does not know. But what she had felt he had felt it too. She could sense it in every caress of his fingers.

The desire was always there'.the wanton need to be close to each other was always there..the quickening of breaths..'..the flutter of the hearts in anticipation before the time they met in a class was always there.. the pang at the time they bid goodbye was always there..The hurt at each other's distance always there'

They were there before their rationality could interfere . Everything has changed inside of hers .now from here its impossible to back in time , act nonchalant ..convince herself it was just hero worshipping because it was not .it was much more than it... she sighed heavily .

ring me after you reach.

she almost smiled at his words .she was to go to the building next to few buildings from his quarter'.he was still worried about her safety . but her chest swelled at it.

she didn't respond .too engulfed by the flooding of emotions ..

A lost geet walked out of the nest for once that felt home to her'..and walked in to the hostel where she was supposed to be'

Both of them lost in each other's thoughts didn't notice a pair of eyes that oversaw the entire exchange at his door..

Yes sir'I have heard so.

The assistant head master didn't sound much happy about it too. Losing uday raichanda's grant would mean a definite cut off in the budget .that would cost a sufficient number of teacher lose their jobs.

This is a tiny school in a distant part of madhoganj at uttarpradesh. Who had government fund to run it but mostly depended on the grant of the jamindar family of safipur . who was the most dignified and most rich jamindar of the north side of ganges.their lands were continued along the bank of river Ganges from up north near kannauj to below kalyanpur.the youngest son of jaminder anant raichanda , Udai raichanda aka chote sahib took special interests on building schools arranging grants and scholarships for young fellows who could not afford to study further . but its rumored that jamindar anant had been very strict about the allowances that is spent in the regard of this social services of his. Though chote sahib never failed anyone but there was much more new schools he had run under his grants . after all he had all reasons to take away the grant since the school had miserably failed him since the beginning .

The two middle aged teacher waited in head master's office after class in a summer afternoon. udai raichanda had sent a message earlier that he would be there to discuss "future" of the school

After sometime when chote sahib entered the school getting down from the ambassador he had parked in front the students came out of their respective classes to see him.

Do you know he is closing the school ..a student told another.

I would be happy ..i would join the fire works factory .they say you can join at any age you want .they give heavy money .the other boy commented shrugging casually. They were too poor to afford the luxury of studying .they attended the school for the mid day meal the school gave them.but it wasn't enough .hunger was such that they couldn't be convinced the need of education .they would rather be illiterate and get two full meals in a day than passing the damn school .afterwards who would give a job amongst the thousand grad students. Life was difficult in them.

But a boy with curly hairs and a pair of brilliantly black eyes had been worried hearing the fleeting conversations that took place after chote sahib entered the school.

If the school gets closed then as his study . it's the last hope he had. Since he had won the scholarship at class V till date he could continue it without any help from anyone.as of speaking if he had anyone to help. It was only his mother and him . she worked in a tailoring machine night and day to collect money for the household expenses and save her only son the trouble of joining fireworks factory.he was a brilliant student .if she could spare him the troubles of poverty a few more years he would pass and become a graduate. The old mother would blink back tears at the distant golden future and press back the thick glasses she wore paddling the machine more energetically .

The boy stood pensively at the yard as one after another students went out of the school gate .

Listen santosh ji ..i understand your problem but I m sorry to inform you that I cant help the school anymore ..chote sahib said slowly making the decision loud and clear. The vidya niketon girls school had such promising result that I have to transfer my grants there..what is the use santoshji ..your students seems not to realize the need of education . I would rather point to your staffs who failed to inspire them.

Its utterly disappointing .

But sir there are few students who worth it '.the head master tried to explain though he knew an entire school can't run for a few intelligent students .

Chote sahib didn't answer to this. He knew the gravity of the situation will happen as he took off his support from the school . But he was helpless. Funds were not unlimited.

At this moment a boy appeared in the front door knocking it softly .

Everybody turned at him . who would dare to interrupt the conversation the chotesahib and headmaster at this hour.

But chotesahib noticed headmasters frown wiped as he waved the boy inside..

I was talking about students like this..

Chotesahib looked at the attire of the boy ..the boy had certain determination in him that made everybody overlook the cloths he wore.

What is it that you want ? he asked .

Sir iis it true you are closing the school ..? the boy looked straight at chote sahib and spoke fearlessly .

The headmaster flinched at his question but got interest of chotesahib.a boy of his age came straight to ask him about the big elephant in the room.

Why do you ask ? what is your name?

I m arjun mishra. A student of class X. I would appear for the board next year. If you close the school my education will end here.i can study here as I have got the scholarship they gave in class VII. But since it's the last scholarship generated before class XI . I would not get it even if I get admission at another school which is kind of impossible itself as it is the only school in this area.

He took a breath after such a long sentence and again continued. Sir ..i would request you to wait another year's result .because I will do great so great ..you would not regret .aapka MAAN rakhunga sir..!please don't close this school yet.!

Udai raichanda was bewildered at the confidence the young boy had. He had not given the examination yet and he was so confident about it.

Maan rakhoge aap hamare ..? he repeated after him.

Yes sir'!

Chote sahib smiled as he noticed his voice didn't falter once.

But its impossible to run a school for one student. Do you understand that ?

Yes I do .. but I m not the only one sir. There are few other fellows whose education career depending totally on this school. As this is the only one in the area. We are too poor to go to town and study as we cant afford it .

I would give you the money that you would need to study from the town.the entire sum of it get to town and complete your studies. Meet me at my office on next Monday. all be arranged by them . chote sahib dismissed him and turned to face headmasterji to resume their conversation.

I don't need the money sir.

The bold declaration made him look back again and find the boy standing where he was before.

Then what do you need ?

The school..he replied shortly ,continued after a pause. I have earned the scholarship ,it would be more respectful if I could continue my studies here.please understand sir.

Chotesahib felt short of words at the bold self respect of the young lad of fifteen years.

You don't want help ..dont you ..!! the boy was more interesting than he seemed ,if there was anyone else in his place he would have jumped at the offer. Going to town and have the every chance of getting best education .but yet he refused.

Arjun shook his head.

Silence prevailed in the room for another few moments.

You sure you can do good results ..? chotesahib felt himself asking him.

Yes sir'.his eyes flickered hope . I will do best results if given scope.

Chote sahib looked at the two other teachers who were staring at the boy with praise. They nodded at chote sahib's unasked question .

I would let the school run for another year . if you disappoint me I would be '..chotte sahib paused' sad.

I wouldn't sir, arjun spoke with gratitude . I promise.

Choote sahib smiled affectionately at his innocent face and said'go study your best , you bought the school another year of time'

Arjun bowed his head folding his palms together in front of him.

Thank you sir..!

After one year when the results were out santoshji entered jaminder yards running with the news paper startling the early morning business going on there.

Udayji who was seeping his morning tea with his daughter geet on his lap looked questioning at him offering him the chair near him.

Sir'..maan rakkha hai aapka..!!

It took a few moments to realize what he meant he looked at the newspaper front page the old headmaster shoved in his hand.

Arjun mishra stood first in the district in the board examination !

Papaji '!! What is maan..! 11 years old geet was puzzled by the riddled dialogues .

Uday raichanda pinched her cheeks and showed her a black and white picture of a young boy ..

that is MAAN..maan means respect. .i want you to become a fine person like him..

Geet tried to peer in the picture in the paper which was hazy but it showed a boy with a thin line moustache appearing above his lips. Bright eyes and determined jaws.

Like him '.she repeated after her father while trying to smoothen down the crumpled paper.as her father smiled at her .

You like him..

She didn't understand the hidden meaning but she nodded anyway , knowing her father's appreciation meant the boy deserves it truly . she had immense trust in him. She looked at the caption where her fathers name had been mentioned with the little interesting story below. It was her sheer luck that she had missed the true name of the man who was to become an integral part of her life.

After that chotesahib himself handed arjun the prize and congratulated him.arjun had bent down to touch his feet and had said through tears ..could not do it without you chotesahibji ..

In reply he had embraced him saying loudly to the peoples around him.

Maan rakkha hai inhone hamara'!!

The young boy had felt his heart will burst in pride at the enormous happiness chote sahib had in his voice

Days went but chotesahib kept tabs on the boy .he hadn't failed him.he was the truest definition of an honest boy .brilliant kindhearted and dutiful.

After few months when chotesahib learnt the boy couldnot pursue his career any further due to his mother's ill health.he sent his men to fetch the boy. As he appeared in front of his office at the jamindar house for the first time chote sahib had sent all the servants away !

What do you intend to do now..?

Arjun had his lowered his head before answering him'
I have to stop my studies as the scholarship money is needed to treat my mother.

Stay here and study ..! he was direct at his approach .

I cant do that chote sahib ji ..i don't have anyone else but my mother.

I know. I would take good care of her by the best doctors of Kanpur.

But sir'.why would you do that .!

Because I have money . he was being blunt but he wanted to see arjun's reaction .

Sir'I respect that you want my good. But I cant accept your offer . she is my mother my responsibility .has done enough for me and now its time I pay her back . he said gently but firmly.

Sir if my destiny has something else for me, I would study again as she gets well..i understand your concern sir .i m really indebted to you for what you have done for me.but I m afraid I cant take your HELP.

Chotesahib listened keenly looking at the boy who politely refused his offer. He would grow a fine man if given chance. He had this idea in his head for a few month now since he got back from his trip to Kanpur.

I would have adopted you but I have different plans for you. Udai said making the boy stunned at the revealation .but he had to hear more.

Arjun 'he paused and again continued..i like the name MAAN better. Don't consider it as a "help" ,think of it as an offer .you can pay me back when you are done . think prudently boy ..you know yourself your mother is very sick .the little money of your scholarship would not be of much help let me tell you. This way you can save your mother and pay me back keeping your self respect intact .

Stay here maan and complete your studies. Let me help you .!

Arjun listened to him with keen attention pondering his proprosal'but he had only one question in mind.

Why me chote sahibji ?

Because you are the finest I have met.!

Their conversation didn't grow much further as trinkets rattled as geet ran in his father's arms.

For the first time arjun saw geet 'wearing a baby pink frilled frock with two braids hanging cutely on two side.she looked like an angel.her ivory skin'long doe eyes pouted pink lips and the angelic smile she wore in them.

Bitiya meet maan'!

He had been The Maan since then.

Maan this is my beloved daughter geet..teach her, guide her when you are around , would you !

Maan nodded simply enthralled by the beauty of the angel .he looked at her with awe mixed with appreciation. Which didn't miss the father's eyes. He had just smiled then.

Today maan aka arjun knew he had it all planned since the very beginning ..!

NEXT

chap-6

i hope the length again covers for my late..waiting for your responses would do the reply and pmz tomorrow.

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