RaHi FF | NewBeginnings | Parts6&7, Page11 - Page 8

As soon as they'd all settled down in class, Aniruddh Jaitley had locked the door and started talking.

'Well, I expect you guys must be bursting with questions. Here, let me relieve you guys.' And just as he'd said that, he pinned two newspaper articles side by side on the board. One showed a photo of Ramanujam sir holding an award, a bright smile on his face; with a headline that read: Royal Academy wins the award for academic excellence.

The other article showed two pictures side by side; one had KD being taken away by the police in the courtyard, second was one of Banga sir, and Kiya standing on the podium, while eggs were being thrown; with the headline that stated: Royal in crisis?

The students desperately looked at Jaitley sir for more information and at the same time, had the decency to look ashamed.

'Look at his face', Jaitley sir indicated towards the first article. 'Ramanujam sir was at his happiest that day. And look at everything now. You guys have made him look like a fool in front of the media and the trustees. He cares for you all. His students mean everything to him. He is one of those teachers that say that he wants the best for his students and means it. He gives you permission for hosting parties in school, for organising all sorts of competitions and cultural fests. And what do you all do? You throw his trust right back in his face. Is that what he deserves? '

'KD, you tell me, who was the first person to save you when the police had come to take you away? Who was the person that stood by throughout and made sure you got out of that place safe and sound? And Kiya? Who was the one that told your mother that you weren't going anywhere when she was all ready to pull you out of Royal a couple of years ago? Piddi! You tell me; who was the one that had overruled Banga sir's judgement of rusticating you all the other day? And Bobby, who made sure that you didn't get into trouble for sneaking out of detention to play your football match? Ranveer, who helped you start your beloved Royal Radio?'

'That's right. Ramanujam sir. He has been through a lot because of you guys .There are articles in the papers every day about him and how he's unfit to be a principal of this school. The trustees are hounding him every day and want Banga sir to take over as principal.'

All the while, no one had raised their heads by an inch, but at the last statement, all of their heads whipped up. Banga sir as principal? NO WAY! The protests started at once but stopped immediately as Jaitley raised a hand. All of them now knew better than to argue with him.

'Yes, that's correct. Banga sir may take over as principal if this keeps up. All the pranks, all the unwanted media attention; everything! I'm not supposed to tell you guys all this, but I know that despite the silliness in all of you, you have a sound mind and know better than to tell anyone about this'

Arjun and Payal sat there in their spots wondering why they were there. And as soon as they'd thought of this, Jaitley spoke once more.

'Ramanujam Sir and Naina Maa were there for me when no one else was. I've vowed to get rid of all their troubles starting with what you guys are doing. I know what your problems are. I've been through those too, believe me. The administration doesn't listen to any protests, Banga sir plans to sabotage all parties, despite Rama Sir's warnings, Banga Sir ALSO cancelled your curricular activities; I'm aware of all that. And yet, the method that you guys are using? Do you think that's fair? Banga Sir is only the vice-principal. When you try and get back at him for whatever he's done to you all, do you realise who has to bear the brunt of it all? Raama Sir does. And that's something that I won't tolerate ever. Remember KD? You'd once told me, that 'duniya mein bohot shor hai? Awaaz unchi karni padti hai?' Well, I'll have you know that I had said the very same words to Raama sir years ago.'

All heads whipped up to look at him once more, the shock still etched on their faces. This 'Uncle' didn't look like the type to have said something like that.

'I haven't called all of you here to listen to my constant nagging; you may get enough of that at home already'. At this, Piddi started laughing in his regular fashion, with his head bobbing up and down and with all 32 outs. Everyone, looking at Piddi burst out laughing, even Jaitley cracked a smile but the light moment was soon over and he continued. 'I've called you here because this group of students holds the most potential in all of 11^th grade. That, and the fact that it's usually all of you who are involved in any kinds of pranks going on around the school'.

'Guys, this is serious business. We have to get Royal back to its previous standard. For that, you guys have to work together, as a team, to ensure that the school functions smoothly, with no pranks along the way. No, I'm not making you guys 'prefects' or something. That would be silly. What I want is that we embark on a journey together, something that I call 'The Buddy Project'. I know that you all have problems with one another. I know you guys can't stand the sight of each other. I know that some of you hate each other. But please, for Royal's sake and for your OWN sake, let's get started. Each one of you has something unique, something so special that when all of you come together, you guys are capable of any damn thing! I mean, I'm not saying that any other student in this school is less capable, but all of you together? You're something. Why is it, guys, that when any prank has to be pulled, all of you come together? Why is it that despite all the hatred and animosity, you work efficiently and as a team? That's exactly what I mean. And Arjun and Payal? You guys are here because I know something like this was done in your previous school that has helped you guys become who you are today.'

At this, Ranveer spoke up, 'With all due respect, SIR, we are helpless at the time of carrying out a prank. We KNOW that we need to support one another so that all of us get out of it safely and can ensure the success of what we do'.

Everyone nodded furiously at this and Jaitley cracked a smile once more.

'Exactly. You may not realise it now guys, but this 'helplessness', as you put it, is a form of togetherness. You KNOW what you lack in your life and therefore, you try and form a team of people that have the things you don't. That is what MAKES your team brilliant! I mean, think about it. You guys help fill the void in one another. If one person lacks something, it's made up by someone else's quality.'

Jaitley shakes his head and rubs his eyes. 'I guess, what I'm trying to say is, well, what's I'm trying to propose here is that if you work well with me, Ramanujam sir stays the principal, all your extra-curricular activities start up once more and whenever you have problems, Rama sir and myself vow to help you out. What we want from you guys: No more pranks, sorting out differences, and working as a team to achieve your goals. I know, you guys need time for that, so think about it and tell me. '

'And by the way. You guys are only 16. Tum logon mein itna ego kyun hai? I don't know. Itni nafrat kyun hai? I don't know that either. But I just wanna say, apni brilliance in stupid pranks mein barbaad mat karo, zindagi ki bheed mein kho jaoge! Apne andar jhaank kar dekho. Jawab milega ki kya karna hai!.

At this, Piddi spoke up, 'Sir, hum wahi kar rahe hain jo Junglee karta'.

Jaitley willed himself to calm down and replied, 'Nahin, tum nahin jaante ki woh kya karta'

KD couldn't help it and answered back, 'Haan, jaise aapko bada pata hai ki Junglee kya karta?'

'Yes! Mujhe pata hai ki woh kya sochta. Junglee would have thought the same things that Aniruddh Jaitley would have. Junglee is standing right in front of you, whether you like it, or not. Whether you'd imagined it, or not and I hope that this matter will NOT leave this classroom. Thank you'. Having looked at them all square in the eye while saying that, Aniruddh Jaitley walked out of the room; leaving the shocked and surprised students in his wake.