IC-817 made me famous for a while..

Trial is ongoing. I am also in a habit of trying all new things when it comes to some creative stuff. The Times of India had come up with new supplement for the school kids called NIE, Newspapers in Education. All the kids participated in weekly contributions sent to NIE in the form of poems, articles, paintings, jokes etc. I tried my luck and sent a painting based on IC-817 hijack and showed peace between India and Pakistan. It was an amateur stuff yet I was proud to come up with that concept. 

Now this was the most exciting moment for me. As every morning, we had to distribute the newspapers to respective classes being the “Prefect”. This had to be done before students reach their classes after the assembly. We sorted out the edition and distributed it to each class on the floor. The assembly got over, I went to my class and every one started applauding for me in praise. I was shocked and confused. “What the hell is going on”, I thought to myself. My teacher stood and congratulated me and every one had their respective newspapers opened in front of them. I managed to peep in my friends copy and couldn’t believe my eyes. I snatched the newspaper and stared at it for a while. I thanked my friends and teacher and asked her, “Mam, can I go share this news with Shikha?” My teacher smiled, she knew we were best of friends and allowed me to go to her class to break the news. I thought she must have seen it by now however, I wanted to see her expression. I ran to the next class and knocked.

Mrs. Manju Sharma, if I remember it correctly was Shikha’s English teacher. It was the first period and she had already taken over the class. I opened the door slowly and wished her good morning. I said, “Mam, can I talk to Shikha for a minute?” The entire class looked at both of us as if we committed some crime. Any how, that’s how we all did at some point or another.

Shikha looked zapped and stepped out. She spoke her usual statement, “Kya hua?” in a worried tone. I so wanted to shout and break the news to her but I decided to hold my excitement for a while and I showed the newspaper to her. She couldn’t understand what I was trying to show as she was still confused. I said, “Idiot, look at the painting”. She jumped (not literally) in joy and hugged me. I loved that expression on her face. She looked happy and proud. Since she had her class going, she ran back and said we’ll discuss it later.

I was overwhelmed and went back to my class. The entire day, I felt special as this was published on the front page. I ran in the entire school to show it to all my friends and teachers who left it unnoticed. This day of 17^th February, 2000 was amazing, fantabulous. I so wanted to share it with mom and dad but I had to wait for the entire day to get over.

I collected some 20 copies of newspaper kept it in my school bag and left school. I reached home after 2 in the afternoon. I ran straight to my mother and showed her the newspaper. My mother is sucha sweetheart but not very expressive. I knew she was inundated. After giving me lunch she immediately started calling all my relatives to tell them about it. (What an Indian thing to do, I felt I cleared some IIM entrance exam) But I liked it. That’s how mothers show their love.

I am sure; all will agree with me, mothers are the best gift any child can get. I feel if a woman does not have child, it’s not their misfortune but the child’s who could never get an opportunity to be loved, caressed and adored by someone called “MOTHER”. Love you Mommaaaa..I miss u a lot here in Bangalore. I want to hug you tight right now and never leave.