First day at school

First day at school

Yes, first day at school. I do not remember my first day at school... frankly I do, but may be I don't want to! I used to go to this school named 'NPPS' in Pune. I remember, for the first day, both mom and dad had come to drop me. It was a gloomy morning (either I remember it gloomy or it was actually one!). I remember walking in the school, the madam (tai, her name was Ms. Kale i guess) stretching her hand forward to receive me... entire school campus, kids wearing brown uniforms, crying. I joined the gang too. I think that was the only day I did what the other kids were doing, rest of the days of the school, I did what others were not doing- coming late, sleeping off in the school, wetting my chaddi, not making friends etc etc. I always played the role of a cranky crying kid every school has. Anyways, I have paid enough for the being in that role as well... 

Today's first day at school was for Kabir. Yes, he is grown up. So much so that he is now going to school, to a play school, but still. We were excited for this promotion from a long time. He was about to enter a phase which is never ending. All his life, at least all his prime years, he will be spending in some or the other school or such educational shop. The things now he is excited about, uniform, bag, water bottle, he will hate them to core eventually. We had had the day planned. Rashmi will take him from home, reach the school campus, I will reach office little early, spend at least an hour in the office so people won't say anything, then leave in time and reach the school, we will send off the kid together. Such a perfect, loving, family family event. 

I wanted to see how he marches towards the school when we drop him there. Will he cry? Will he be sentimental, at least? (this question can arise in case of Kabir, he is just like his name, Saint!!) Will he be apprehensive about leaving his parents behind? Will he.. wil...

I had more apprehensions than him. I was more excited than him. I wanted to see all these, feel this anxiety... be worried and happy at the same time. Be a good father and be around when the kid would need me the most...

I left office thinking about all this. I remembered how I used to go to school. My dad used to drop me. This is 1990's when the wall clocks were set on the radio announcements. My school was about 5-6 Kms away from home. It started at 7 in the morning, and we left the house at about 6.50-6.55. Dad used to drop me to school, come back, park the vehicle and then walk down for another 20 mins to catch a bus at 7.40. Believe me, even if the things don't add up now, it used to work, every day, except Thursdays. He used to ride me to school, full speed, shouting on the people on the streets. He had Hero Honda CD 100, bike as old as me (and he still has it, still rides it, not full speed, but still shouting on the people walking by!!), which he drove to the fullest. Scary but wonderful days!!

I was so lost in the thoughts, I did not worry about the traffic, signals I had to wait for 2/3 times, stupid and subjectively irresponsible people crossing the roads and driving cars, nothing. I somehow reached the school in no time. I was relieved and excited. To meet him, see him going in the school, crossing the road, finally!!

And best part of the story, I missed all this! I was, apparently, very late and school was particularly particular about starting on time. I reached at about 11.35, when the school starts at 11.30. They waited for 2 mins for me to come (SO nice of them!!) Hmm... all the anxiety, good fatherhood, excitement, apprehensions, sentiments were washed away by 3 minutes... 

I received him when he came out of it, same as I would if he comes out of an airplane. We clapped, chirped and did all those stupid things one does when around his/her kids. 

Nothing goes waste, as the happiness on his face when he came out was equally enchanting. I missed the beginning, but the complete movie, especially the climax was worth a watch!!