Page 61 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“Why Isuna Community Primary School when we have other schools nearby the road?”
“The principal is my relative.”
“Fine,” I said with reluctance.
The next day, we took a taxi. The principal and a few students were waiting for us at the bridge. “Welcome, sirs,”
We shook his hands. “Our pleasure, sir.”
“I have arranged your stay in a village house near the school,” he said. “Ground floor.”
“That would do,” said Lambu. “We appreciate your support, sir.”
“Mention not, please,” said the principal. “The onus is on the principal to ensure you feel at home.”
Up along the hill, Master conversed with the principal in their vernacular. Khengkha.
In the assembly the next morning, the principal said, “I, on behalf of the school, welcome the three TP teachers.
They will be with us for one and a half months. Students, you must cooperate with them. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir,” said the students in unison.
Three female apprentice teachers next to the principal smiled at us.
We bowed and began the introduction, one after another.
On Blessed Rainy Day, the principal came to our place. He had a deck of cards in his hands. He flicked them and
said, “Let’s play Marriage.”
Lambu said, “Why not?”
“I don’t know Marriage,” I said.
“Let’s play Flush,” said the principal. “You will like it.”
“I am not ace with it,” I said, “but I would try, sir.”
The principal plucked the cards and shuffled us in a circle.
After half an hour, I got brassed-off with the game. “I think I should stop here.”
“We’ve only started,” said the principal. “You’ll enjoy it soon, sir.”
“Um, I think it’s lunchtime,” I said. “I will prepare lunch.”
Master glared at me. “Principal wants you to play, so play!”
Furrowing my brow, I said, “I am not playing now!”
“It’s okay,” said the principal. “You can take rest.”
As Master glared at me, I sneaked into the kitchen. After lunch, I strolled away to my favorite spot and watched
cars plying down the road. I sat there on a rock the whole afternoon. I tried to avoid the incident, but it came in bits
and pieces. “Why must Master roar at me? He crossed the limit with me, today.” The sun reached low on the
horizon. As dusk fell, I traipsed back home.
They were still playing. So, I sulked in the kitchen until the principal left.
“Our cook won’t give us dinner,” said Lambu.
“What the hell did you say?” I blurted. “Since when have you started treating me like a cook?”
It startled them, but I didn’t laugh. They exchanged glances.
“At least you should have cooked for the principal,” said Lambu.
“Whatever,” I said.
“Yeah,” said Master. “You should’ve at least done that.”
“Enough of your nonsense,” I said. “Why didn’t you cook for him yourself?”
“You are insolent,” said Lambu. “How could you do such a thing to sir?”
I walked into the bedroom, placing my hands on the hips. “What do you mean?”
Master shifted away to the edge of the bed. “You disrespected sir. Your reaction is despicable. Why didn’t you
cook?”
“How is my reaction despicable? Prove me. Why should I when you just relax?”
I hurled a steel plate across the room and slammed my fist on the table to emphasize my points. Master crawled
into his bed, but Lambu stood and argued with me.
“Enough of it,” said Master. “Both of you.”
The room floated with silence since then.
At school, I remained aloof. When Master and Lambu chatted with the apprentice teachers, I would sneak out.
Back home, I didn’t take the meals they had prepared. My unbridled anger didn’t abate even after a week. They hurt
me so much I decided not to talk to them.
One day, I was in the kitchen when Master and Lambu were talking about the apprentice teachers.
“They are damn pretty,” said Lambu.
“I like the one with glossy hair,” said Master.
“I like that thin girl,” said Lambu.
A wave of irresistible chuckles surged inside me in the kitchen. I controlled them.
Lambu popped his head round the door and said, “Hey Uncle, which one do you like?”

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