A Let Down

I studied in Parle Tilak Vidyalay till 7th std. I was actually a good student till 4th. That's why I was drafted in the elite division for 5-7 std (BTW, I do not subscribe to elite division concept, but that's a different matter). I was good in Mathematics. Due to a particular incident, when I was 10 years old, my concentration-level dropped, studies suffered. I did not take introduction of Scicence kindly. Even Mathematics wasn't my friend anymore. My grades suffered. Due to the school policy, the next division assessment was going to be after finishing 7th standard. Even though I was still in elite division in 7th standard, it was all thanks to my good showing in 4th standard. Even couple of teachers were contemptous of few of us because they felt more deserving candidates were languishing in lower divisions.

After giving 7th standard exams, we shifted home to Kanjur Marg. If you know Mumbai, you will understand the distance between Parle and Kanjur Marg. I believe the only way I could have attended Parle Tilak was to go from Kanjur Marg to Vidya Vihar via train and from there catch bus #322. It would have taken more than 1 hour in one-way.

Aai was debating whether to continue me in Parle Tilak or look for schools in Kanjur Marg. The schools in Kanjur Marg did not appeal her and the reputation of Parle Tilak was tempting enough to continue, however impractical it looked. She hinted to me, if I get good grades I may continue in Parle Tilak.

The result day arrived. Aai waited by the road side. Predictably I had bad grades, and I was relegated to 5th division (demotion by 4 divisions). I was naturally disappointed. My companion, Makarand Nagle, commented on uselessness in repenting when I didn't study. It was pretty harsh but right-on in assessment.

I came out of the school. Noticed Aai sitting on a roadside fence with quisical looks. For the first time in my life I felt I have let her down.