Please turn over. 

This story is written by Tithi Tavora. 

English Balbharti, Standard 7, SSC. 

Name- Deepti Puthran 

Name of College- Hansraj Jivandas College of Education (Autonomous) 

SY.B.ED

2020-22

DEVELOPING LEARNING RESOURCES 

“How was the first day of school?’ asked Mother as Rima sat down for dinner.

“Okay,” Rima shrugged. “No lessons. Just settling in.”

“Any new girls in your class?” enquired her father, Mr Sen.

“Only one - Malti - and she is funny,” grimaced Rima as she helped herself to the salad.

“Why do you say that?” asked Mr Sen.

“She can’t speak much English. She has come from another State,” sniffed Rima, naming one at the other end of the country.

“Oh ! Children from that State are supposed to be clever. They are specially good at maths,” said Mr Sen quietly.

“Well, this one does not seem smart at all. Oily hair, bindi and all. ‘Gud marning, Teeechurr,” mimicked Rima.

Her parents exchanged glances. Rima was their only child. They doted on her. But she could be insufferable at times.

“I do hope you and your friends will not make things too difficult for Malti,” sighed Mr Sen as he rose from the table.

I do hope you and your friends will not make things too difficult for Malti

The new girl Malti has oily hair, bindi and all eww

image source- pixabay.com

Rima and her gang had decided to do just that.

Next morning, the minute Malti entered the class, they all chorused, “Gud marning!”

Poor Malti. She did not realise that they were making fun of her. She beamed back at them and replied, “Gud marning!”

Shahnaz giggled. “Why do you put so much oil on your hair ?” she asked rudely.

Malti looked offended but did not reply.

“And the skirt-soo l-o-o-n-g,” said Clare cattily.

Malti flushed. She was about to say something when Teacher entered. As the class progressed, everyone was surprised to see Malti raise her hand whenever Teacher asked a question.

“Yes, Malti, you answer,” said Teacher.

Malti answered correctly and Teacher nodded in appreciation.

Why do you put so much oil on your hair ?

And the skirt-soo l-o-o-n-g

Gud marning!

image source- pixabay.com

When Rima recounted this at home, her mother said, “Sounds like a clever girl.”

“What is the use?” said Rima uncharitably.

“Her English is so atrocious.”

“The same may be said of your Hindi,” countered Mr Sen sharply. He was getting quite sick of Rima’s attitude.

Even Mrs Sen did not like it. That night Rima’s parents discussed the matter.

“We put Rima into a good school to make her smart and confident. I am afraid she is turning into quite a little snob!” said Mr Sen sadly.

The same may be said of your Hindi

Malti's English is so atrocious.

image source- pixabay.com

The following Saturday was the Inter-House singing competition. Rima, who was participating in the English song category, was surprised to see Malti’s name in the list of participants for the Hindi song category. 

“Oily plaits sings also,” she said snidely to Clare.

“Croaks, you mean,” giggled Clare.

They were to be proved wrong. Malti sang beautifully. She had a melodious and well-trained voice. Rima and her gang had decided to jeer when Malti sang, but there was such absolute silence, they did not dare to. They were sure to get caught. When Malti finished, the Principal was the first one to start clapping, followed by the teachers and students.

No one was surprised when Malti won the first prize. Rima did come first in her category; somehow, she felt no joy.

As the term progressed, it was abundantly clear to all that Malti was a bright child. She was quiet, studious and intelligent. She fared well in sports as well as in studies. Her forte was mathematics. Her simple appearance belied a sharp and nimble brain. Slowly, many of the girls began seeking her help in mathematics. Help which she readily and cheerfully gave. The teachers had liked the respectful, intelligent girl from the beginning. Now girls from the class also befriended her.

image source- pixabay.com