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So, Be It!
By kalos opa
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Rated "G" by the Author.
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Don't take advantage of other's docile nature and deceive. You never know the consequences.
I WAS coming to terms with the fact that I had achieved low marks in the mid-term exams. This was really unbelievable. One part of me was screaming loudly, so much so that I couldn't hear any other sound. The other part was extolling me to take action, to raise my voice against the gross injustice done to me. I was actually numb with inaction. She was after all, my head of the department. She knew best what had to be done and how many marks one had to get. I shouldn't be unduly worried.
They were after all mid-term. In the finals, the real position would be known. The more I consoled myself, the more I became agitated. I had made the principal of the college aware of the matter. That was a month back. She had not yet taken any action nor called me regarding this. I was slowly losing patience. My classmates too had soothed me that I could outperform anyone in the annual exams. Somehow nothing was clicking. I was becoming more and more withdrawn. When I deserved more, why did she mark me less and promoted the other girl, who although bright was never nearer that extra mark that I had.
My creativity was unmatched. Whoever read my answer papers appreciated them for their difference, for that something extra. I had always thanked God for being kind to me for granting me that something extra. I couldn't fault with professor. She had always encouraged me and had always told others to imbibe my qualities. She had written reports praising my academic side. That was fine till the second year. In the final year, I raised questions regarding her teaching and she may not have liked that.
There was a sudden lessening of attention from her side towards me. Not that I minded that but no one should tamper with my academic record. That is something I won't tolerate from anyone. And that is what I revolted against and for the first time I went to the principal with the complaint against the professor. Iwas brought out of my reverie by the voice of the peon. "The principal is calling you." I knocked at the principal's door. When I was seated, she began. "I have inquired into the matter. You know, it is at the discretion of the departmental head to decide on the marks."
"This time, the other girl had written very well and therefore the professor cannot be doubted for allotting higher marks to her. Anyway, I have arranged for a meeting between the two of you. Sort out your differences. This is your final year and we expect university rank from students of your calibre. Such a small thing shouldn't disappoint you to bring down your performance. So cheer up and meet her. Find a solution to your problem. I don't think she is unreasonable. I understand you have not spoken to her in the past one month."
"But holding grudges does not help. Talking does." So tonight I had to meet her. Outside the principal's room, all my classmates were standing. All eager faces, I could see. All were anxious to hear what the principal had said. I did not disappoint them. Why did I feel that everyone was patronizing me? There was feeling that I had been licked. Some understood me while others felt I was over reacting. They didn't understand my life depended on my academic performance. I came to professor's quarters, which was in the college premises. It was eight in the night and I could see many of my classmates near there.
They too were waiting for the outcome. I winked at them and found them reciprocating. I pressed the bell and found professor opening the door. "Oh Maria, it's so good to see you. Please be seated and be comfortable. What would you have? I know your fav is coke." "Professor, I have never doubted your judgment. You know better. Had you failed me I wouldn't have minded but to do this just to spite me and when it is so obvious, do you think it is justified. Tell me, is this justified. For a month I have suffered for no fault of mine."
"My academic record stands shattered. I have to tell you something. I am a person of mild temper and quite nature. But that should not be taken for my submissiveness. I will not stay quite in the face of oppression. The last time I was angry, a killing took place. I was a juvenile. The court sent me to a juvenile home. As I was not a professional killer, I was send back to my family. I think that insanity is visiting me now again. I want you to decide for yourself. You know what is good for you."
"I am sorry, but this is it. You have tested my patience for no reason. Don't blame me for what I will do. To each one his/her own." And I lifted the side table and aimed at her. I had never seen a whiter face than hers. "Don't, don't Maria, please don't. You are right. I just wanted to spite you. I crossed the boundaries of what a teacher is supposed to be. I will do what you will tell me. I should have done that then and this situation wouldn't have arisen."
"Tell me, do you want me to do anything else and I will do that also. Please don't kill me. Please, I beg of you. What do you want me to do? I will confess to it in writing. You are still not satisfied. I will announce it to the world. I will. Look, there's the window. I will shout out loudly. Let the whole campus listen. I won't jump. I will just announce. Yes, yes I did you an injustice. I am sorry. I must set things right. But please leave me alone." I had had enough.
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