The only difference

The teacher gave a stern look to the miscreants. No more making fun of people. You all are mature enough to understand this . The students looked sullen when they were shouted at. The teacher looking pleased moved forward to entertain the guests. And the kids started sniggering  silently again once the teacher was out of sight.

They started enjoying their time. Joking around. Shoving each other playfully, teasing bantering.  A boy went on to chatting with a fellow classmate asking about her studies. Everything normal.

As the crowd started increasing, so did their nervousness. Some tried to be non-chalant about it, some were anxious. Some waited with abated breath about what the response would be.  They were the 16 year old photographers and this exhibition was showcasing their talent. At the same time they were preparing for their exams.

When the people started praising them, there was such a genuine smile on their faces. The people were praising the talent and nothing else. The pride that one saw on their faces, the sheer happiness, the belief that they could do something as well, could be read on their faces. When ever someone came upto them for a praise they smiled and looked for their teacher. The teacher thanked them for visiting and also joined in praising the kids. Her wonderful kids. The pride shining in her eyes. For hours I watched the teacher fussing over the children. Whether they had eaten or not.... Do they need anything else ? , just like other teachers.

The only difference : they did not take the help of sound. Whatever they wanted to communicate , they said it through signs. The emotions were the same, the school life was the same. They are no special kids, but wonderful. There is no less love , just more respect. They are just like us albeit sound.
 I am glad that I had the pleasure of watching them and their exhibition. I could have spent a day observing them and yet wouldn't have been tired. Their exuberance could have changed anything. I don't know what the future holds for them but am sure it would be a successful one.

Face(book)value : Never again

I smiled. What else can I do? My friend had found love on a social networking site. And was going on and on about his love. So a smile was the excepted reaction. Since the time they started chatting with each other, their lives were wonderful  - but  were making others miserable. And the best part was that had decided to not meet. I was really happy for my friend but his incessant talks about his one and only, made me want to either hit him or myself with something.

"And she just said out of the blue that she loves me. I was too shocked , but I realised that even I loved her. And she doesn't want to know anything about my job. She is such a kind hearted person I tell you." This is the story that I heard after exactly one day before. So before he again dives into an ocean of her stories I interrupted him.
"We'll it's very rare to find people like her now a days. She seems to be an angel. You are very lucky." And thank God that my phone started to ring putting an end to this conversation atleast.

This had become a regular thing. All our conversations revolved around his love and his lover...phew. Whenever I could, I tried to avoid my friend and his non stop talks. But sometimes it was unavoidable.

"And you know what she also said that she is a wonderful cook. She would love to cook for me everyday." Today was going to be one of those days. Uh- oh.
"Wow" I quipped. I racked my brains for a safe topic  devoid of his love life.... Shopping?? No..could lead to her... Cricket ?? Not ready to jump in yet another ditch but still can be kept as last option.

Cars ? ...a good choice! With that taken care of I interrupted him " did you watch the
 commercial of new car ?"


"Which one?" My friend asked with enthusiasm.

" Well it was this car with orange and blue colours or something. I ...I don't remember much myself."

"Must not be that good, if one doesn't even remember it."

" Hmmm..." was all I could utter before he dived into his favourite topic.
"By the way did I tell you that orange is her favourite fruit ?" Pffff there goes my effort down the drain. NOTE TO MYSELF :DO NOT PICK UP TOPIC ABOUT WHICH I AM EVEN A BIT CLUELESS.


"Yes you did" I smiled and said. And that was all the encouragement he needed. Huh....

One day he surprised me when he said " we have decided to meet". I was happy for him.
" So when are you two meeting?"
"Soon" he replied.

 With no response from him, I asked him " Did you guys meet? What happened ?"
"Yes we met."
"So are you guys meeting again?". I was the one who was excited  this time for a change.

"Hmmm....Might be if she gets free from the hospital."



"Oh!! She is a doctor then? Is she as pretty as she looks in the photo ?"

" No she is not a doctor but the rounds to the hospital keep her busy, most of the days."

Still not understanding, I gave him a 'I am not getting you' look.

" Dear " he finally said " I met a  lovely grandmother who loves her granddaughter so much that she keeps her  photo as profile picture."

Whoa!! never expected that. But it sure was going to put a stop on my friends incessant love talks. Well at least I would have my friend back , if only for some time. ;)