Page 135 - Lavender-B-8

Kavita made a face at him. When Mr Ghosh
walked into the classroom, she rolled her eyes at her
friend Dipali. He didn’t smile nor did he say, ‘Good
morning’. He merely nodded as the children chanted

their greeting. He opened the book he had brought
along and read out the title of the chapter. Before
proceeding, he asked, ‘Have you read the lesson?’

There was silence. Who came to class on the first
day, after a great vacation, having even looked at
the names of their textbooks?

Dipali giggled and Kavita rolled her eyes again.
Who did Mr Ghosh think he was dealing with?
PhD students?

To their horror, it seemed that Mr Ghosh did think just that! He lectured them about
coming prepared to the class, and then set an assignment, instructing them to refer to
additional books in the library. When he left the room, for a moment there was dead
silence, then all hell broke loose.

‘Is History our only subject this year?’ How do you

’Why must we refer to more books from the library? Our textbook is like Rohan’s
Just a Minute!
thick enough!’ ideology?

‘What is wrong with him?’

If ever there was unity in Class VIII, this was it. The entire class had made a snap
decision—instant and total hatred for Mr Ghosh! Small groups were formed and reformed
all through the day to discuss how to handle the new teacher.

‘We have to beat him at his own game!’ seemed to be the final

decision. Can you say that Just a Minute!
some of your qualities
‘We will come prepared!’ said the class in one voice. match with Kavita? If

yes, how?
There was a general rush for the library.

It was, therefore, a very knowledgeable Class VIII that made a face: produced a facial
met Mr Ghosh the next day and he almost smiled in expression that shows dislike or some
appreciation of their effort. ‘Good. Now for tomorrow’s other negative emotion
giggled: laughed softly or in a playful
lesson, prepare for a debate.’ manner, often in response to something
amusing or funny
‘How I hate this!’ exclaimed Kavita as he left the class. lectured: delivered a lengthy talk, often
with an instructive tone
‘He is going to give us sleepless nights with his all hell broke loose: when a situation
suddenly becomes violent and noisy
assignments and debates and what not!’
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