The Substitute Teacher: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Eat
The Hindu
When the ST brings something to eat, VIC discovers that Shravan wouldn’t eat most of the stuff they did.
Story so far: VIC can’t decide what to do about the ST. Though he is annoying and interfering, he knows how to have fun.
Everyone knew what teachers did at lunchtime. They had seen them in the Staff Room, heard their laughter, and sniffed the delicious smells wafting out. VIC couldn’t imagine any teacher leaving the food party.
So, when the ST joined VIC for lunch, the students groaned and muttered. Something, they agreed, would have to be done. They huddled in groups and began to share ideas over hungry bites. Then the ST opened a big box and walked around the classroom, urging, “Have one!”
“What is it?” they asked suspiciously and were instantly ashamed when he said, “Something I made!” They examined what was inside. It looked like a burfi; so, those who liked sweets took big pieces while those who didn’t picked the smallest.
Except Shravan, who said, “I don’t eat!”
By now most of VIC had tasted the pieces. Those who disliked sweets were happy it wasn’t sweet while the sweet lovers were disappointed. But all realised that it was delicious: smooth and nutty, with a sharp lemony flavour.
“Eat,” they told Shravan. “You’ll like it!”
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