Sweeter than Chocolate
I scour the staff room for the chocolates I made for Anirudh. As an art teacher in this school, I share a good rapport with the students who borrow my stuff.
My belongings have disappeared on multiple occasions.
Anirudh teaches mathematics. He’s aloof, but cool, both admired and feared by the kids. Although he claims my leniency allows these incidents to persist… How can I be strict with the children when my twenty-seven-year-old transforms into a child picking up her paintbrush? I teach them art! Art should be enjoyed.
“Today’s Valentine’s Day.” I mutter to myself, shoulders drooping. “My chocolates are gone before I can confess to him.”
I momentarily resent the chocolate thief. Then I think it might be a desperate act of love.
“Confessing with stolen chocolates? I'd feel super guilty if I did that.”
No one, not even the janitor, saw anyone enter the staffroom. I confirm my loss with a sigh, collect my things and head to the lobby, where the clock chimes four. Time to meet Anirudh on the school grounds.
Falling in love with your fellow teacher? At first, I considered it a taboo. As my admiration grew, I realised I could still find a balance between work and love. I need to tell Anirudh how I feel. It took courage to get here. I must see this through. Without the chocolates.
***
Anirudh and I leave the school gates as usual. The streets are sparsely crowded. I steel myself and confess as we round a corridor.
“Anirudh, I love you. I wanted to give you chocolates while saying this, but...”
He takes my hand with a chuckle.
“I love you too...”
My eyes widen. He already knows how I feel. He produces his usual dark chocolate bar out of his pocket. “Not fancy ones. But I thought this would do...”
I accept the chocolate in a daze. Looking sheepish, he vows to buy me fancy ones soon.
We walk to the bus stop, bubbling with laughter. Embarrassed, I recount what happened in the staff room.
Anirudh only listens with compassion. He always listens. It’s this compassion, drive for academics, and kind nature that won me over.
A man holding roses suddenly approaches us. Anirudh hands him money and presents me with the beautiful bouquet.
“Ridhima, will you date me with marriage in mind?”
Though baffled, I grin. “Why me…”
“I knew nothing about art before I met you. I was with the principal and other teachers who wanted to remove art from the curriculum. You were the one who fought against that, and it inspired me. You taught me beauty was necessary.”
We slip into silence as a gentle breeze wafts around us. Then, boarding a bus, we discreetly hold hands while being straphangers all the way.
As I look out at the Chennai traffic from the bus window, I reaffirm my favourite chocolates will taste sweeter this evening. As sweet as our new beginning.