Born with a lisp and a squeaky voice, pimple faced, too tall Alok felt highly self-conscious. He was the tallest kid in middle school, a lanky boy towering over rest of the classmates who stuck out like a sore thumb.

He seemed to be outgrowing his school uniform every few weeks, faster than they were home tailored by grandmother with the cheap cloth they could barely afford from wholesale market.

His entire life he felt awkward and not good enough. He accepted he was a misfit. It became rough and hard as he moved from elementary school to middle school where he was bullied more often than in elementary school where his kind class teacher was protective toward him and ensured he felt safe.

His mop of curly hair that resisted comb discipline could be seen as unkempt, his crooked teeth with a life their own made his smile stand out in not a pretty way, his shrill voice sounded unlike a boy’s and could be mistaken for that of a girl, his movements felt “girlie” as he was teased…it just would not stop. Teasing, unkind hurtful remarks were relentless as he approached preteens.

It was as though he was being pulled up to grow vertically every other day and acne mushroomed no matter how much he washed using mild soap as directed by school nurse. 

He slowly started withdrawing from raising his hand in the class when teachers asked questions or called out for volunteers. He spoke only if he absolutely had to. He wanted to avoid being the object of ridicule, this way he ensured he did not draw attention to himself under any circumstance.

One day he was sitting in an empty hall corner of the old library under renovation.  He started humming to himself, a tune rose from within inside of him, not something he had heard nor learned from anyone. It flowed out of him, the melodious stream. He started creating random lyrics to befit the soothing notes.

As his ongoing song ended, he heard footsteps of the middle aged, kind faced music teacher who was teaching for 30 years. 

“I am so sorry Miss Marne, I thought I was alone”   Alok fumbled in embarrassment.

“You were absolutely divine child, you are gifted. I am delighted to have heard your song rendition and it would be a mistake to not showcase this diamond in the rough” Ms Marne replied.

“Promise me, starting tomorrow you will come to me for private lessons after school, your skill needs to be polished for you to become the musician you are destined to be.”

Alok could not believe the words he was hearing. After all he did not dare to open his mouth in public, leave alone sing or hum. This was a validation that felt like rain to parched earth, much needed.

He stuttered, “We do not have money to afford private classes Miss.” He stared at his not shiny shoes which seemed to be coming slowly apart at the sole.

Ms Marne smiled, “these are not paid classes Alok. I do not conduct any private tuition. However with you I want to make an exception. This will not cost you any money. Would you like to learn is my only one question to you. “

Alok went home with a light step and regaled this unexpected exchange with Ms Marne to his grandma and mother. They were thrilled to bits. After all, his entire life had been about “shrinking” to be invisible. It was the first time someone was this kind to him and willing to take him under their wing.

It felt like droplets of kindness were sprinkled by an angel without wings. 

They decided to keep it a secret for now, after all they had no idea what to expect, and what may come of it really. 

Ms Marne’s residence was a simple quaint home with a tiny wrap around garden with multiple beds of variety of colorful roses and tall hedges making it a secluded cozy spot. 

She led him to a gleaming piano nestled amidst her well-tended houseplants, gift from her ancestors 

She sat Alok down and ran her fingers on the keys of the piano, and then she asked him to do the same. 

Hesitating he reached out to the ivory keys. He felt a bolt of energy climbing up the fingertips through his arms; face, body and heart that beat abnormally fast with excitement.

He felt completely relaxed as though this is what he had waited for all his life.

Alok took to musical instruments, playing notes however nuanced with concentrated focus. He discovered he took to music like duck to water. He had no family member in music to know better until now.

When Ms Marne made him practice long hours and repeatedly, he was more than willing, ready, and prepared to be a sponge to her teachings. His curiosity to know, learn and master each session were traits of a man in a hurry to reach some unknown goalpost.

Highschool became easier for Alok with music classes under Ms Marne’s tutelage and guidance. He gained confidence without realizing what brought about this transformation. His anxiety dropped and he was just happier all the time, ready to hum a tune at the drop of a hat and blink of an eye.

His voice turned baritone, and his nimble fingers created heavenly music flying on once unacquainted ivory keys of the Steinway Piano.

His grades in all subjects improved, he just smiled more, and he laughed along with others even at the teasings which made it no more fun for others to pick on him.

By end of the academic year the day of school performance Ms Marne announced there would be a surprise performance by a special musician. 

“I invite Alok to join me on the stage and play the piano and sing with me” – he and family were caught unawares and pleasantly surprised. 

To showcase his talent, Ms Marne had put in patience, dedication, hard work and time with love. Months of hard work finally paid off, Alok’s scintillating performance on stage left his mates, teachers and all in the audience shocked. 

His talent dazzled the parents of students who were mesmerized at the fluidity and depth beyond the young years of Alok.

As luck would have it, one of the parents was a Julliard graduate and now part of Boston 
Philharmonic orchestra, occasionally a conductor for touring productions.

“Alok, would you like to join Julliard and learn music from the highly learned, talented teachers? “

“I have the kindest, loving teacher MS Marne who brought out in me what I did not know I was capable of” said Alok softly.

“Alok when the student is ready, right teacher comes along and reaches you to the one who can take you farther son. My work with you can continue as and when you have the time to visit me. But this is your time to go th the place where your learning knows no bounds if you choose. You must accept this gift Alok.”   Ms Marne said.

Julliard alumni beamed with joy and pride, “I will sponsor you son, and if you believe this is your calling. What do you think?” 

This was sheer music to the ears of the youngster who had dimmed his light for years and shrunk his persona due to diffidence. 

Tears rolled down his eyes. He turned to Ms Marne, he was speechless.

She said-“ Alok – You are ready, go, your future beckons you my child.”

Alok’s grandma, siblings and proud mother could not believe their luck – after all they had worked hard to make ends meet all their life. Such kindness was beyond their comprehension.

Alok touched feet of Ms Marne, of grandma sniffling into her lace hanky saved for special occasions and of his mother who worked two jobs to raise her children and give them the best she could since the father untreated mental health led him to his deterioration and demise too soon before his time.

He and mother thanked Ms Marne profusely - for discovering, unveiling and nurturing what may have remained untapped if it was not for her. She was the reason for his new found confidence, happiness and smile. 

 He enrolled and was one of the hardest working students at Julliard. Students and teachers alike wanted to listen to him perform with effortless ease as though his instrument was not earthly. 

Years rolled by, Alok became a household name for music, for grand productions that were multi awarded and he had a following that was mind boggling.

He never forgot where he came from. 

There were three front row chairs always kept vacant whenever, wherever he performed.

They were reserved for his grandma, family’s backbone, his mother who steadied him, and Ms Marne who spotted, and honed raw talent for him to blossom into a fine world-renowned musician.

Today he inaugurates a music school for students who cannot afford best of tools, tutelage, and support of right people. He dedicated it to the three women who held him up when he most needed to be cherished and validated. He named it BENEDICTION.

"Teachers tap the quiet well of potential—students rise like rivers."

"A great teacher illuminates untapped potential helping students discover the strength they didn’t know they carried."