Beyond the gloomy sky...

by Asha Senevirathne

I got down from the bus while wiping the sweating face and the neck by the edge of my osariya. I saw their waiting faces. With a smile I walked to their house.

"Teacher has come. Bugee, open the gate." Then little Shane jumped to me after the servant woman had opened the gate. I stroked his head and walked with him to the house. "Teacher.... Today I have lot of things to do. Lot of homework!"

Saying so Isha brought her books.

"Really, will see."

Isha gave all her books but little Shane was a bit silent today.

"Shane why is it?" I asked.

"Teacher, father hit him today. That is why he is silent."

"Why what did he do?"

"He always wants to watch T.V. Father hit him because he doesn't give it up."

Looking at him while stroking his head I said.

"Shane, my poor boy"

When he looked at me I saw ripples in his forehead.

"I'm not poor! I'm rich. I have money!"

"O.K. Let see."

He ran, opened his cupboard and brought his purse to me.

"Look"

I opened it. There was 80 rupees in it.

"Yes, you are very rich."

"Yes, I'm rich!"

Looking at me and his sister he was shouting happily. In those occasions I too went to their world laughing with them.

Few months ago I came to this house to teach these two kids when their father was searching a teacher. When their father told the family news to me I had a problem because there wasn't his wife. She was dead. Only he, two children and the servant were there. First I decided to say sorry and not to go there, but I was worrying to tell it. The day I went there is not forgotten because the two children getting very close to me. It gave me a big pain.

So I couldn't reject the request. They tied my mind to them so hard. I was in the wish of listening to their childish words. So I thought to be their teacher. In the morning time I had my tuition class and in the evening I went to these children and it became my daily routine.

It was difficult to go there daily but with the passing of time I felt the two were a part of my life. To seeing them too was a happiness to me. Also I wasn't such big, I taught them what to do and not to do and the good and the bad. They were very obedient. Isha was bit weak and therefore I paid more attention to her. Very eagerly I observed all their behaviours. I believe they too had a big affection to me.

One day I told them this way.

"I will give a present for the one who scores in the highest mark in the school." They looked at me opened eyes.

"So Shane what do you want?"

After thinking a while he said this.

"Anything"

"So Isha what about you?"

"I like you most, teacher. So I need you."

That was the prettiest ever word I heard in my life. I felt tears in my eyes. I hadn't thought about the sensitiveness of so much little children. That day isn't forgotten to me.

Although family people didn't disturb me, my boyfriend Charith didn't like it. Whenever he spoke on it he hurt me.

"So you are going to accept the whole family."

"That's good; no medicine for foolishness."

In such occasions I put away his palm on my palm to curb my anger. I thought it would be enough to hurt him. Now I feel that those finger tips are rough. His words are rough too like that. I go far in my mind.

"Teacher, your hair is beautiful."

"Your hand is so soft teacher."

Those small hands were appearing in front of me. I thought that the noble meaning of love could be seeing with that. I enjoyed how they were looking at me when I was about to leave.

"Teacher, It is dark and about to rain."

"Teacher, can you go alone?"

Though they were small, they are concerning much on me. They have stolen my mind. I too feel on them.

But now Charith is avoiding me. Even when we meet my ears get no freedom. He scolds me harshly and hurts me by telling that he would go another way. But I acted so patiently.

It was a rainy evening. While getting wet he came to me by crossing the road.

"You come now?"

"Yes"

"I forgot to tell you yesterday we have to go to Nalin's place."

"Why is that?"

"Can't you remember his birthday is May 12th? We two were invited to the party. I told him that I would come with you."

I thought a while Isha's exam was tomorrow. I must remind some lessons to her. They may be waiting for me.

"Aney Charith not today. Those children have exam tomorrow."

"Is that so? Are you the mother?"

"Think a bit Charith!"

"I'll tell you one thing if you don't come with me today we'll forget everything, OK?"

He is shouting looking out but the voice is shivering. His eyes are red in anger. I got close to him and looked at him.

"Aney Charith..."

"Not Aney! Tell me are you coming or not"

Looking at the crying sky. I looked at his eyes directly.

'For what pleasure why do I shed so much tears? So a life away will not I get happiness? Do I have such a happiness? Yes! Those hopeful little eyes have my happiness.

So......'

"Doesn't matter Charith, you go."

I said to him taking my eyes away. Soon I saw him walking away from me in the falling rain and with a heart devoid of any emotions, I looked away.