Bhola Saves The Day – Part VII

Miss Geeta entered the school library and was pleasantly surprised to see Bhola with his head buried inside a book.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Aaaaaaahhhh,” Bhola jumped in terror. “Oh, it’s only you, Miss Geeta. I am sorry I did not see or hear you come.”

“Yes, I have finished my classes and all the kids have gone back home. I thought you must have left too but now I see the library has kept you engrossed.”

“I found the answer. Shyam’s ghost has a name.”

He brought Miss Geeta’s attention to the particular page and read aloud its contents.

“What do you think, Miss Geeta?” Bhola asked, hoping desperately for some validation for his hard work.

Miss Geeta smiled and patted him on the back. “I think you may have found the answer.”

Bhola wanted to scream and jump in delight but he had to hold back his reactions in front of his teacher. “I am going to take this book to Shyam and show him what we just read. He will be so relieved upon hearing the true nature of his condition.”

“Do you think he’ll believe you?”

“Yes. He is my friend. Of course he will believe me. Why would he doubt me?”

“Will that save him from receiving a hundred lashes?”

“I will show this to his parents and Guruji too. I am sure they will be convinced.”

Miss Geeta was glad to hear his optimism but she had to prepare him for the worst. “Remember, adults are not as open-minded as children. They have had their ideologies for years and they are very resistant to change. Convincing them is not an easy task even if you show them the truth in clear daylight.”

Bhola felt all the positivity drain from his body, but he knew Miss Geeta was not wrong with her words. “What should I do then?”

“You must show them the truth the way they want to see the truth.”

“How do I do that?”

“I will leave that up to you,” Miss Geeta answered. “You are a smart boy. You have come so far. I am sure you have the capabilities to go all the way and bring about a proper end to this story. It’s your friend’s life at stake. Do you think you can do it?”

Bhola nodded, hesitatingly.