Rajadurai's compassion

 “Venkatesan, I welcome you to our department. Savitri Madam has gone on maternity leave for six months. You can handle the classes she was taking. I know it is for a short duration. Let us hope something comes up in six months as we are expanding” said Rajadurai, the head of the department for Mathematics

“Thank you, Sir. I pray that I will be able to continue here as a regular teacher. I need the job as I have a large family to support” I replied.

“I know, Venkatesan, you have your mother and four siblings to care for. Six months is a long time. Things can change for the better. Do not worry. God will find a way for you” he spoke in a comforting tone.

“Thanks again, Sir. I need your blessings. I will give my heart and soul to the job” I added

Though the salary for a temporary teacher was paltry, the new income would help me greatly in keeping the hearth at my home warm. Rajadurai, who was nearing 60 took a paternal interest in me and frequently enquired about my work and the support needed. He also complimented me that the feedback he got from the students and some of the parents was flattering and added that he had mentioned about my good work to both the headmaster and the correspondent.

My brothers were still in school with my sister learning typing. My mother fell sick often needing treatment. I was struggling to make both ends meet with my meagre income. One day Rajadurai told me that he was coaching a few boys from another school and found it a burden. He asked me whether I could help him by taking tuition for these boys. I knew inwardly he was doing this to help me being aware of my difficult circumstances but made it appear as if I was doing him a favour. I was touched by his kindness and could do nothing but hold his hands on my chest in gratitude as tears swelled in my eyes. The added income made things easy for me though the sense of guilt that I was depriving him of his income was pricking me.

The six-month tenure was drawing to a close. It was then Rajadurai paid a surprise visit to my house and took a glance on all sides. It was a small portion with a hall, two rooms and a kitchen My sick mom lay curled on a bed in one corner of the hall. She was coughing continuously and I had to take her to a doctor. Poverty was writ large on our faces and the house. The prospect of loss of my job soon and the regular income was staring at me. The school fees of my siblings had to be paid. I was at my wit's end. There was nothing to offer to my benefactor except a glass of water. He sized up the situation in no time. He did not speak much and left in a few minutes after exchanging pleasantries.

Three days later I was called by the headmaster as soon as the school hours started. That was the last day.  I knew I had been called to be informed that my tenure was over and that my services were no longer necessary. I found the school correspondent also seated with him.

“Good morning, Venkatesan. We are sorry your tenure will be over from today. Savitri will be joining us tomorrow. We are very happy at the sincerity and devotion you have shown in your work. Parents keep telling me how pleased their children are with you and your teaching. What is your plan for the future?”

Attempting to restrain the tears, I said “I have no idea. I need this job most but I am aware my term has ended. I dread the forthcoming days.” Choked with emotion I could continue no more. The headmaster stood up and came near me. Patting me on my shoulders he said “Do not worry. You will continue to work with us hopefully regularly. Please attend the school as usual.”

Bewildered at the turn of events I looked at him in utter disbelief. The headmaster smiled at me and said “Go to your benefactor and prostrate before him. Rajadurai Sir has applied for voluntary retirement on personal grounds effective from tomorrow. I asked him for reasons. He did not say anything except that he was comfortable financially with his well employed sons and that he could hang his boots without any inconvenience. He specifically requested me to employ you on a regular basis. I strongly feel that he took this decision impelled by a wish to help you. He used to come to me frequently pleading for one more regular teacher for his department to accommodate you. When I told him last week that the management had turned down the proposal, he submitted his papers two days later. He refused to withdraw despite our persuasion.”

I rushed to his house the same evening only to be told by his son “Dad had left with Mom on a long pilgrimage. He wished that I should convey his felicitations to you on your regular appointment in case I visited the house. I had never seen him happier than when he took his retirement.”

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."