AneStory

Fairy tales are really for the weak of hearts, in real life there is no magical being who is going to sprinkle some sand or wave a wand to make things just right for you. Even in these Cinderella's and Aladdin's stories in end with all the magic around, it is one of the central character who has to get rid of the villain.

No there was as such no villain in Hera’s story, but then there was not going to be any magic either.  Today was Hera’s practical examination, and he was well prepared, he had been reading the steps for whole night, without a blink of an eye, little out of character, he was reading it out aloud. That is the best way, say expert, after all that is how our pujaris and pundits have been mugging up those shlokas generation after generations, with out ever bothering to understand their true meaning!

As always, Monc knew, something was wrong, for Hera was no mugger, but then it was too late, today was the day. If Hera could mug it up, he can still clear the exam! And it was time. Battling those inner demons should wait another day.

Then Monc noticed something more puzzling.

Monc: “Where is your mobile phone?”

Hera: “At home, switched off; can not take it into exam hall?”

Monc: “But, you used to leave it with me or Duds or Monsoon, or someone else, never at home, how are people going to wish you best of luck?”

Hera: “Luck, does not matter, not right now, I am not ready.” More to self, than Monc.

Monc: “Wait, I am also going the same way, just a minute.”

However, Hera did not hear that part, he was already on way.

On reaching the exam section, Hera completed all formalities and entered the hall, the examiner for the day was Mrs. J. She was one professor whom Hera did not like, and one who had replaced Miss Meteorite and whose lectures he seldom attended.

Mrs. J.: “I wonder how you are going to do? What are you going to do, with your attendance, I wonder why are you even here?”

Hera listened to her remark, but did not react, just took his seat, drew a cheat, a lucky draw and there it was the worst practical to perform. Hera started working on it, but silence of the class was disturbing him. Still, mechanically, Hera did step after step and about after an hour Mrs.J. came to check on Hera’s.

Mrs. J.: "So! What's your "Progress"?"

To her surprise, Hera had completed his practical before time, and that too perfect, and there was no way he had copied or used any mal practice, she had all her eyes on him! And then all hell broke loose!

Hera got up from his seat, furious with anger.

Hera: “All you want is for me to fail this practical! Don’t you!” At top of his voice. “Well, I don’t care, I give you your wish, here my life is in tatters and you are cribbing about some lectures that I bunked! well enjoy your triumph!” With wet eyes, and angry that the eyes are wet, Hera did not stand his ground.

And he walked out of the hall. Mrs. J. was stunned!

External Examiner: “Did you catch him, cheating? If so we should report him.”

Mrs. J.: “No, he completed his practical with perfect result, he should get full marks, but I think I pinched wrong wound, that I don’t know about, he will fail this exam because he did not sign here, and he knows that.”

She tried to search him, but to no success. Hera was no where to be found. She was a teacher, wanting to teach him a lesson, but then today she had learned one.