Arnesh’s First day at school

I was very excited as well as nervous for my son Arnesh’s first day at school. Although it was a Play school for 3 hours a day, I was pretty worried if he would stay without me.

I still remember at the first day I packed his Tiffin and the water bottle in his tiny winy school bag on which the picture of his favorite Doreamon is.  I dressed him up and started walking towards the school. I spent enough time to convince him that he will enjoy the schooling, surrounded with lots of new friends and toys to play too. And now that he has grown up he will have to attend school so as to become as powerful and talented as his father. 

His eyes were already in tears by the time we reached to the main door of “Tiny tots Play school”. I again comforted him saying I will stay outside and will wait for him till he finishes playing here.

As Teacher allowed I entered in and took my son all around the school. Basically we stay in the company’s colony and this school is in the premises only.  This is actually a spacious 3 BHK flat which they have turned into the play school. It’s very well decorated. It has white marble flooring and all the walls are beautifully painted with flowers, fruits, animal and other interesting things.  They also have the cabinets for kids to keep their belongings.  One room is loaded with lotsssss of toys…from big to small….anything and everything that a child wants to play with…They also have a Sea-Saw and a Slide & ladder placed in the garden area along with a Rocking horse and small cars to drive.  I felt it is really a fantasy land for kids. Other room has all dining arrangements with small round shape tables and small colorful chairs around to sit comfortably and enjoy snacks time. Arnesh actually forgot crying and was looking here and there with curiosity. And the last room is called Musical room. It has instruments like Piano, Drum, Guitar and a music system. They play rhymes or sometime some good music for kids to dance upon. The biggest room (which is actually a living room) is their main classroom with beautiful colorful chairs neatly arranged.

I was very happy looking at the overall school and was sure my son would like to play and study here. At the same moment I heard a gentle and caring voice from behind and it was none other than the Teacher. A middle age women, little short and stout, big eyes and fair in complexion, wearing Saree and a big Bengali style bindi placed on forehead. She smiled affectionately towards us and shook hands with my son asking him his name.  Just then it was the time to start the class and I had to handover my son to her and move out. Although he was crying, I had no choice. This was the very first time I let my son at the new place with new people around but I found his teacher very motherly treating all kids in a nice way and I was rest assured that he will be comfortable and will be taken care of.

I decided to wait in the garden area till the school time is over. I could still hear few kids crying out loud and my heart kept speculating if my son is one of them.  It was a real sunny morning with almost 40 Deg. temperatures but I hardly bothered it. I spent those two hours chatting with family and friends and some mobile games. And finally the waiting was over. As soon as the school gate was opened than all the kids came out running as fast as they can and started locating their Mommy OR Daddy. I came forward waiting for my son to exit but he was the last one to come out. It was a loving moment to see his expression when he found me standing at the door. He ran towards me holding his school bag and wearing the water bottle around his neck. He threw the bag on floor and hugged me so tight. Looking at his mystery eyes I knew exactly how he felt at the first time. We met as if it’s been long time that we have departed. I wish to say him “That I am always here for you and will always be”.  His Teacher Das Mam caught us and said “Arnesh is a real good boy and he promised me that he will never cry now on” She laughed when my son said that “I will cry little bit today and will not cry tomorrow onwards.  

As the days passed, I could notice his liking towards the school has increased and he also learnt many good things. Till the last day he never forgot to give me a flying kiss and also instruct me to come on time to pick him up.

I clicked his pics without fail on the first day of school which is attached herewith.  So when one day he would happen to see this photo he would surely enjoy.

Das mam also shared her experience with kids and now she is so used to be with them. Sometime playing, studying, and also dancing. She is really a motivating, down to earth lady and so lovable towards kids. She has an affectionate smile and I have never seen her getting angry with any single parents. Through out the year we almost chat daily on the way back to home. She never forgets to update any parents on their child’s progress. My son was her most favorite student and always used to sit in the front row. And she was a favorite teacher for almost all the kids in the Play school.

Time flies and we don’t even realize how?? The Play school is over. The toy room, the music room and the play school will not be there anymore. He left them behind & entered into a big world of competition. Arnesh’s fav “Saree wali teacher Aunty” will not be there in the new school and I am sure he will miss her. 

My son and his friends are in DAV Public School now. I don’t know if they would remember the best time spent in “Tiny tot Play School”. The Teacher have not only taught them ABCD but also the manners and disciplines. May be this is the reason why I am being forced to write and collect the sweet memories together so that one fine day Arnesh will read, recall and enjoy them.

I don’t remember my first teacher but will always remember Das mam, My son’s first teacher for the rest of my life.

A sincere Thanks to her for all her efforts and contribution made and her endless LOVE.

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