Main Beta hu : Stuck in Time Loop

Chapter - 4 Teachers light the way, but even guiding stars can falter

Arjun had always admired the small joys of life, finding meaning in the connections he built, even when they seemed one-sided. During his 11th and 12th standards, accounts classes became his sanctuary, a place where he felt he could excel. It wasn't just the subject; it was the man who taught it—Abhinav Sir. A new addition to the school faculty, Abhinav Sir had a charm that captivated everyone. He wasn't just a teacher; he was a personality, a presence that lit up the room the moment he walked in.

Girls adored him for his charisma, often giggling at his jokes and hanging on his words. The boys, too, found him approachable and fun, appreciating his knack for blending humor with learning. His teaching was transformative; he made even the driest topics seem engaging. Arjun was no exception—he admired Abhinav Sir deeply, not just for his teaching but for the effortless way he built relationships with students.

However, Arjun soon noticed a pattern that dampened his admiration. Despite his own discipline and dedication—attending every class, participating earnestly—Abhinav Sir seemed to gravitate toward the "cool kids." The naughty ones, who skipped assignments and pulled pranks, somehow became his favorites. They joked with him during lectures, got away with mischief, and shared a camaraderie that Arjun could never hope to replicate.

For Arjun, this was a bitter pill to swallow. He couldn't understand why his efforts went unnoticed. He admired Abhinav Sir so much, yet felt like an afterthought in his eyes. But Arjun didn't let his disappointment fester; he decided to take a lighthearted approach to win his teacher's attention.

The Birthday Plan

When Arjun learned that Abhinav Sir's birthday was approaching, he came up with an idea to make the day memorable—not just for the teacher, but for the whole class. Discussing the plan with his cousin, he proposed a humorous gesture: each boy in the class would bring a rose and present it to Abhinav Sir. It would be a playful reversal of the norm, where girls typically gave roses to teachers. The idea wasn't just funny—it was a way to express appreciation while lightening the mood.

His cousin loved the plan and agreed immediately. Together, they bought the roses, carefully ensuring there was one for every boy in the class. On the big day, the excitement was palpable. Arjun distributed the roses, instructing everyone to play along. When Abhinav Sir entered the classroom, he was met with an unprecedented sight: a line of boys, each holding a rose, waiting to present it to him.

The class erupted in laughter as the roses piled up on Abhinav Sir's desk. The usually composed teacher couldn't contain his amusement. His face lit up with genuine joy, and he laughed heartily, appreciating the thoughtfulness and humor of the gesture. For Arjun, seeing the delight on Abhinav Sir's face was a moment of triumph. He felt that, finally, he had done something to connect with the teacher he so admired.

The Disappointment

Then came the pivotal moment. Amid the laughter and cheer, Abhinav Sir, curious and excited, asked, "Who planned all this? Who's the mastermind?" His tone was playful, eager to discover the person behind the prank so he could share a laugh with them.

Arjun's cousin, beaming with pride, pointed to Arjun. "It was Arjun's idea!" he announced, expecting applause or at least an engaging exchange.

All eyes turned to Arjun. He felt a rush of anticipation, ready to finally have his moment of recognition. But instead of the lively reaction he'd hoped for, Abhinav Sir simply glanced at him, offered a faint, almost dismissive smile, and moved on to resume the class.

For Arjun, the shift in tone was unmistakable. It was as if the revelation that the idea had come from "ordinary Arjun" had drained the excitement from the moment. Arjun had imagined that Abhinav Sir would laugh, ask questions, and share a connection with him like he did with the cool kids. Instead, it felt like his effort was brushed aside, unworthy of further attention.

That day, Arjun realized the truth: no matter how much he admired Abhinav Sir, the feeling wasn't mutual. He wasn't one of the favorites, wasn't someone who mattered enough to be noticed beyond the surface.

The Lingering Memory

The disappointment stayed with Arjun long after school ended. He never forgot the joy he felt when planning the prank or the excitement of seeing it unfold successfully. But that joy was forever overshadowed by the sting of being overlooked.

As an adult, Arjun occasionally reflects on his school days. The memory of Abhinav Sir—his charisma, his brilliance, his ability to light up a room—is now tainted by the realization that he never saw Arjun as more than a background character.

Scrolling through old pictures or hearing the name "Abhinav Sir" in passing, Arjun feels a pang of bitterness. It's not anger, but a sense of rejection that still lingers. The man he once admired so deeply never reciprocated even a fraction of that admiration. To this day, that memory leaves a bad taste in Arjun's mouth, a reminder of how much it hurts to care for someone who doesn't care back.

And yet, life moves forward.