GAMBLE OF FLAMES

ISHQ JESA KUCH

At St. Paul's School

A large stage was traditionally decorated. In the centre the banner displayed "Happy Teachers' Day"

"And now I would like to invite Master Adhyansh Singh Rajput for his speech", the anchor said

A 16 years old Adhyansh came on stage. He was growing into a  person full of discipline. His walk radiating confidence and grace.

Standing at the centre, he searched for someone special. His eyes upon finding a pair of eyes, sparkled with joy.

In the crowd as soon as Adhavan's gaze met with Adhyansh, his lips mumbled an inaudible hooting, encouraging Adhyansh to carry on.

"Good Morning Everyone!

Have you ever thought what a teacher truly is? I believe a teacher is like a coconut—hard from the outside but soft and sweet inside. Just like a coconut quenches our thirst with its refreshing water, a teacher quenches our thirst for knowledge with wisdom. Just as its tender pulp nourishes us, a teacher feeds our hunger for learning with valuable skills. And just as its strong luminary coir protects, a teacher inspires and guides us with strength and discipline.

The traditional definition of a teacher is simple: someone who teaches us. But is that all? Is a teacher only the one we see in a classroom, or is it anyone—or anything—that gives us lessons that stay with us till our last breath?

For me, life itself is the greatest teacher I have ever met. Life, in the lap of nature, teaches us in its own unique way. At times, it is strict, placing hurdles before us. At times, it is gentle, filling our days with joy. Sometimes, it appears harsh, testing us with hardships. And at other times, it becomes kind, rewarding our hard work with the sweet fruit of success.

So, a teacher is not just a person standing before a blackboard—it is also life itself. Every challenge, every smile, every tear, every failure, and every victory is a lesson. And these are the lessons no book can ever fully capture.

That is why, today, I bow to every teacher—be it a person, an experience, or life itself.                                

Thank You. Have a great day ahead", with this Adhyansh completed his speech.

The speech was so thoughtful for a 16 year old child that the Principal himself came on the stage to appreciate him. The crowd admired and cheered for the him. His father has adoration in his eyes.

But Adhyansh was nervous. He was waiting for them to declare the results. He was growing desperate.
After few cultural performances, finally the time arrived.

Once again the Principal was on the stage with an envelope this time. He cleared his throat and began, "pardon me for my sore throat. But you must appreciate our champ for being the champion of champions. Like every year, also this Teachers' Day we are going to announce the name of the student who excelled in all the sphere and brought laurels to the school for the first semester of the academic year"

The entire auditorium filled with audience is now under eerie silence due to utter anticipation.

The Principal deliberately slow with his movements. Testing the patience of the crowd he unfolded the paper and began, "The one who outshines everyone is the topper of academics, the champion in basketball and football, first in debate competition, first in essay writing, A+ grade in discipline, punctuality and sincerity"

The Principal looked through his gold rimmed glasses at the excited crowd and finally declared, "Adhyansh Singh Rajput"

The crowd was silent for five straight seconds still processing the information. Abhidnya was the first one to break the silence with her unstoppable hooting and claps. Abhimanyu was overwhelmed with emotions. While Adhavan simply sat their with a subtle proud smile.