Roll Number 1!

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“Good morning, Sir!”

“Good morning, students. Take your seats.”

“Thank you, Sir!”

“I’ll take your attendance now. Please respond. Roll number 1?”

“Yes Sir!” (that’s me)

Being the topper of the class might still be a dream to most of you but believe me, it’s not as ideal as it seems. Currently, I feel like being the first boy of the class might be the worst mistake I’ve made till date. The toughest question of the class always comes to me and if I can’t answer that, not only will the teacher be disappointed but also my classmates will talk behind my back.

“Hey, Savina! Santapan is getting worse in his studies now.”

“Really?”

“Shh! Don’t tell this to anyone but he can’t answer a single question in Physics class.”

“Oh! This reminded me that I saw him carrying chits to the exam last time.”

Rumours often get worse than this and though it might be nothing more than a little joke but it hurts me a lot. I will take this one upon myself because I’m touched way too easily.

Too much is expected of me. My parents always want me to score very good marks. If I don’t, they probably won’t say anything but my value will decrease. They’ll start comparing me to my cousins and how they have achieved in their academics. They’ll also begin citing examples from among my friends. Suddenly, I become a bit less important in the class. The teachers divert all the attention towards the new topper and I’m just disposed of like some use-and-throw pen. How can I blame my classmates for being around me only for help when my teachers behave this way?

Anything below 90% is a blasphemy. If put in simple words, it means that I have to score over 90% and that must the highest marks in the class at the same time. While catering to the ambitions of these well-wishers, I never realized that I was missing out on school life; the normal life of a teenager. I have never hanged out with my friends or been to a birthday party. I don’t want all of you to suffer the same fate as me. So, set your books aside for a minute and enjoy your world.


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