Sweety and Rob were laughing while on their way back. They had been indulged in their own world trying to outrun the other or tricking the other in winning the race, that they did not see an entire group of eyes watching at them in displeasure.
Sweety's smile dropped down seeing them, Rob asked her what happened when he saw through her vision, he cared not for their attention.
"Don't you have anything to say?" Clown De Wilson directed the question to Mr. Wilson who pretended to give a thought before answering.
Sweety volunteered to answer on his behalf but was shut up with the raised palm of Psychiatrist.
"We were exercising, then running and threw some mud at each other," he emphasized it showing the dirt Sweety splashed on him. Poor Sweety was so embarrassed, as she peeked her teacher's shirt which was muddy from the chest to torso.
"You started first!" She couldn't help the words. It was true!
"Well, you tricked me by saying we should go North to get back and then when I went that way, you took the correct direction. Isn't that cheating?"
She pursed her lips, this man! Couldn't he keep his mouth shut! "I-I did not!"
He narrowed his eyes accusing, "You liar!"
"Enough!" The host's voice interrupted their another wave of fun, the dislike of which Rob showed on her face. "Time to head back!"
The students gave a look at Sweety when she saw them when she began walking behind them towards bus. Including Meer who also went away just like that. She hoped he would stay back and ask her what happened but his receding back slouched the girl's shoulders.
Guess, every happiness comes with equal gloom.
"Mr. Wilson." The clown called him when he was prepared to follow the kids. He did not turn, stood in the same stance as him, slightly turning his neck to the old man. He was not afraid to show that man he did not think very highly of him.
For a minute the oldie did not say anything. Then, Rob realized he was waiting for the students to disperse.
"What is your interest with Miss Roulette?"
What astonished Rob was the man knowing Sweety's name clearly. Even he, himself took a day or two to memorize it.
"She is my student. My interests in her will always be to see the best for her." He replied in the professional manner. Thank the psychological movies he watched during free time, he was amazed with the subject because there he saw it was possible to manipulate people with just simple choosing of correct words.
De Wilson turned to the man, since the younger one was not finding it up to par to speak with him face-to-face.
Frankly, Rob was worried. He was tensed if this man dwelled too much into him and will catch hold of him for being an imposter rather than a careered teacher. He was a psychiatrist after all. Surely, he must have come across something.
The old man was looking in his eyes for way too long for his liking. Any other looker would take it as a wrong impression. "You are very cunning. And you are also very, very interested in that girl. I saw the way you took long glances at her in the bus and then before leaving for the trip you appeared angry at her like you were unhappy she came along."
Superb.
Now he is doomed by this mind, body and soul reading bastard.
"It was you who suggested the kids to play those..... games which will decide their order. Don't blame your nasty mind in me." He uttered every word in disgust before deciding he was done talking.
"Its a part of my work where I make the women around me special no matter what age. They are indeed special beings on this planet," Surprisingly the old man explained calmly, not minding Rob's harsh words. "But do you know what was the difference between you and me?" He paused to create a curiosity in Rob's mind which did. Damn well, he wanted to know what this punk was suggesting.
"I saw every girl special. You saw only one."
The way he said that, Rob wondered if he copied the phrase from a romance book or something. He was not with a girl right now but after saying that he was instantly reminded of Sweety's face.
Worst part was he did not know how to contradict, given his actions.
The white man in white beard gave a smile which made him look a heavenly creature advising the young fellow.
"I am not against love. In fact it is God's blessing but you should know that is exactly what I saw you feeling for her. She is a young woman who should explore her life with her friends and lovers of her age." He emphasized the last two words which were like daggers pierced in Rob's body.
He was still silent, glaring at the man and at the same time unable to deny any of that.
Without warning, the clown came back to his original self of being a clown. He hopped on Rob's side his arm hugging the younger one's broad shoulders and began walking.
"Let's go then! And don't forget what I said. It's for everyone's good!"
Rob was perplexed to find this man switching behaviors. It felt like previously he behaved as an actual Doctor and then back to a free, joking man around.
As much attention Rob gathered from the old clown, the same was exactly the case with Sweety. Only worse. This time when she walked into the bus, even before sitting down the rumors started. She had cleaned the mud from her shirt on their way back which was almost clean except for the dry specs.
"So, Sweety, wanna share your secret trip with the most handsome teacher?"
"Yeah, we are all desperate to know!"
"I thought you would die without a boyfriend considering your weight," It was Jasmine's voice, she was looking ahead sitting in front seats alone, "But since you did not get the boys, you took a teacher instead! I didn't know you had it in you, Gosh..."
Someone directed the next comment to boys, "You all ain't that qualified guys. Our Miss sweetest needs more....." They laughed and all Sweety could do was ignore and fist her hands.
In the middle of all that, Nishi sat along her side. Thank God, there was at least one who won't judge her that way.
"Hey, don't listen to them. But.... seriously, what transpired between you two, hm?" She pressed her.
"Nothing! As Mr. Wilson said, we exercised for sometime near the river, then he suggested a race back. I don't get it why are you all taking this in a wrong way?!" Clearly, she was angry with the tone she came out.
Hearing her, the noises rooted down for some time then resumed back.
"Ok! Chill out, girl! Was just asking." Nishi took off back to the others. Nishi was a good friend, Sweety agreed. She was straightforward to everything, be it to a friend or a foe. But she was also a good friend to Jasmine. Sweety did not want to impose on anyone for choosing friends but it was a fact which alerted her long before to limit her involvement with Nishi.
Their comments under control after the teachers returned and the driver was instructed to get back.
Sweety looked out of the window the trip back, this time sadder. Sad that she enjoyed and was happy a few minutes back and it was gone as easily as it came.