It was a field day for Queens' as the College had not won any medal in sports for 2-3 years. Rosemary was an instant star and many were already calling in the mobile congratulating her. But her mind was not were her body was. It was miles away. Coach Krishna's congrats and smile seemed to come from far away in painful pauses. Like a badly played tape recorder nearing the end of its life. She didn't even remember the ride back only that she found herself back in Queens' Hostel.
Back at College, Rosemary found her voice back. She queried her favorites teacher Ms Rita about Krishna and his character. In the normal course of conversation, she casually asked if she knew he was married. Ms Rita was shocked and said 'No Krishna has been working for 2 years now. As far as we all know, he's not yet married.'
Rosemary shared her experiences to which Ms Rita listened open- mouthed.
'That's really so wrong', interrupted Ms Rita, 'He being married and not sharing it with any one at College leave alone the Principal. I know you are a very sincere and honest girl Rosemary. Anyway, we will ask the Principal, Mr George to confront Krishna about it.'
That evening Rosemary and Krishna were called to the Principal's cabin. Mr George was in a very good mood as Rosemary had won the College a medal. He appreciated her talent and assured to support her in every way. He next turned to Krishna. Krishna sensed something amiss.
Mr George came directly to the point. 'Tell me Krishna', he said looking at the Coach's eyes in a steady gaze. 'Is it true you are married?'
Krishna turned his head slowly from Mr George to Rosemary and though his lips made way for a 'No', a look at Rosemary's face made him hear his voice saying, 'Yes Sir, I have been married for the past 4 years. I have a little daughter too,'
Rosemary let out a shrill cry but immediately controlled it. All her self- control had now reached breaking point. 'And to think I found myself falling in love with this man. I am such a stupid girl to fall in his trap.'
Mr George turned his head slowly from Krishna to Rosemary and back again. 'Has there been something else that I am not aware off, Rosemary? Speak up; I shall keep it strictly between us.'
Henceforth, Rosemary though unwilling to rewind the painful twist of events started her narration.
'But Rosemary, I had never....,' started Krishna but broke off at the stern glance from Rosemary.
Towards the end of her narration of the small incident, Mr George said, 'Well, I would say it's more of a teenage crush, but you, Krishna you are a grown- up married man, having a child yourself, why did you hide from us about your family?'Krishna felt crushed and unable to face the Principal. His dignity was at stake. Finally, he blabbered out, 'It was against my wishes. My parents got me married to a girl of their choice just after my degree. So I kept it secret since I had more ambitions in my life to be as a national- level coach or even a player if possible and thought that as a single person I posed much better chances than as a married man. I was always willing to travel to any place- national or international, undertake any amount of training; but as a married man I didn't want to showcase that I was tied down. As to Rosemary's feelings, I have nothing to say. I haven't approached her any way.'
'Stop this double- faced-ness, you cheat!' shouted Mr George. 'You are a teacher at Queens and we won't tolerate any sort of such baseless schemes of yours. What sort of example are you giving to these kids? You shall not work in Queens from today onwards and you know we can even take up to the Sports Council for fabrication and giving misinformation about yourself that would tarnish your entire career, leave alone you finding as a Sports teacher in any institution to start with!'
'Let me call up your father,' continued Mr George, 'He was the one who had recommended you. You are now in serious trouble, Mr Krishna.'
Krishna continued to blabber something distractedly. Rosemary was shaking all over, though she tried to keep up a bold face. Meanwhile, Mr George rang up and called Krishna's father, Mr Gupta, who was a former teacher of the college.
'Is this Gupta?' Mr George spoke in the phone, 'I have some serious thing to discuss with you'. Without waiting for a reply, he continued, 'Your son whom we had taken on your trust has given due disregard to the decorum of the college. He has kept hidden a vital detail of his regarding his marital status and has also created a scandal with a student of this college. What do you have to tell about this?'
After hearing at the other end, Mr George responded, 'Ok we can discuss about this tomorrow. Bye' and kept the receiver.
'Your father has agreed to meet up with me,' said Mr George to Krishna, 'You may leave for now. We shall plan our action later on. However, this matter is to be kept strictly between us to prevent further confusion, is that clear?' Krishna nodded, however he still continued to be muttering something under his breath. 'Now', continued George, 'If you could stand outside a minute, I would like to have a word with this young lady here'.
Krishna walked out and Mr George gestured Rosemary to sit down. 'I hope this might be a good lesson for you', said Mr George, though not harsh this time. 'My dear Rosemary, you are a very gifted child. Why should you waste away for any other random male? I am not criticizing you; I have seen plenty of kids your age who get carried away by these emotions. But these are simply a temporary excitement; you should not take these seriously. Concentrate on your studies and your extra- curricular and you will reach new heights and make your parents proud.' Mr George gave a friendly beam and Rosemary went outside the Principal's Office with mixed emotions.
to be continued in the next story