‘But you promised that you will align with CBSE when we started here,’ said another not-so-gentle mother.

‘I had said I might consider,’ said the principal firmly. ‘But now we like the outcome of our system. Children are competent and stressfree.’

‘But kids do not develop a competitive spirit without exams.’ That was the rude one from the coffee-shop. ‘One of your teachers I met earlier said she doesn’t even believe in kids working hard.’

Anu was flabbergasted. How could her words be twisted like this? ‘I never said kids shouldn’t—’

Anu was cut off before she even completed by the same woman. ‘Quoting this teacher, she says we parents are silly to be even bothered about this. “Silly” was her word.’

Anu’s face burned; in anger or distress, she could not tell. ‘I did not say that to you. You overheard me over the phone.’ Great Anu, now you have stepped right into a trap.

‘But you said it!’

‘No, I did not mean—’ Anu was cut off again.

‘If this is how teachers feel about parents, then I don’t know what to say.’ The woman was now looking triumphantly at everyone setting off a murmur.

‘Madam, wait.’ That was Kavitha who had stood up shaking a finger at Madam Rude. ‘You are not even giving Ms Anu a chance to talk. I am also a parent and I think we should not attack the teachers. Ms Anu, you continue.’ Nobody dared defy Kavitha who looked murderous enough to throw punches.

Anu smiled nervously and looked at Sumitra aunty, who subtly nodded at her to continue. ‘Kids here are studying at their own pace, they are capable of answering questions based on that learning, and they complete projects that are again based on what is taught to them.’ Anu glanced around and everyone looked interested in her little speech. Warming up to her speech now, Anu smiled like an enlightened Guru at the audience.

But historically, Anu never stopped while ahead. ‘In fact, my own son studies here and so do most of the teachers’ kids. We as parents need not worry about the exam-preparedness of our young ones.’

Anu knew that she need not have added that bit about Vicky but words tumbled out when she spotted the kids lined up outside at the door. She beckoned to Vicky who came bounding to her. She picked him up and well, hoped that he would hug her and maybe kiss her lovingly. He did no such thing. He was in fact in such an urgency to run, he plucked a fistful of Anu’s hair out of the clasp and kicked her in the shin while sliding down her arms. It was all unintentional from his part, but Anu wished it had been a tad soberer.

‘He looks very well-adjusted.’ Madam Rude cocked a brow. ‘How old is your son?’