First Day at School

Abhi was scared to go to the new big school, even though his big sister Ambi was in the same school. She had assured him several times, "I am there for you, don't worry!"

- Ashima Kaushik

It was nice to know that she was there but she was in high school and he was in kindergarten. Their buildings were far away.

"Not that far away. I will come and meet you during the lunch break, don't worry!" Ambi assured him again and again.

Abhi could not sleep well the night before the first day of school. In the morning, mother calmed him down as she helped him get ready and gave him his new lunch box and water bottle.

"I packed your favourite cheese-samosa and blueberry muffin," she said.

Abhi did not want to go to school. He clung to Ma's saree and wiped his tears and nose. Just then, they heard Mukesh, the bus driver, honking.

Ambi pulled Abhi, and almost dragged him out to the waiting bus. She helped Abhi climb up the bus. Abhi sobbed and looked back at Ma. Ambi dumped her bag on a seat, and told Abhi to sit calmly like a good boy, "Are you not a big-good boy?" she asked sweetly.

"No. I am not. I want to go back home," Abhi cried, rolling on the bus floor.

"What are you doing?" Ambi gasped. All her friends laughed. "Can you behave yourself, look everybody is aughing at you!" glared Ambi..

"I don't want to go to school alone," cried Abhi, fresh tears rolling down his cheeks.

"You are not alone. I am there, I promise. I will come and visit you. I will meet your teacher and tell her to take special care of you and give you the most toffees and chocolates," whispered Ambi.

Hearing this, Abhi got up, and sat down on the seat next to her. Slowly he wiped his tears and looked around. The kid sitting on the seat opposite to Abhi smiled at him.