The Recess Part-One (The Bona fide Certificate)

I was thinking about one of the best times of my life, school days; and I have realised that there a million memories from those days, when life used to be joy-infinite. No work and all fun period of all our lives, I guess; and I decided that I should share every moment of joy and learning that we had in school. My school taught me everything, how to do it right, wear it out, talk it up etc to an extent that I can say a good part of me is a product of my school and the days that I have relived in these pages will remain forever. Since I have just too much to say, like always, I have explained each memory under the same title as a sequel, I hope I will be able to trigger the same excitement and joy and nostalgia which all of us hold for our respective alma maters. Here you go...

The Bona fide Certificate

It was during my higher secondary days in school. I needed a bona fide certificate from my school for a certain application process. And I was waiting outside the head mistress’s office, dressed in smart blue and white that was my schools uniform, to make a request for the certificate.

During my school days I always used to construct the conversation in my head before I spoke to any teachers or other staffs, to avoid the embarrassments of egregious grammar errors. To my luck the head mistress was too busy passing orders and she had barely taken notice of me; and I was hesitant to disturb her for the fear of it ending up in a disaster, so I decided to wait until she got a little relieved.

In the meanwhile I got lost in my own world, confused in constructing grammar-perfect sentences and rehearsing them within the space of my mind, making sure not to make any mistakes in front of my headmistress. Well, I went to a convent school which doesn’t take grammar mistakes that easily and the seniors that we were there was no reasons according to the school authorities why bad language should be forgiven within the premises of the school, at least.

Mrs. Shanti, my immensely popular Math teacher who passed by took notice of the perplexed me, asked :

Mrs. Shanti: “Vani, what are you doing and why are you standing here”.

Me: “I am waiting here to see the headmistress”.

Mrs. Shanti with a doubtful look on her face: “What for?”. “Were you punished?”

Me: “No, no, I need a Bona fide certificate”.

Mrs. Shanti (still doubtful): “Are you sure you are not punished”?

Well such was my reputation in school.

Me with a sheepish smile : “Yes, Miss Shanti I am sure I am here for a Bona fide certificate.”

Mrs. Shanti (now convinced): “Then why are you waiting here, come”.

She took me by my hand and took me into the office and summoned the office staff to issue me a bona fide certificate. And Bhamm, I had the most revered Bona fide certificate in hand.

Many more of such warm memories to be fondly expressed...