Joy dashed out of the classroom as soon as heard the bell ring. His teacher simply ignored his antics. She shook her head, exasperated at his behavior. Joy was a known mischief monger. A grade six student, he took great pride in crossing swords with students much elder to him. He was intelligent, extrovert and a great learner, but lacked focus. The sole aim of his life was to terrorize people with his capers. He was not afraid of anyone. He had devised an ingenious method to save himself from the wrath of his victims.

His tool of defense was a piece of innocent & harmless chewing gum. He chewed all through the day, ready to use in case the need arose. Every one in the school was scared of Joy, the bubble gum boy.

Joy believed in doing everything with clinical precision. He played his prank, watched the fun and left with a smile on his face. If his victim retaliated then Joy had back up plans for him. Even now, as he was running, his mind was busy plotting a way to teach a lesson to one of his tormentors.

Earlier, Kevin, a grade eight student passed a funny comment on him during the recess. Joy found it insulting. His ego demanded retribution. No one made a joke of him. His reputation was at stake. He was out to settle the score. All through the day Joy planned his revenge carefully. The action would take place in the school bus. He wanted to reach the location before any of his so called friends or Kevin arrived.

His plan was simple yet effective. He knew Kevin never changed his seat. He placed his water bottle on the rack, above Kevin’s seat. Of course, he had uncapped it.

Gradually the bus started filling up with students. Kevin was the last to enter. He sauntered along the aisle. A smile appeared on his face when he saw Joy.

“Hey guys, the mouse is hiding here,” Kevin commented.

Kevin’s close friends smiled hesitantly. They were aware of his capabilities. They knew he would strike sooner or later. No one antagonized Joy. Their smiles vanished when they looked into his eyes; they were laughing. Joy was about to strike.

Kevin ruffled Joy’s hair with an air of arrogance.

“Don’t mess with me, Joy.”

Kevin eased himself into the seat. A whistle sounded somewhere outside. The bus pulled out of the parking lot with a jerk. The uncapped water bottle fell on the rack, pouring its content on Kevin. Everything happened fast. By the time Kevin realized what was happening he was completely drenched.

Joy stood up on his seat and declared. “And no one messes with me.”

This time it was Joy’s turn. He laughed merrily. There were some who supported his pranks. Even they smiled. They complimented him on his revenge.

“Joy, that was just great.”

“Nice revenge,” said another.

Kevin fumed with anger. He was a good four inches taller than Joy. He got up from his seat and approached Joy menacingly, ready to sock him. But Joy was ready for him. He showed him a big lump of gum.

“I am not afraid of you. But if you take one more step in my direction I will smear this in your hair.”

That stopped Kevin in his tracks. He knew Joy would go to any extent to save himself. He had heard stories. Once the gum got stuck there was only one way to remove it. Shave that part. Kevin pulled back instantly.

“Not today Joy. But I promise you, I will get back to you one of these days.”

Joy laughed once again. He knew he had a weapon more powerful than a nuclear bomb. No one could touch him.

Finally, he got up when the bus stopped next to his house. Joy was elated when some students offered him hi5’s on his way out. He waved back at them as he reached the exit, glared at Kevin for a while before jumping out of the bus with a big thud. He looked ahead through the wrought iron gate. The neat row of bungalows did not interest him. His mind occupied with fresh pranks. He was looking for his next target.

Srinivas opened his eyes after a short nap. He stretched and yawned continuously. His plane was about to land. A chartered accountant by profession he traveled frequently to other parts of south India on audit work. The frequency of his tours was gradually increasing, keeping him away from his family for long periods. The frequent travel was also taking a toll on his physical appearance. Once considered handsome and athletically built, he now carried a big paunch and a sagging frame. But even now his colleagues considered him attractive. He smiled when he thought of it.

He promised himself for the umpteenth time that as soon as he reached Bangalore he would join a gymnasium.

He looked out of the window. The city was fast approaching. Just a minute or two before one of the air hostess’s declared the message on the public address system.

In retrospect, Srinivas considered himself a fortunate man. Namita was a beautiful woman. He was lucky to have such a wonderful life partner. She was dedicated and looked after the family very well. His two children were good in studies. Ragini, the elder one was the apple of his eye. She was obedient, matured and caring. His son worried him though. He was always up to some mischief. If only he could improve. He wished his son would change. Srinivas was thinking of Joy.

Namita opened the door when she heard Joy’s voice in the portico. She peeped outside. Her face lost color. Joy was offering something to the puppy. Before the dog could succumb to his bait, Namita shouted from the doorway.

“Joy, what are you doing?”

Her loud call surprised him. He immediately dropped the biscuit on the floor.

“Mom you scared me,” Joy said, visibly shaken.

“I didn’t scare you. You scared me. I thought you were up to your pranks.”

“Mom, Gestapo is my friend. I love him. I wouldn‘t like to hurt him.”

“Who is hell is Gestapo?”

“The puppy, Mom.”

“What kind of a name is that?”

“Mom he is terror. You should see him on the road. He commands a lot of respect. The other dogs are scared of him.”

“I think you have found a perfect friend. Have you learnt the tricks from him or has he picked it up from you.”

Joy smiled at his mother. The ‘Terror’ tag boosted his ego. He was happy.

“Now come inside. Lunch is ready”

Joy ran through the door, dropping his bag on the floor. Namita picked it up and set it on the dining table. She pulled out his books one by one. She checked the status of his homework. Everything seemed in order. She was surprised to see one consistent remark in all the books. “Joy is intelligent but lacks focus. Can do better.”

Namita smiled. She looked up from the book to congratulate Joy. But the living room was empty.

“Joy, where are you?”

“In the kitchen.”

Namita dropped the book and walked towards the kitchen. She was shocked to see Joy feeding Gestapo and other dogs with bread crumbs and cookies. The dogs had managed to circumvent around the bungalow periphery. They knew their way.

“Joy, stop it. They will bite you.”

She half ran towards him, pulling Joy away from the dogs. She closed the kitchen window and turned around angrily.

“Why don’t you become a little serious?” Namita said, with her hands on her waist.

Joy looked at his mother for few seconds. He mimicked her stance and replied in the same pleading tone.

“Then why did you and Dad give me such a name”

“Your pranks have nothing to do with your name,” Namita commented, perplexed at his question.

“It does, Mom.”

"Then please explain me."

"It's really simple. Playing pranks gives me joy."

Namita burst out laughing. Joy's witty answers brightened her life. She loved her son. She knew he had the capability to do big things in life; to earn laurels for himself. Even his teachers said that. Unfortunately, Joy wasted his energies on non-productive things.

“You talk like grown ups. Now go to your room and change your clothes. I will bring your lunch.”

Namita watched him as he ran towards his room. She heaved a sigh of contentment.



Contact me if you have any publishing offers or need any clarifications.



aawaaz home page | Contact Form