WEIGHTLESS-PART 8
MATURE CONTENT | Reader Discretion Advised | Eating Disorder
Bela enters the Principal’s office to find Anshul sitting there with bruises on her face and a cut on her lip. There were three other girls with similar wounds in the room, with furious, glaring parents by their sides. They attacked Bela the minute she entered. ‘You should consider yourself lucky, Mrs Saraswat convinced us not to file a case. Or else your daughter would be behind bars by now. How dare she assault our girls.’
Mrs Saraswat opened the door and urged Bela and Anshul into her office.
She was tough with Bela. Unacceptable behaviour. School takes very strict cognisance of such actions. But Anshul has a strong track record, comes highly recommended by the Principal of her previous school, and is part of the scholarship programme. As such, this is the first and final warning. But right now she is suspended. Any repeat will get her expelled and also lead to arrest.
Bela is still trying to wrap her head around the story. This could not be about her Anshul? Her gentle Anshul?
Mrs Saraswat asks Bela to meet with the school counsellor before she leaves.
The school counsellor asks Bela about her parenting and the time she spends with Anshul. She wears a very disapproving expression at Bela's answers. She also tells Bela to separate Anshul from Kadambari, who was having her own problems and, as such, was not a good influence on her daughter. Also, to be more of a mother and less of an artist. In any case, artists are known to be Bohemian. Bela does have a reputation.
Bela is furious. She leaves the room in a huff. Anshul is sulking outside the door. Bela tries hard to get Anshul to give her the story, but Anshul? She is very uncooperative.
The bell goes for break time as Bela and Anshul walk towards the exit. Her school gang comes running and surrounds her, escorting her out, almost like heroes. Anshul is beaming. It is obvious to Bela that Anshul is not at all apologetic for what has just transpired.
Bela is prodding for information. Anshul now reboosted coz of her friends, throws her crumbs. ‘These nincompoops were insulting Kadambari, so I gave it to them. Single-handedly. I am a brown belt after all.’ ‘Seriously? You will stay away from this, Kadambari.’ Bela warns her.
‘No. What? Never. She needs me. She is the best. She is always there for me. She has made it possible for me to belong in this jungle of a school. I will protect her with my life…’ Anshul dismisses Bela’s warning.