Sister Catherine

Indians are a funny people. They speak English and do not expect anyone to learn their language. They are extremely proud and yet they seemed determined to gain the approval of all who are not Indian. It's a funny paradox you know, invariably they come across as people intent on proving a point and quite often defensive. They allow people to be patronizing and condescending and you keep smiling and they'll think the world of you. Tell them they have a great and illustrious past and they heap honours on you, but be equally candid and tell them their future looks pretty unhappy and they'll get terrible in their defence.

I came here barely two years ago. This school for the blind is funded by the Vatican and I was assigned here when they found something funny going on with the money they sent. That's another thing I forgot to mention about Indians - they do come across as depressingly needy and easily corruptible, and of course quite often with very little self-respect. I take great joy out of seeing these blind children learn and there are the nice ones here that share my joy, but then there are others who are here simply to earn a living. Very depressing, especially when you're trying hard to do some good in god's world. But there are always exceptions. Yesterday, a middle-aged man, ramrod straight, walked in and asked to admit his daughter. I was all set to say no considering the teachers have a good proportion of students each to handle and it makes no sense over-burdening them. But the girl seems to be special, very sprightly and very much full of life. A nice happy girl and a fair bit better than most girls her age I've seen. I decided to make an exception in her case. She came in this morning and I was surprised to see that girl Parijatha with her. I'd quite forgotten to ask Sumitra's father who referred him to us.

"Hello Parijatha, I see you know young Sumitra here."

"Hello Catherine. How are things?" Parijatha said and I must say she looked as haughty as ever.

"Oh, much better now, Parijatha," I told her. Things really had improved after I'd had that accountant explain the books to me. I instead asked the younger girl how she knew Parijatha.

"She's been my teacher for the last few years. How do you know Parijatha?" she said quickly.

That question surprised me. If this girl was Parijatha's ward I might have to be a bit wary of what I say to her. She seems rather bold.

"Well, let's just say she and I are friends, shall we? This is your first day here, wouldn't you like to find out where your class is?" I tried looking for that peon. One of the ayahs finally found him and I had him show her around the place. I did want to ask Parijatha a thing or two before she left.

"Would you know much about this girl, Parijatha?" I asked her.

"A bit yes and I think she's very special, Catherine. She's a good girl and should be one of your better students."

"Yes, I have much the same impression. But I was rather curious about one or two other things. I didn't want to ask her father in case he thought me rude, but he does seem rather old to be this girl's father and he didn't mention her mother either."

Parijatha took her time answering that one.

"I've known her for quite sometime now, Catherine, but her father never spoke much to me. He values his privacy and I thought it best to give him that much at least."

"I agree, Parijatha. You must understand I have no wish to be nosy but that Major seemed like some anguish wrought him. He said very little but there was much pain in his face. If I'm going to be helping this girl I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I didn't know but needed to. This little girl deserves a happy home. If the Major is unhappy about something I can have father Joseph visit him. I know you don't quite agree with me but the ways of god can bring peace to one's mind."

"I wouldn't know much about that, Catherine." She was non-committal as always.

I suppose I expected her to say something like that. Parijatha is not very religious and it's a pity that, for she'd make a good teacher in this school otherwise. Anyway I told her I was glad she brought this girl Sumitra here because I was sure we could help her a bit.

I wished Parijatha well and saw her to the gate. As we came upon the gate, I caught a little rascal peeking from behind the hedges. He ran the moment he saw I'd noticed him but I was certain he was looking out for Parijatha. I asked her to take care.