This choice: The brother, the teacher... • Go Back... Not just any maths teacher, Mr Bhaduri headed straight for the Principal's office as the King's School ended its day. He wanted to know where his star pupil was. While crossing the quadrangle to Mr Waites' office, he noticed Ahrou Hussein walking on the opposite path. Mr Bhaduri diverted to a crossing and met the young man as he walked with his friends. "Ahrou, have you seen your brother?"
"Ahreed? No, not today since the bus, Mr Bhaduri." replied Ahrou. "Maybe he's doing something for music.. a concert rehearsal, Mr Bhaduri."
The maths teacher glanced across the quadrangle, but not seeing any boys Ahreed's age, decided to press on to the Principal's office. He began to pass by as he continued, "Ok, perhaps you are correct, Ahrou. I will see you tomorrow night at the centre, yes?" Mr Bhaduri merged into the tide of other students going heading home.
The young man called to the teacher as he disappeared into the crowd, "Yes Sir, seven o'clock," with a thumbs up and nodding gesture.
Mr Bhaduri stepped into the office reception, the noise of the passing students tapering off as the glass door closed behind him. "Eileen," he approached the desk, "Is Professor Waites still in his office? Can I speak with him?"
The receptionist picked up her phone, "Hold on, Mr Bhaduri, I'll check."
Bhaduri glanced out through the windows across the quadrangle as he waited, watching Ahrou laughing and joking with friends outside. The maths teacher noted how engaged Ahrou seemed to be. This was an important indicator of progress. It was important that the student break away from his peer support group, finding greater closeness with the centre.
"Mr Waites can speak with you Mr Bhaduri," interrupted the receptionist.
Without replying, Bhaduri ushered himself in. "Professor Waites, I'm concerned about a student, Ahreed Hussein. He did not appear for his maths test today?"
The principal shuffled away a piece of paper his was holding while seated at his desk. "Did you check with Eileen if he was absent, Mr Bhaduri?"
Bhaduri hesitated, "No, but I am sure I saw him in the yard, earlier in the day."
Mr Waites looked down, recalling the special conditions in his briefing by the ASIO agents earlier in the day. After a brief hestitation, he replied, "Then check with Eileen, and if you are not mistaken send the year level coordinator an email, Mr Bhaduri." Waites then looked down and repositioned his glasses on the end of his nose to read another sheet of paper in front of him.
The maths teacher was embarrassed. It seemed the Principal was impatient with him for not following the proper channels. Bhaduri hesitated before turning to leave, "I'm sorry, Professor, but his brother Ahrou also told me he was here.... I was.. concerned."
"Thank you, Mr Bhaduri," replied Waites, nodding as he looked back down at the papers in front of him.
Bhaduri made his way out briskly. He made a mental note to remain calmer in future. It was important that he did not seem to be over-interested in these special students of his. | |
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