Space Redefined!

"Students, let us learn about space in today's class," said Karuna in her online class.

"Okay, ma'am!" Class VII students shouted in chorus, turning on their mic.

After hushing them up, "Space can be defined in different terms. According to mathematics, it is the three dimensions with no boundaries and objects and events have relative position and direction" taught Karuna.

The students started processing the information shared by their teacher. Karuna paused for a moment and observed students reactions. "Did you all understand students what I said?" asked Karuna humbly.

"Understood, ma'am. Do we have any other definitions for the space ma'am?" asked Suman using the raise hand option.

"In different fields, we define it differently. For example, In Astronomy, space is a vast three-dimensional region that begins and the earth's atmosphere ends. Did you understand Suman?" Karuna asked with a bright smile.

Suman's face turned pale and Karuna saw it but kept mum. After finishing the session, she asked permission from the principal to let her have one to one video call with Suman. Though the Principal initially hesitated to grant permission, he accepted thinking about the welfare of Suman. 

The next day, Suman was asked to stay back after the sessions. He did so!

"Suman! Is everything okay at your home and neighbourhood? I have been observing your behaviour for the past week. I felt that you are not being yourself. Are you facing any disturbances at home?" Karuna asked by carefully choosing her words. The principal too was on the call as a silent spectator. He too saw how Suman's expression changed as soon as she questioned.

"Nothing ma'am! I am alright and everything is fine" Suman tried lying.

"I promise you that I won't disclose the information you are sharing with me" Karuna assured him. She kept encouraging him to speak up his mind. After a few minutes, he spoke in a crackling voice, "Ma'am! I feel that space needs to be redefined. Space is the emptiness created by loved people around us. We are objects. I heard my neighbour saying that Corona bought families together. They can stay under one roof and spend some time. But I don't think so! Togetherness means emotionally and mentally getting connected. Though we are staying physically together, we are busy in our worlds. No one has time to share happiness or their heartfelt emotions with another family member" becoming teary-eyed. Unable to vent out his emotions anymore, he averted his gaze.

"I understood, my child. You can do two options. One is to let your parents know about the emotional turmoil you are in and the second is suppressing your feelings and trying to conceal them forever. If someone creates space in a relation, you redefine it in such a way that the space is reduced between hearts. If I were you, I would prefer the first option. You can clap rhythmically and beautifully, only if you bring two hands together. Did you understand?" Karuna raised her brows.

Suman understood the essence of the teacher's clap example and chuckled.

"Thank you teacher for guiding me like always" He smiled broadly. The principal's heart melted with unexplainable pain after hearing Suman's words. He felt as if it was his kid who complained. He promised himself that he will spend time at least an hour daily with his only son.

Suman talked to his parents and shared his concerns. After listening to him, his parents felt bad for him. They promised to take some time to spend with him. Though his parents suffered professionally, they managed somehow to spend time with their loved ones.