"Mr. Aziz wants to see you in class tomorrow morning, Rohini. There is something important he wants to discuss with you,” Chanda informed proudly. She was a sweet faced, sweet natured and kind hearted girl, with round, light brown eyes. Chanda was my best friend in the entire school and she was especially selected to deliver this message to me after school.
As I soaked in her words, my attention settled on the vibrant hibiscuses behind her which were swaying gently in the light breeze. I took a deep breath to capture every drop of the subtle, sweet hibiscus scent while the sun was smiling down on me.
"Oh I almost forgot, Chanda recollected. I have something for you.” She reached deep into her school bag and pulled out a shiny, orange packet of Bongo and generously handed it to me. Bongo is a popular ring-shaped, deep-fried cheesy snack on the Pacific Islands that kids could place in each of their fingers and eat them, one by one.
I could already taste the delicious cheese melting on my tongue.
"Thank you, I uttered dreamily as I took the Bongo from Chandas delicate hands. ”See you then. Nine am sharp,” Chanda reminded, as she scooted around the thick hedge that bordered my front yard and disappeared.
It was May, 1978. I hadn been in class for more than 3 days. I quit attending because I saw no point since my family was preparing for a major and permanent move overseas to a country I had never dreamt of but was destined to live in. The next morning, I dressed in my blue and white school uniform and walked to Xavier Primary School. Butterflies of excitement and wonderment were intermingling in me as every step drove me closer and closer to my school.
It was 8:55 am. I entered my classroom and promptly took my seat on the long, wooden bench next to Chanda at the front, left side of the room. Soon, Mr Aziz entered the room. ”Good morning, Class,” his voice boomed across the room. Mr.Aziz was a tall, medium built man with deep, dark eyes and a soft face. Apart from being our class 5 teacher, he was also our head master ”Good Morning, Sir,” we echoed in unison. ”Some of you may already know, a member of our class will be leaving us shortly.
Rohini Singh will be immigrating with her family to Canada. It will be a bittersweet day for us. We will miss her. But not to worry! For those of you who are interested, you can share your addresses with Rohini and I am sure she will be happy to write to you.”
There was a commotion in the classroom as my peers whispered with the person next to them.
”Now, settle down class! I am not finished yet,” Mr. Aziz continued. ”I am organizing a Farewell Ceremony for Rohini. We will hold a school assembly on Friday. I will tell the school of Rohini s departure. The girls can help to create a garland of marigold.
Rohini can choose her best friend to adorn her with it on the day of the ceremony. The same best friend can also sing her a friendship song. I presume it will be Chanda. After the performance, everyone will form a line to shake hands with Rohini as a last farewell.”
Wow, I thought! What a grand goodbye. I had never experienced anything like it in all my nine years of life. Mr. Aziz was an angel for me. I felt like a celebrity kid. In all my wildest dreams, I had never imagined such a memorable Farewell. Friday came. I was ready and present with an ear to ear smile on the front entrance of Xavier Primary School along with my best friend, Chanda who was patiently awaiting her cue to tenderly place the fresh and fragrant marigold garland around my neck and sing the deeply moving friendship song.
Mr. Aziz was giving a speech in front of my entire school. ”Rohini Singh is moving to Canada with her family on Saturday. She will be leaving our small Island country of Fiji permanently. We wish her the very best with all her future endeavors. We will miss her. Please line up after the garland and song ceremony to shake hands with Rohini as a respectful, last good bye,” Mr. Aziz instructed.
All went according to plan. My Farewell Ceremony at Xavier Primary School was an honour beyond words. So much so, that I would remember it for the rest of my life.
And Mr. Aziz-well Mr. Aziz was a teacher beyond teachers. He went above and beyond his duty to show me such great honour and respect. Needless to say, Mr. Aziz left an indelible impression in me. I would remember him until my last breath.