School Trip

 SCHOOL TRIP

Balan resided in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as a 10 Year-old, fifth grader. His father held a respectable position in a government job, and his mother dedicated her time to managing the household. The family, including his mother, valued education highly and was well-educated.

Lakshmi, his mother, managed the entire household, including overseeing Balan's studies. From a young age, Balan was quite mischievous and was cherished as the only child by his parents. While his father was often preoccupied with a demanding work schedule and unable to spend much time at home, Lakshmi dedicated herself to ensuring that every aspect of Balan's upbringing was attended to.

She spoke gently and consistently aimed to offer him guidance in a kind manner. However, Balan often took advantage of her demeanor. At times, her frustration grew due to his behavior, as he frequently chose to play outside with the neighborhood children, engaging in mischievous activities that resulted in numerous complaints.

At home, he was constantly engaged in mischievous behavior, frequently bothering his mother and playfully teasing the servants. His hands and legs were always in motion, as he never seemed to want to sit still for even a moment.

On occasion, he engaged in reckless behavior; for instance, one day he found himself alone in the family's separate puja room. He lit a candle from the diya in the mandir and proceeded to set fire to various items in the room, one after another. Fortunately, the servants intervened and managed to extinguish the flames, saving the house from disaster through their dedicated efforts.

Balan's mother surrounded herself with an educated group of friends, often turning to them for guidance on her son's troublesome behavior. While her friends generally agreed that he was simply a child who would grow out of his mischief, she continued to worry that his antics might escalate into more serious problems.

One day, he returned home from school brimming with excitement and informed his mother that he needed 2000 rupees. Lakshmi inquired about the necessity of the amount, to which he explained that it was required for the school trip. However, she chose not to give him permission, fully aware that his playful disposition would complicate the teachers' ability to monitor him effectively at all times.

Balan felt deeply troubled by his mother's decision and waited anxiously for his father's return, knowing he typically came home late each night. As soon as his father entered the house, Balan rushed to him, requesting the discussion for the school trip with his mother to seek her approval. His father reassured him that he would address the matter with her the next morning.

The next day, his father encouraged Lakshmi to grant permission for him to go on the school trip. Initially, she declined, citing concerns about his mischievous behavior and the safety of sending him on the trip. However, he reassured her, stating, "I will speak with Balan and ensure that he follows all the instructions given by the school teacher."

Ultimately, she handed the money to Balan, having received his assurance that he would refrain from any mischief during the trip and would adhere to the teacher's guidance. Balan agreed to all the conditions, eager to secure permission for the outing. Although Lakshmi granted the permission, she remained uneasy, fully aware of his tendencies. She consistently received similar reports from the school, indicating that he often engaged in mischief and struggled to follow the teachers' instructions.

Despite excelling in his studies and extracurricular activities, he was often overly energetic and constantly sought new experiences. The following day, he rose early in preparation for a trip. As he was being driven to the bus, Lakshmi once again cautioned him to refrain from acting without consulting the teachers first. He acknowledged her advice with a nod of agreement.

The children were brimming with excitement for the trip, which included thirty classmates accompanied by two teachers. Their first stop was the beach, where joy filled the air as each child played enthusiastically. Among them, Balan stood out for his heightened energy and activity.

Teachers at the school were aware of Balan's behavior and were closely monitoring him, especially at Lakshmi's request. They had cautioned him on three separate occasions not to venture into areas where the water flow was strong. Despite these warnings, Balan persistently attempted to play in those dangerous spots. While the teachers were engaged in discussions and supervising other students, Balan seized the opportunity to run off and play. The teachers quickly pursued him, but the swift current made it difficult for them to catch up.

A teacher called for assistance, two lifeguards jumped into the water, but after half an hour of searching, they were unable to locate him.

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