Chapter 41: A Father's Stand

Veeresh, Yash, Aarav, and Aarhan walked into the Principal's office.

The Principal immediately stood up.

Principal: "Good afternoon, Mr. Rathore."

Veeresh nodded.

There was no smile on his face.

His expression was calm, but his eyes reflected controlled anger.

Veeresh: "Good afternoon."

The Principal sensed the seriousness.

Principal: "Please have a seat."

Veeresh remained standing.

Veeresh: "No, thank you."

The Principal looked at him questioningly.

Principal: "Has something happened?"

Veeresh looked at Aarhan, who was holding his hand tightly.

Then he turned back to the Principal.

Veeresh: "My son was bullied today."

The Principal frowned.

Principal: "Bullied?"

Veeresh nodded.

Veeresh: "A group of students questioned his family, laughed at him, and mocked him because his biological father abandoned him."

The Principal's face changed immediately.

Principal: "I'm... very sorry to hear that."

Veeresh's voice remained composed.

Veeresh: "Sorry is the beginning."

He took a step forward.

Veeresh: "I want to know who those students are."

The Principal nodded.

Principal: "We'll investigate immediately."

Veeresh looked directly at him.

Veeresh: "No."

The Principal looked confused.

Veeresh: "Don't tell me you'll investigate."

He spoke firmly.

Veeresh: "Investigate today."

He continued,

Veeresh: "Speak to the teachers, review the corridor cameras if available, and identify every child involved."

The Principal nodded.

Principal: "We will."

Veeresh's tone became even more serious.

Veeresh: "This is a school."

He glanced towards the classrooms.

Veeresh: "Children should learn mathematics, science, literature... and respect."

He paused.

Veeresh: "If a child is being humiliated because of circumstances beyond his control, then something has gone wrong."

The Principal lowered his eyes.

Veeresh continued,

Veeresh: "I'm not here to demand that you throw children out of school."

He looked at Aarhan.

Veeresh: "But I expect this school to protect every student."

His voice was firm.

Veeresh: "If bullying is ignored, it teaches victims to stay silent and bullies to become bolder."

The Principal nodded in agreement.

Principal: "You're right, Mr. Rathore."

Veeresh folded his arms.

Veeresh: "I expect appropriate action under the school's disciplinary policy, and I expect the parents of the children involved to be informed."

The Principal replied immediately.

Principal: "That will be done."

Veeresh looked at him one last time.

Veeresh: "Good."

His expression softened slightly.

He placed a reassuring hand on Aarhan's shoulder.

Veeresh: "No child should ever feel ashamed because of an adult's mistakes."

The Principal looked at Aarhan.

Principal: "I'm sorry you had this experience, Aarhan."

He smiled gently.

Principal: "We'll do our best to make sure this doesn't happen again."

Aarhan gave a small nod.

As the four of them left the office, Yash quietly looked at his father.

For the first time in a long while...

He felt that his father hadn't just spoken.

He had stood up for someone who needed him.