"I have that now."

“Mohan.. Do you know what is diabetes? I have that now.” Words from the ten-year-old’s innocent and delicately pink lips  ripped my heart.

I was taken aback for a few seconds. I composed myself quickly. But I’m sure he must have noticed. He saw me in the capacity of teacher, I shouldn’t be a person who discourages or make things difficult for him.

After all, how much strength must it have taken to say it. Something which must be tearing his life topsy-turvy.  Said in such a composed manner. But I could hear those strained notes, for all his composition. He wanted to share. He wanted some comfort. Not pity.

Why was I taken aback? Yes, he was one of my favourites in the class. And having diabetes just means another way of life. A way of life which could be seen as difficult, or as just another way of life. Was it those strained chords? Or was it because I had received an answer for my concern about his deteriorating health? Was it because it hurt to see a little ten-year-old hand handling a pen-syringe every four hours on himself to pump in insulin? Was it because we had something in common (knowing by a simple genetic equation done a few years back that I would almost certainly get diabetes)?

“Ah. Hmmm. I’m sorry. But its just another way of life. You just need to take a little more care of your body.” I said, with a smile. An encouraging one, I hoped. But I’m sure it reflected the sadness within.

It still tears at my heart to remember him saying those few words…