When Bobo came home that evening, he prevailed upon Merwan to go back. "If you do not go to school," he reasoned, "years will pass by in vain without learning. If you do not like the company of girls, you can simply avoid them — but you have to go to school." So Merwan resumed attendance the next day and followed his father's advice. If an occasion arose when he had to speak with a girl, he would stare at the floor while talking to her.
Merwan concentrated on his studies and took an avid interest in games and sports at school. He was a good athlete and especially loved cricket. He always gave his utmost to whatever game or sport he was playing. He was also a fast walker and runner (his friends nicknamed him Electricity ). Although Merwan was not at the top of his class, he impressed his teachers with his moral conduct, and he was often praised to the principal and his parents for his exemplary behavior.
Once after lunch, Merwan returned to school early. There was plenty of time before classes resumed, so he wandered to a solitary place and surveyed the surroundings. A girl in search of her friend happened to come by and, requesting his help, caught him by the hand. Merwan's attention was elsewhere, and her sudden appearance startled him. He tried to pull his hand away, but the girl held on tightly. Seeing that she would not let go, he gently pushed her away. She lost her balance and fell. The little girl cried and ran to report the matter to a teacher, who punished Merwan. He took the beating without a word. Moreover, of his own volition, he approached the girl and apologized for pushing her.
The principal of the Dastur School was a European woman named Miss E. Chatham. Her affection for Merwan was touching; a day would not pass without her speaking with the boy. She would also invite him to her house for dinner, which was unusual since Merwan was so young. At that time, the Dastur School admitted boys only at the primary level, so after one year, Merwan switched schools. On his final day, Miss Chatham embraced him tenderly and imparted a few words of advice. Merwan liked this teacher very much. He listened with downcast eyes and shed tears at their parting, knowing he would miss her.