The Thing Called: Being persistent and adamant.

Chapter 6

The Thing Called: Being persistent and adamant.

For the first time since I had joined college, I reached on time. I sat on the first bench. The lecture had already begun when she (my ex-girlfriend) entered the class room 15 minutes late. She had worn a pink dress, and was looking more beautiful than ever. A wide smile plastered itself on my face just by looking at her. She went straight to the last table and sat there, as I was counting the time she took to reach there, and waiting for the sound of the chair being scraped. It was my first day alone in  college after all the mess.

At lunch, Kiran sat beside me at the table. I wasn’t interested in chatting afterwards which was the unwritten rule after lunch. I went straight to the reading hall.

Our group had always been famous for making a racket in the canteen and my friends were surprised to see me walk in. I said I was here to read the newspaper. As to their questions regarding Mourya, I said he was in the canteen.

Our college stressed on preparing us well for interviews in the third semester. There were plenty of Group Discussions and mock interviews sessions. Luckily one day we ended up in the same group during one.

I approached her as she was leaving.

Me: Can we meet tomorrow?

Her: Why do you want to meet?

Me: We haven't talked the last couple of weeks, that’s why.

Her: I will let you know by tonight.

She then texted me that she would be free to meet at 2:00 pm. I reached college at 1:30 in the afternoon, but she didn't show up. I trudged back home. At around 7:30 in the evening she texted me, asking me to come online.

Her: I'm sorry. Some urgent work came up.

Me: It's ok.

Her: Please don't take this the wrong way. I am very confused with my career at the moment. And I don't know what to do. You are very focussed when it comes to your career but I am not. Hence, I am focussing on it and it is better if things stay the way they are.

Me: I do not know what you are talking about. I am sure we can sit together and solve the problem, if there is one.

Her: No. Some things are better when solved alone.

Me: Are you saying we cannot meet from now on?

Her: It's not that.

Me: Then what is it?

Her: Please don’t force me. It’s better this way. I also know how to force others. Don't make me do it.

Me: Hey, I am not forcing you. I just want us to be together again, that's all.

Her: Please stop it, Samrat. Let me focus on my studies.

She hung up. I was clueless. We didn't communicate for a month.

Soon after, I came to know that she had been admitted to the  hospital. I called her up. She answered the second time.

Me: Hey. Monika told me you have been hospitalized? What happened? Are you alright?

Her: I am ok.

Me: You should have texted me at least. We are friends dear. And friends share their good and bad things.

Her: I didn’t get time to text you.

Me: It's ok. How are you now?

Her: How many times will you ask the same question? I am alright.

Me: The project viva is next week. Will you be able to make it? Who is your guide?

Her: Anand Sir. I guess I will be fine by then.

Me: That’s good news. Projects are due the day after tomorrow. Have you finished yours?

Her: Not yet.

I saw Anand Sir exit the college gate and I rushed up to him. After explaining the situation, I passed the phone to him.

She explained the condition she was in and he allowed her a deadline extension before cutting the call. I was so relieved.

I grew close to Jay and Kiran during the third semester exam. Kiran had introduced me to one of our juniors, Nitin, in the time between the viva and the examinations. Nitin was a talented writer and a great person to be around. He used to recite his inspiring poems as we sat around him. 

Kiran and Jay were the reason I could slowly leave the past behind. I was still anxious about her behaviour and I decided to ask her. So I called her. It was exam time.

Me: Hi, how are you?

Her: Going to college for group study.

Me: That’s nice. I have been thinking lately and I want to talk to you.

I paused for a long time.

Her: What is it Samrat? I am getting late.

Me: Errr ...

Damnit why am I choking?

Her: What is it?

Me: Will you be my girlfriend again? Before you say something, I just want to say, you will never regret this decision if you say yes. I will always keep you happy.

Her: Are you done?

Me: Yes.

Her: I have already told you my reasons. And my answer remains no.

Me: Just give me one chance. Everybody deserves a second chance.

Her: No. I wouldn’t change my mind once I decide on something.

Me: Does this mean you broke up with me when we met online a few days ago?

Her: Yes.

Me: Shit!! You are so awful and the funny thing is you don’t even know how awful you are. You didn't even tell me you were breaking up with me that day. I didn't expect it to come to this. I thought you were different.

Her: Good!, Now you know I am breaking up with you.

Her: Ok, now may I go?

Me: Bye, my sweet apple pie.

The Thing called: Triangle

Chapter 5

The Thing called: Triangle

10^th of August almost … 10 days had passed since we separated but something else hurt me more – that was Mourya. He had been acting so weird lately. He didn’t ask me a word, and was not willing to share anything with me when we met. This hurt me more than the separation. Because the one thing I was sure about our separation, was that she would relent at some point.

Mourya and I had been inseparable. Our friends had even declared us the best couple in college. On asking around, I found out that he was busy with the student council – the thing I was least interested in.

We still ate at the same table but everything else had changed. My ex-girlfriend avoided me and used to sit at the other end of the table, while Mourya was lost in his own world. Now, I had no one to share my journey with. I felt like I had been left behind, and I was losing my sanity.

I met my mentor, someone assigned to each student by the college, as a beacon to turn to when necessary. I explained everything to him and asked him what course I should take now? He asked me to wait outside. A little later, Mourya and my ex-girlfriend walked in. it was now the four of us. My mentor explained the importance of friendship before I spoke. Then I openly asked Mourya,

Me: What’s the matter with you? Why you are behaving like this?

M: I've just been busy with the student council.

Me: Mourya, don’t lie to me. While I agree that you are busy, there is a limit to everything. Remember there was a time where we used to eat from a single plate, and drink tea from a  single cup, that is how strong our friendship was. Now, you decide what to do.

M: Sammy, you misunderstand.

Me: Shut the fuck up, dude! Ask anybody in the college, why go far, here is a third person sitting, just ask her.

Her: Mourya, he is right. What’s the matter with you?

M: Nothing, Samrat is getting jealous of me.

Me: Me and jealous. What are you crazy or something?

M: Do you hear his tone?

Me: Dude this is how we used to talk since we met. Since when have you started picking on my bloody tone?.

M: I am the President of the Student Council now. I have to look at each and every thing.

Me: Remember you are someone's best friend before that.

I thumped the table with my hand and left the cabin.

All the frustration and the anger of the past few days had erupted. I got a text from her that night.

'I know your heart is true, and you really care about your friend, but he has changed, like it or not and that’s the fact. Till now he was there with you because you two were sharing the same dream, to start your own business, and to enjoy life to the fullest, but now that he has become the President of the Student's Council, all his dreams have changed, and since you are no longer a part of his journey, he is ignoring you. Don’t think too much about it. Sleep on it. And Sammy, it's time you also move on.'

But the thing is, I did not want to move on. I had always pictured the three of us together, like a triangle, but I guess now everyone wants to move on and the triangle is getting bigger and bigger, it’s not going to fit in my picture.

It felt impossible to simultaneously run towards two distinct  ends of the triangle. I was at a fork in the road. Either my girlfriend or my best buddy Mourya. I chose to try and renew my relationship with her rather than Mourya.

The next day in college felt like an alien landscape. I was lost. Between these two, I had forgotten to make new friends. My condition was like that of an infant who has just come out of his mother’s womb and is totally unaware of the world. The only difference between me and that infant was he was out of his mother’s protective environment and I was out of my friend circle.

I learned a lesson the hard way, never put all your eggs in one basket. I decided to try and make some new friends soon.

I met Kiran the same day. She was the girl with the smile.

The Thing Called: Love, Lust and Faith

Chapter 4

The Thing Called: Love, Lust and Faith

My summer internship project meant I had to meet doctors, specifically surgeons, and ask them whether they knew of the company's medical instruments, and if they did not, I would note that hospital's name to inform the person in charge of sales.

While waiting for the doctor outside his chamber, I used to text her and we used to chat like hell. It was 3 pm when I received a call from Richa, our teacher.

R: Hello. is it Samrat?

Me: Hello Ma'am.

R: Kahaan pe ho beta? (Where are you, son?)

Me: Ma'am, waiting outside a doctor’s chamber.

R: Ok, listen. Would you compere for the Juniors' induction program?

Me: Ok Ma'am.

R: I am not asking you, I am telling you to do this. It will be a good platform for you. I remember your compering from Sensation 2013 and I need something similar. We only have two days left. Can you meet me today? I will be in college till 5 pm.

Me: Ok, Ma'am, I will reach around 5 pm.

R: You better do so.

I was anxious, as compering meant that I would have to set my internship aside for three days. I had targets to complete. How would I manage?

An idea saved my skin. I went to the grocery shop, bought 10 chocolate bars, and came to the hospital. Being my fourth visit to this hospital, the receptionist knew me well by now, I  gave her and her colleagues the chocolates after telling her it was my birthday. I asked her the doctors' timings for the rest of the day, and requested her if she could get the forms filled by then. She said she would try. So I gave her the forms and told her I will come to collect them after four days.

By the time I completed this juggling it was 4:30, I entered the doctor’s chamber, did my call, and came out. When I checked my watch it was 4:45 pm. I hurried and reached college, just as she was about to leave her desk.

Me: Hello. Ma'am, sorry for being late.

R: It's ok.

Me: What time is the induction? Will I be handling it on my own?.

R: I am not sure about the timing. Be that as it may, I want both of you to reach college at 8 am sharp. And you will only report to me.

Me: You both? I don’t understand, who else is there with me?

R: She will be there with you.

Richa ma'am pointed to someone behind me. As I turned, I saw Sakshi standing near the door.

Me: Sakshi?

R: Why? Is there any problem?

Sakshi … She had been my first crush in college. By the time I decided to ask her out though, she was already in a relationship with someone. Sakshi was insanely fair, black shiny eyes, perfect figure. She was gorgeous and many had their hearts set on her.

Me: No, not at all.

I extended my hand.

Me: How are you? Sorry about that, I didn't see you.

S: Hey, it’s ok.

R: Samrat, you know how to compere. Please prepare the script. We will meet at 1 pm tomorrow.

Me: Shall do that.

R: All right. Call me if you want, but not after 10 pm. Bye!

Me & S: Bye Ma'am.

Me: Hmm, so what’s up? How is your internship progressing?

S: It is quite relaxed. Actually, it’s not the internship that I am worried about. I have a deadline looming at another part-time job and that is what worries me.

Me: Another job? That’s nice. Are you hungry? Let’s grab a bite!

S: Ok.

She received a text message as we walked to the tea stall. A natural smile spread across her face as she read it. Must have been her boyfriend. I wish this smile could have been for me, if I would have asked her out before this boyfriend of hers, but what the heck, I am happy with my girlfriend, she is more beautiful to me than Sakshi. Besides, she knows me better and understands me better than anyone else. She then texted him back and put her mobile in her pocket. We ordered two cuttings (half a cup of tea), and a cream roll.

Me: Have you ever tasted a cream roll with tea? It tastes so  delicious.

S: Not yet, but I will. So you seem busy these days. How’s your internship progressing?

Me: Yes, I have been busy lately. These doctors you know, they just can’t seem to get enough of me. They make me sit outside their chamber and once I get in, they won’t leave me easily. 

Sakshi was the only other person, besides my girlfriend, whom I could talk with like this. We shared a similar background. Likes and dislikes.

Me: So anything new happening in Castle?

S: No, haven’t seen that for a while. Only Californication and How I met your mother.

Me: Hmm.

As we were talking she gave me the smile which was there on her face a while back. Just as I was beginning to smile back in response, I heard a male voice behind me. A man, chatting loudly over his phone, walked up to Sakshi and hugged her. That was Vikram, her boyfriend.

V: What are you having?

S: Tea and cream rolls. Do you want some?

She turned to the stall owner.

S: Make that three cuttings.

Me: Hey, how are you?

V: I am good. How are you?

Me: I am doing great!

V: Why are you with her?

My friends had told me about Vikram, and his attitude, he had become the arrogant son of bitch ever since Sakshi had proposed to him.

Me: We are compering for the induction program.

Vikram got busy talking with Sakshi, and I got a call from my girlfriend as I dug into the cream roll.

Me: Hey, guess what? I will be doing the compering for the induction program.

Her: That’s nice.

Me: And guess who will be there with me?

Her: Pyaari?

Me: Oh, come on! You know, I don’t like that name, or is it just that you like teasing me every now and then?

Her: All right, all right. Who will be there with you?

Me: It is Sakshi.

Her: Hmm.

Me: Are you feeling jealous? And the cherry on top is that we may need to put in long hours for this because we don’t have a lot of time. We will complete the script tonight.

Her: Do whatever you want.

Me: Hey dear, don’t get angry, I was just teasing you. You can come here if you want to. I think Sakshi’s boyfriend will also be there.

Her: I am not angry, neither am I jealous. Compering for an important function was your dream, so I hope you do it well, and all the best to you.

Me: Thank you. But I am still sensing something is wrong. Are you ok with this?

Her: Absolutely. it’s just that I have a headache that’s all.

Me: Have some medicines or something. Shall I come over and apply balm on your forehead? I am sure that will do the trick.

Her: Ok sweetheart, no need to come here. I will take the medicines. When will you ever stop flirting with me?

Me: My delicious apple pie, I wasn’t flirting, just concerned about you.  

Her: Ok, my sweet angel, now go and concentrate on the script. All the best.

Me: Thank you. Bye.

Her: Bye.

They had finished their tea and snacks by this time. So the tea I had ordered had gone cold. I hurriedly gulped down my cream roll and signalled we should get going.

S: Finish your tea first.

Me: No, I will drink it while walking. We need to start working on the script. Its 6:30 now. It will take at least three hours.

S: As you say.

We had just started discussing how to begin, when Vikram sat down beside Sakshi. He fiddled with his mobile and pretended to be totally lost in it.

Me: Well I think that this script should have an element of naughtiness. What do you think?

S: Naughty, huh? How naughty are we talking here?

Me: Naughty enough to make them feel comfortable and decent enough to make them realise that they are beginning their post-graduation.

Vikram got a call and he reacted to it like he was getting irritated with the call, or was it the word 'naughty' which made him more irritated and the poor caller was suffering because of it? While he barked into the phone, I suddenly noticed how close we were sitting to each other.

S: Sammy, why don’t you flirt with me?

Me: Excuse me?

S: I mean on the stage. It will serve the purpose of being naughty and you will get a chance to flirt with a girl in front of an audience.

Before I could react, she put her hand inside my shirt and pinched me.

S: You better say yes.

We heard Vikram's voice getting louder as he approached and she removed her hand from my shirt, while simultaneously making space between us.

S: So Sammy, will you do what we decided and shall we call it a day?

Me: But Sakshi, the script is only half done …

S: Don’t worry. I will write the naughty part and you write the rest. Mail it to me once you are done, I will be up late. Call me any time if you have any doubts.

By the time she finished speaking with me, Vikram was already inside the room.

S: Babu, shall we?

V: You've finished your script?

S: I am done for now, Sammy will take care of the rest. Am I right, Sammy?

Me: Yes. That’s what I am famous for, being a good finisher. I will make it a smooth one, so that it will be easy for you to get used to, in no time. 

I packed the bag and dialled my girlfriend's number.

Me: Hey, how is my apple pie?

Her: Your apple pie is feeling lonely.

Me: Why so?

Her: Because her boyfriend is busy with work and he has no time for her.

Me: Hmm. Something must be done. Why is he so busy? Can’t he understand that a lovely girl is waiting for him?

Her: He should know that. Even so, he’s the most caring and lovely boyfriend when he's around.

Me: But then why is he not the same all the time? Is he mad?

Her: Don’t you dare call him mad.

Me: Then why is he not giving attention to his girlfriend?

Her: He is busy with his work.

Me: Leaving a girl like you alone when she is suffering from a headache is not fair. Give me his name and address. I will go personally and give him some advice and a few punches if needed.

Her: Don’t you dare go near him, else I will punch your lights out.

Me: Great! See how times change? You try to do something right for somebody and that somebody bites you in return.

Her: Sammy, enough! Get back to normal. 

Me: Ok. How are you feeling?

Her: The same as before.

Me: Did you take the medicines?

Her: Yes, I did.

Me: Let me come over.

Her: No. You concentrate on your compering. I will be fine. How’s the script coming along?

Me: It is half done. I will write the rest at home and forward it to Sakshi.

Her: Ok. All the best! Now go home. It’s late already.

Me: As you say, my lady.

Her: Ride safe, my sweet angel.

Me: Bye, my apple pie!

I was very happy. It was a dream come true for me. I went home and began writing the script, finished it just after midnight. I wrote the full script as I was sure that Sakshi was not going to write a word.

The next day, I got an expected response.

S: Thank you Sammy, you have saved me today, otherwise Richa Ma'am would have been mad at us.

Me: I know that dear. Don’t worry, you just follow Ma'am’s lead.

S: Thank you Sammy.

We practised extensively for over four hours. She made us realise the importance of each word, its pronunciation and intonation.

I learned a lot that day, and we performed brilliantly the next day. Praise flowed in from all quarters, but I was a bit upset as my girlfriend had not been there.