Cupid Calling

By GAURAV SHARMA

simple, see heres the port, and you just have to plug in this cutie properly here. See its working now.A sigh of relief occurred on her pretty face which was quite small but got so much beauty, even Da Vinci couldnt tell what was missing. I saw a lot of girls with innocent looks and gestures, but I must tell you, she was different, there was an aroma surrounding her , reflecting the positive energy, filling whole room, I smiled at her and said, Are you from section B? Because I have never seen you before. She lifted her left hand setting her hair besides her left ear, smiled and said, Yes I am from section B.I never understand this thing, why girls use this everytime while answering simple questions, are they overcautious while talking to the opposite sex or this is a preplanned move to hit boys hard, another arrow from their quiver, may be a cupids arrow. Thank you, she said and went away with a smile, her computer lab period was over and she was in a hurry to reach her classroom for the next lecture, as she swift from my side I felt her fragrance which was soothing and relaxing, I must say some cavities are gorgeous, and the two on her cheeks drove me crazy. should I ask her name ,should I ?oh no, no, it would not give the perfect impression, or should I ask,TUMHARA NAAM KYA HE BASANTIas was asked by Amit Ji in Sholay.I want to beg the pardon of our readers but its very important at this time to tell that you can really leave a strong mark if you act just like our bolly wood sons in different situations, especially with girls. Oh that smile ,those dimples, my god, I was busy with my fantasies when, Asheesh gave me a fierce look, as he always use to give, may be not his fault but his faces geometry was quite different from others making him more deadly. His big round face reminds me my favorite cosco football. Have you finished your economics assignment? Proffesor Raghavs class is next. I felt some kind of road roller passed through my head, and my legs find quite hard to support my skeleton, I was about to fall when

s I glanced at the clock, a drop of sweat slipped behind

my ear, oh 5 more mins left, when will this bloody lecture finish? I really need to hush towards the computer lab; almost half of my assignment left, that monster goanna kill me. Thoughts were running through my mind when the clock strikes 12:00. Ok students enough for the day but do remember to submit your regression analysis reports by 24, professor Jain said, as he usually said to warn students. He was one of the most supporting and coordinating professors of the college. Students liked him not because of his teaching methods but for his liberal attitude towards them. They liked him so much that sometimes they took him for granted. I took my bag and rushed towards the computer lab, I was in so much hurry that i almost smashed priyanka who was standing near the door. I apologized quickly and ran away. she was stunned with my action, and gave me a puzzled look ,as girls generally use to hide their thought of whats your problem you a*****e .I entered the lab that was already filled by section B students, most of the systems were occupied by them, I had no option but to stand and wait. If you are in a room filled, with pretty faces, you can wait for a whole day but conditions apply that your mind should be free from some ghastly assignments. I was standing and searching for some pretty faces when I saw her for the first time at the computer lab, confused, searching, and trying to plug in the 2 GB moserbaer pen drive. Beautiful, olive coloured, chiseled with two dimples on both sides, she smiled at me and asked.Do you know how to plug in this thing; I am trying from last 5 mins but failed every time. If theres god on earth loved and prayed by millions its here, giving opportunities to those who can use it in the right way, I smiled and thanked god. Oh seems you are new on this computer, we call it messy it usually reacts unfriendly. Look ! its quite

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Asheesh asked are you okay, what happened dude?Oh no no, just slipped, may be the tiles are slippery, I said. Or may be Professor Raghavs name does not suit to your ears, right? He asked and laughed, why god created friends, if they are so horrible and simply check your patience level, doing nothing but producing shivers in your body with their horrible laugh Professor Raghav was one of the most challenging people I have ever seen on this earth, Students called him VCR which was the short form of Vishvendra Chandra Raghav. A thought of him produces shivers in students, he was a human calculator, whose mind stored students database better than the machine, their names, enrollment numbers, roll numbers and a long list of their behavior, actions and performances. He categorizes students in two ways, average and below average. There were no words like good or excellent in his dictionary for students. His round face, extra large ears and oval nose reminds me my neighbors frog during my childhood, that use to jumped in my room blocking all my ways and forcing me to climb on the book rack as high as possible.VCR hate late comers and back benchers, according to him they were not serious for their life and career and thus they have no right to speak ,ask or discuss any question with the teacher, they were fully boycotted in his class and were prone of heavy punishments, this reminds one, the famous cast system of the Aryan culture where lower cast people were boycotted from the system and were given no right to speak or express their thoughts with others. Oh common man why didnt u completed your

MBA, Asheesh said and smiled, his football face became more round and red as he delivered his set of advices. I gave him a brutal look which was enough to stop him from delivering the speech how to live a good life . One thing always disturbs me, why buddies like him always finished their assignments on time, when they knew that their busy friend didnt get enough time to complete his assignment on time, this is some kind of betrayal, friends must always be ready to share their pain ,agonies and aches like Amit Ji and Dharam Ji did in Sholay. I shook my head in irritation and start searching law of Demand and Supply on the internet, I wanted to concentrate fully on the topic but finds hard to do so, a face was continuously revolving in my mind and an aroma was in the air, distracting my mind continuously from the system. Oh that dimples, those silky smooth hair ,that fragrance, I was dreaming when suddenly I saw a creepy frog smiling and saying hi ,have u done with your assignment? today is a special class for you moron, that you will remember for days. I glanced at my fast track wrist watch which was showing 12:25, oh only 35 mins left for the assignment !, my face was sweating more than it usually does at such situations, I wished if my mind was constructed like a computer with different memory sections to store different thoughts or I could do the multi tasking and complete my work on time. I looked at Asheesh , who was helping Nidhi with her assignment. this was a special 24 hr service of my friend , only for girls whether they want it or not, I smiled and clicked the mouse, pages occurred one by one on my system and I started working on them like a marathon runner, slow in the beginning but lightning fast at the end. But my competitor Mr. Time was faster than me as always, pushing me behind and heading towards the end point. I have a deep respect for the students belonging to Last minute studies or work at Death point as these guys are dare devils, giving their best shot in slog overs, escaping from

assignments on time, you know these guys, they are Vultures, ready to eat you. Look at me, I always finish my assignments on time, just remember brother, if you want to get success in life; give priorities to your work and at this time your priority is

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death at the last moment. And in my point of view their courageous behavior if not rewarded at least should be praised, but on the other hand no body wants to see such students in their class. Guys common, its 12:55, VCRs class. He will not allowed if we enter after 1:05 and yes have you all finished your assignments? submit me fast, I have to collect and arrange them according to the roll numbers before VCRs entry, said Nikhil, our class representative, a 6ft tall, handsome, blue eyed boy from Delhi with a sincere approach towards his studies and a cool attitude towards life and his friends. He came under VCRs average category of students. He glanced at me and signaled to hurry up showing his wrist watch which he use to demonstrate at every possible occasion without reason, maybe its a good approach to make everyone familiar with the new time machine, good in looks and seems costly. But this time he wanted to give a different signal, a warning sign or an indication to alert me from the upcoming hazard. I nodded my head, and in return passed him my signal which was a sign of two fingers, not a victory sign but a signal telling the receiver to wait for 2 min, 2 very crucial min which every suffering student think can turn the world upside down. He was much familiar with these signals and simply shook his head as was saying dude its your wish, but dont complaint later that I didnt asked you for the assignment. He turned and get busied himself in collecting others assignments. I was on the finishing line but still some work was left, I felt 5 more mins would be enough to complete the assignment but the thing was that, I must enter the class at right time before VCRs entry. I made some calculations and said to myself, I can make it, if I leave now, but what about the assignment, its still pending, should I submit it right now? Or should I give the final touch? I must tell you, at such situations your mind and heart should be strong and ready to face risks, this can come only after years of

experience and no doubt, I faced a lot of situations before, good and bad, easy and tough. I finally decided to complete the assignment and fastened my finger movements as fast as possible. I was so busy that I forget to see other students who already vacate the lab. Now I was alone, giving final touches to my project. Suddenly my fingers stopped and I smiled. Yes its done, oh I did it, I did it. But whats the time? Oh my god, I really need to rush towards the class otherwise I would be late for the lecture and I jumped from the chair and rushed towards the stairs. I almost jumped 3 stairs at a time and within no time I reached the classroom. I stopped their, looked at the classroom which was jam packed like a cinema hall on first day first show. I was about to enter the classroom when suddenly a 5ft 9 inches tall shadow passed besides me and directly entered the classroom. My jaw dropped, the man was famous for his strictness, rules and regulations and every student wanted to avoid an eye contact with him. Yes you are right , he was Professor Vishvendra Chandra Raghav or the famous VCR and he already entered the classroom before me, that simply means I was late.VCR closed the door to maintain the effect of the two A.c.s mounted on the walls of the class room. I was standing outside the door tired, breathing heavily, helpless and was thinking to enter in the class , when somebody said present sir, oh it means he started taking the roll call, now what ?should I ask him to come in or should I wait for the roll call to end. my mind was in a dilemma when I took a witless decision to wait till my roll no. comes and mark my present as well as ask for the professors permission to enter the class room, because that was the most appropriate time when the professor was busy with his roll call and would not like to stop in the middle, allowing me to enter the class room. I was waiting there fully prepared for the right time to strike. The professor was busy with his roll call and the students were marking their presence.40 yes sir, 41

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yes sir.42now, I said to myself. As the professor announced 43, I pushed the door and said yes sir. Everyone in the class room looked at me including the professor. They were stunned with my action their mouths were open as they had seen a zombie marching straight from the grave seeking permission to enter their class room. The professor finally breaked the ice by Saying come in. I took a deep breath of relief, he then continued with the remaining roll numbers. The class room was over crowded as all students were present and front rows were jam packed with them. I was searching for a seat when Asheesh waved me showing a vacant seat near him in the last row. Sitting in the last row was a crime in VCRs class but I had no option so I settled there. I put my assignment report on the table and took a deep breath, my heart was pumping faster and my face became red ,may be its our bodys tendency to produce more red blood cells in such situations that gives a red appearance . Where the hell were you dog and whats this? Are you some kind of hero or what? Is this a superstars entry? Said Asheesh. I gave a quick glance towards the professor who was still busy with the roll call and said yaar dont ask, I will explain you everything later, but first tell me have you submitted your assignment? Yes, he said, and you better submit your assignment before the professor ask for it, pass it to Nikhil, he is sitting in the front row, do it quickly otherwise VCR wont consider your assignment. I elevate my head and searched Nikhil who was sitting in the first row, just in front of VCR. I was about to pass it when I saw some blank space on the left corner of the cover page. Oh God, I forgot to write professors name on it, lucky, that I saw this at last time. I corrected it quickly and passed it to abhishek who further passed it to the students sitting in the front rows, in the meanwhile the professor had done with his roll call and was watching this parcel passing from one end to other, his faces expression was enough to tell that he didnt like this

passing game of the class, a boy passed it to a girl sitting in the second row, who turned and inquired about the assignment. The boy was about to explain her everything when the professor shouted stand up both of you, may I know what you two discussing when I am standing here in front of you and can you tell whats in your hand. The girl was in a shock, she tried to explain when the professor shouted again, he was loosing his patience and wants an answer. By this time our readers were thinking why didnt I tell my name yet? So readers heres the perfect time to reveal my name as its situations demand. Sir its Harshs assignment which I was passing to Nikhil. Hearing your name from a girls mouth feels good but in a situation like that it was blood chilling. I felt my legs shivering and my heart was beating a 100 times a second, I was waiting to face professors bazooka. Oh so its Mr. Harsh, better if he stands up and explain me everything. I wished if a dinosaur emerged from earth, hold me from neck and vanished. Today was a real bad day, and I was cursing the worst face I saw since morning, It was probably of the guard standing outside our apartments who use to shout on us while playing football in the apartments and never allow any girl to enter our flat. Oh so its your assignment, Mr. late comer and what do you think, I am going to accept it? No, never, there is no place for late comers in my class. And you tell me one thing, what makes you late when you knew that I never allow late comers in my class. What did you think of yourself Mr. you can disturb the whole class and hide yourself in the last row. I know students like you, roaming here and there, not interested in studies, assuming teacher is a fool. No Mr. your teacher is not a fool, I was watching your actions from the time you entered the class room. So tell me dear why should I accept your assignment? Tell me? I was quiet, knowing that there was no point in arguing with the professor as it further spoiled the situation so I simply said sorry sir. He was waiting for that

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moment only. Oh no no, Mr.Harsh dont be, even we are feeling sorry to give admission to such a sloppy student who has no respect for his studies, his teacher and his life. Students like you block other students and make class room a circus. I was mum, standing in the last row with my head down facing professors bullets, everyone one was watching as I was putted on the gallows, taking my last breath. It was so humiliating especially in front of the girls whom I tried to impress for the whole last week by my hilarious jokes and bone chilling adventure stories. Yes Mr. whats your answer? Seems you have no answers at all, Ok fine, I will give you a chance, come here and explain what have you done with your assignment. If you are able to do so, I promise I will accept your assignment. So come here, let the whole class learn a lesson from professor Harsh. I knew that I worked very little on the assignment and cant face professors spell of questions as most of the assignment was copy paste from the internet, as like other students. My body was facing immense cold, my mind was searching for an immediate rescue from professors trap and I experiencing a roller coaster ride. Sorry sir, I am extremely sorry, I was preparing for this assignment only and thats why I came late. I said. Sorry, the word was introduced by British, ages ago to rescue their people from severe problems. A fantastic way to apologize and save our ass but in VCRs case it was of no use, it acted as a catalyst and he shouted with full frequency on me. We are not here for the whole day; dont waste my valuable time, Mr. Harsh, do you understand what I am saying, I am not here to listen your stupid sorry. so if you had done with your stupid excuses can we have some of your valuable teachings ,our students are waiting for their professor, whos going to take todays class on Demand and Supply. There were no options left, my fate was already sealed by some cruel professor. As I started walking towards the podium, I saw some terrified and puzzled faces. They were reflecting pale and nervous looks,

some of them were showing sympathy ,others were just waiting for the next big thing to happen they all were in a shock and my friends were really sorry for me, Asheesh gave me a look filled with sympathy and support, he really wanted to avoid all this but cant do that. I stepped up to the podium, and gave a quick glance at the professor, who was staring at me with a face as hard as a rock and eyes as red as blood. It was his day and he was not ready to miss any enjoyment. So, what is your assignment all about dear? He asked, there he was cunning as a fox ready to slaughter me. Its about Demand and Supply, their types and their comparison in various situations sir, like boom or depression, I said, Oh good at least you are aware of your topic, so tell me, What do you mean by marginal utility? That was a missile from professors launcher, I never knew the exact definition so I lifted my assignment which was placed on the table, opened it and started answering professors question. This was a bad move, the professor was already prepared for this, and he got his chance to hit his target. He growled and said, dont you dare look at the report, I want your answer, and do you understand? Put back this report from where you had picked it up. I was quiet, holding the report in my hand, the report was the only way to rescue from VCRs trap but I was not allowed to do so. seeing this he yelled So, you need to look from this assignment report, it means you havent done the assignment by yourself Mr. all your assignment is a mere copy paste from the internet. You shirker, what do you think of yourself, copying assignments from internet and submitting me. And you think I am going to accept it, no, never, I will not give any marks for this plus I am marking an absent against your roll no. and dont forget to meet the Director sir in the evening. The last arrow from professors quiver was a big blow for me, I felt like smashed by a bull dozer and was feeling giddy but there was no use of crying over the spilt milk, I thought misfortunes never come alone

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and it was the biggest misfortune standing in front of the class with a lot of humiliation and embracement. My role was finished .the professor turned to the class and asked abhishek to stand up to speak on his assignment but the result was the same he too copied it from others and knew little about the assignment .this was enough to make professor wild. He threw my assignment copy and cried, Enough is enough, this class is full of idiots, and I wonder what type of students got admission this year. No, I am not going to take your assignments, I am marking a zero to everyone, no one is getting any marks. This is all done. You all deserve it, especially you Mr. Harsh, you are a rotten apple, and students like you spoil the whole class. Now the whole class has to pay for your undisciplined behavior. I saw some wicked faces starring at me ready to torn me to pieces, with me they all experienced a bad day and according to them I was the culprit who was responsible for the whole 1 hr drama. I clearly saw revenge in their eyes and they all were waiting for professors exit. The professor lifted his book and went out of the class in anger. Now I was ready to face the double impact, the meaningless visit to the Directors office and the torn apart responses from the colleagues. First came priyanka who was already upset from my action since morning, Harsh do you know, because of this assignment I missed my cozens party last week and I worked like a horse for the whole week but whats the result, because of your highly stupid behavior I have to waste another whole week. At least think of others Harsh, who worked hard and didnt copy their assignments like you, she said with anger. She was the first one but I had to face many more for the whole day plus the king in the evening I thought, I really need to prepare some good logic for the evening, to face the Big boss, I was planning to get rid of the problem, when I felt a strong hand on my shoulder, a known supportive hand followed by a known supportive face of my friend Asheesh.

Why the hell are you standing here buddy just to listen these assholes who think you were responsible for their problem. Chal have some food, its lunch break lets eat something, we have to face two more lectures today and you have to face daddy too, he smiled, Na, yaar I am not hungry, you just go ,I have some work, leave me alone, I said. He gave me a puzzled look as was saying whats the matter with you dude, its lunch time our favorite, which we utilize to watch sexy girls, to hang at the terrace to smoke and to fuel our empty tummies. You just go yaar, not today, Iam not feeling ok, need some loneliness, I said and patted his shoulder which was a signal for him to leave me alone. As he went away I pushed the door of the class room, which was already vacated, selected a seat in the last row and sat on it. Now I was alone, no one was there to disturb me, the professors words were still echoing in the empty class, Mr.Harshit you are a rotten apple, students like you spoil the whole class, at least think of your parents who worked day and night just to give their son the best education. Do you realize how difficult is for one to get admission in one of top B schools of Delhi, its like a dream come true. Do you understand the quality, the standards, and the prestige of our college which you darken from your irresponsible behavior? Professors word were striking my mind, and a tear rolled down my cheek, I lost in the thoughts of my old govt.quarter, its inhabitants ,their known faces and eyes filled with love and affection.

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Hurry up beta, have u packed your bag, and dont forget to carry your food and water bottle. This is summer time and you must not drink water from outside. And dont eat anything while your journey, my mother told, who rarely missed her set of advices at the last time. She always tried her best at the last moment and inquired about everything twice to make sure that his son had packed every thing and must reach the bus stop before time. This was her immense love and affection towards me which can be seen in her eyes, but one thing was missing, her tears which she hides cleverly to make her son comfortable at every stage, hats off to Indian mothers who did their duty with sincerity and dedication, I cracked the CAT that year and managed to get a call from Delhi school of finance, one of the top B schools of Delhi. A dream I always seen since my last year of engineering, to study in one of the best B-schools of the country and to hold a degree of MBA. During my engineering everyone talked much about MBAs, their high packages and foreign trips. Those almost become the talk of the town and drag my interest towards perusing higher studies in management. My father always wants me to work for a software company after my engineering but at last he had to surrender for my wish. Ready beta? Father asked me, your bus is on time I inquired on phone, it will leave for Udaipur by 1:30 p.m. so should I bring some auto or you can manage on motorcycle? I glanced at all my luggage which was only a bag and briefcase. Papa no need to have auto, I will lift all this on my shoulder. My father was a civil engineer in irrigation project of Rajasthan govt. for the whole life he worked with honestly and dedication and as a result earned goodwill more than money, an auto ride to bus stop will cost him much, so I decided to carry the luggage on bike. I touched my mothers feet who were standing near the main gate to collect all her blessings waived her and went away on motorcycle. The bust stand was packed with the

passengers who were trying to avoid the immense heat strokes of month of June. Rushing towards the inquiry counters, waiting for their buses managing their luggages and purchasing newspapers. We inquired for my bus to Udaipur; it was on right time and about to leave in next 5 mins. You wait here Harshit, I am coming, and he said and rushed towards the ticket window. He came back after 2 mins with the bus ticket and a newspaper, I didnt find any good story book or a best seller, this is all they have, and you can read this while your 4 hr. journey my father said and handed me the newspaper. My father was always an active reader since his college days and maintained a good book rack at home having collections of all famous writers that always inspired me to read and know more about them. His collections involved Tolstoy, Chekhov, Premchand, George Orwell and many more. Have you checked your train ticket, I think its on 6:30 p.m. you better reach the railway station on time and dont forget to call your mother Harshit ,you know she always cares for you. Yes papa I said and nodded my head. Papa is the fees too much for the course? I asked him. He smiled and looked at me as he uses to do while answering such questions. Its ok Harshit you just work hard, leave the rest on me, dont worry about your college fees, just give your best shot son, your mother is quite happy for you so promise me you will give her the finest result. I never thought of a car or a good house for my whole life and you know why because I wanted to give my children the best education, you are my car, my bank balance beta, so just concentrate on your studies ,your father is always there to support you. I was listening to him when the bus driver interrupted our conversation by blowing horns. Time to go Harshit, take care son and dont forget to call your mother when you reach there. I stepped up in the bus and waived him. He was smiling and waiving me. I searched for my window seat which was already acquired by a girl. I passed

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her a smile and showed my seat number on the ticket, may be you are on a wrong seat mam, its mine, Oh so sorry, she said and smiled as she left the seat for me and sat on the next seat. I settled down quickly and opened the newspaper, there was not much in the sports section which always grabs my attention, I turned other pages but found nothing interested there at last I put the newspaper and closed my eyes, shadows appeared one by one, all were familiar and wanted to say something but there was some kind of chaos, finally my mind settled at one of them who was a quite familiar figure, waving at me and smiling, her eyes were filled with love care and tear, she was my mom. A thought of her filled my eyes with tears and I started thinking about her love, care, devotion, her hardships, and her values in my life without which life cannot be think. Then appeared a man whose larger than life figure tells much. His words were still hitting my mind, dont worry son, you just work hard, leave the rest on me, this all is for you, we are happy for you, make us proud beta. Then they all vanished and a thought appeared to my mind, how I should pay back for what they have done for me for their whole life, they sacrificed at every moment and now its my turn to put smile on their old faces. Yes, I will put smile on their faces; I will give my 100 %.and make all their dreams come true. Banswara, my hometown was located on the south most point of Rajasthan state a, small town with no railway station or airport, so I use to catch the trains from Udaipur which was at a journey of 4hrs from my city. A power nap was enough to pass this boring 4 hr bus journey. When I awaked the railway station was almost reached. I entered the station and checked my train schedule which was scheduled to leave at 6:30 p.m. that simply meant that I had to face whole 1 boring hr. I looked at the station in search of some point where I can sit and pass this extra hr. A small restaurant on the left side seemed quite neat and clean and was especially

opened to cater needs foreign visitors, I thinked twice before entering but it seemed me quite hygienic. Mothers words were hitting my mind. Dont eat from outside Harshit, its summer time beta. But its hygienic here, a cup of tea with some snacks wouldnt cause much I said to myself and entered the restaurant. I ordered a cup of tea with fresh samosa; in Rajasthan you find everyone prefer samosa as morning and evening snacks, Typical Rajasthani spices and added flavors made it different from other snacks. You wouldnt find that taste anywhere else in the world. Even foreigners enjoyed these mouth watering snacks during their trips to India. I was enjoying my samosa when my mobile ranged, it was my mothers call oh crap I really forget to call her, she must be worrying , I received her call, apologize quickly and listen all her instructions, she was bit angry with me when I told her about the samosa. Indian mothers they always cares a lot I thought and put the phone back in my jeans pocket. Their were some girls sitting on the next table enjoying their coffees and were laughing heavily, they were talking about some guy and made different poses ,there actions were enough to tell me that the centre of their talk was a guy may be their friend, who is quite humorous and loves to gag. Whole restaurant was filed by their horrible laugh and people were trying to know what happened to the girls? Its but obvious you will find a lot of gossip and laughter on a table occupied by 4 ladies, they always have much to enjoy and most of the time their centre of gossips were boys. Suddenly one of them signaled the group to low the frequency as everyone was starring at them including me; they all turned up to me and apologize for their disturbance. Its ok I dont mind, no problem, laughter is a good medicine, keep going.I said and smiled, soon the restaurant filled with their laughter. I thought its always good to have friends at such situations. This long hr, which seemed boring to me, can really be enjoyed with them. I always

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remember

my

engineering

friends,

young,

energetic,

different location and I knew almost nothing about the place. I already contacted with one of my seniors of engineering who were living at some nearby place and can guide me about the location and help me in searching a P.G. or a boys hostel. I awaked at 6:30 a.m., it was Hazrat Nizzamuddin railway station packed with passengers running from here and there, arguing with coolies over their luggages and searching railway charts for their seats. I was comparing my small city with the capital and was puzzled with the fast life and environment of the city. At my hometown things were quite slow ,relaxing and soothing, you wouldnt find anyone arguing with auto rickshaw drivers or rushing to their offices like mad. But yes, that was the difference that made this city unique and full of opportunities which were hard to find in my hometown. The next big task was to hire an auto for Ashok Vihar which was a tall order. After 15 min. I found myself added to the same list of people arguing with auto rickshaw drivers. They were charging very high which my pocket didnt allow. After all my efforts over 20 mins I stopped. I decided to hire auto up to Indraprastha Metro station, from where I could catch the Metro for remaining journey. Metro was known as the back bone of Delhi and though I was new to it I preferred it for my journey. Environment at Indraprastha Metro station was totally different for me, excellent neat and clean platforms, lightning speed metro trains running every minute and access to bank ATMs all were dynamic, this was an excellent approach by DMRC to make life easier for delhites. I boarded my Metro and headed towards Ashok Vihar. The nearest metro station was Keshavpuram. I called my senior and told him to meet at the Metro station, but he guided me to reach at a t-point which was near to his flat and would be more approachable by both sides. I met him at the t- point, it was a Sunday and he was free, he hugged me and lighted a cigarette then we walked straight to his

rebellious, with rough casual looks; least interested in studies and always blamed the teachers, the system and the government. Use their creative and logical brain to impress girls and prepare them for romantic dates. Those were some golden days I always miss. I looked at my watch which indicated me to leave the restaurant and board the train. I searched for my compartment and checked my name on the list sticked outside near the gate of the compartment. I also checked fellow passengers name and searched if any girl of my age was traveling in the same compartment but didnt found any. I found my seat and settled quickly. Other seats were occupied by a family with two small boys and an infant, which looked like a stuffed teddy bear. The boys were very excited and they jumped from one berth to another. Their mother was trying hard to control them but they were on the zenith of their menace. I was enjoying their acrobats when their mother smiled at me and shows her failure in handling her boys. The train leaved the station on right time and I opened the magazine I bought from the hawker near the restaurant. After much reading of hrs.I opened my bag and take out my food, I was really hungry and cant resist anymore. I attacked on the food and finished it in mins. I glanced at the boys, who were still busy with their activities. They were full of energy and really turned the whole compartment into a playground. I really wanted to sleep after a full tired, hot summer day but felt unable to do so because of boys menace. Finally their parents managed to settle them. I thought this is the time, now I can take rest, it would give some support to my mind and body which was already tired and which I need to cement for the up coming days. I was thinking about the struggle which was going to start from coming day. I had been to Delhi once during the time of my interviews and stayed at my relatives house in Rohini. This time I had to reach to Ashok Vihar, a totally

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flat. He was sharing this flat with other guys and all of them worked for the same company. I was feeling bit tired and wanted to rest but couldnt do that, as search for a room in Ashok Vihar was my first priority and I wanted to settle as soon as possible to concentrate fully on my studies. I asked him for some property dealers offices in Ashok Vihar and get ready to meet them. It was a Sunday and most of the offices were closed, the sun was on its extreme and the temperature was hitting over 40 degrees, there were no rickshaws and I had to cover all the distance by myself. Till noon I covered almost half of the Ashok Vihar and was feeling hungry and tired. Now the next big task was to search for a restaurant or dhabba but I found hard to do so as this was a purely residential area and restaurants were very rare, I asked many people but didnt got a satisfactory answer. By this time I was sweating heavily, my legs were tired and I was dying of thirst and hunger, the central Bazaar was also closed and I didnt understand what to do. Thought of my Institute came to my mind at least water would be available there, I said to myself and headed towards the institute, I was trying hard to find a rickshaw that can take me to the institute but didnt find any, may be Sunday was not a profitable day for rickshaw pullers of Delhi, I thought and marched straight to the institute. After a walk of 20 mins I finally reached the institute, I was breathing heavily, was fully dehydrated and dying of thirst when I saw the water cooler at the entrance, it was a feeling of joy and relaxation, it was the same feeling a person feels when he finds an oasis in the desert. I filled my tank with gallons of water and wash my face and hair, the guard sitting outside was closely watching the whole water play and was amazed with this drama. I turned to him and asked, aaj garmi bahut jyada he Na? He simply nodded his head in support and again busied himself. The institute was almost closed leaving the reception to help the students, two ladies were sitting there and one of

them was reading a magazine which was quite familiar to me, I cleared all the water from my face and give her my introduction. She welcomed me with all her warmth and took me strait to the guest room. She ordered the peon to bring a glass of water and some brochures. She then asked some questions about my back ground, my score and my call letter which was a part of her duty I guessed. After inquiring much about my education and my family back ground she started showing me the college broachers one by one to introduce me to the Chairmen, the director and the college staff, there was a full description of all of them, their degrees and their foreign tie ups. I think I need some time to read the whole broacher, what u think? I said and smiled at her, I was really hungry and was not in the mood to read the broacher. She smiled and replied ok you just take it home with you and read it carefully, it will clear all your doubts and one more thing are organizing a small get together tomorrow morning at college premises to welcome all our fresher, your syllabus kit books and other things will be distributed at the party by our teachers and since our chairman sir is back from his Frankfurt seminar, so he will be there, dont miss the party and at last on behalf of whole DSB I welcome you to our family, if you have any doubts or questions you are most welcome. she explained the whole scenario to me in minutes which showed her expertise at performing her duty. But at that time only two questions came to my mind which I desperately wanted to ask her, one if she knows a dhabba nearby as I am dying of hunger and second where should I get a good P.G. the first one seemed pretty odd to asked from a lady sitting at the reception. The second one can be asked and finally i asked her about a good P.G. or a hostel. She gave me some visiting cards of P.G.s nearby and gave her no. in case any problem arises. I thanked her, lifted the broacher and went out of the reception room. The guard was still sitting there looked at me, till this time he was aware

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that I am a new student and searching for a P.G. my first question was still left to be answered, and It was the right time to ask him for a dhabba. Hello, I said, are you working here? Well I am a new student, can you help me in finding a proper place to eat, a dhabba or a restaurant, I am hungry since morning and didnt find any dhabba nearby. Oh yes why not, theres a small dhabba at the end of this road, you will get nice stuffed paranthas there, its famous for its paranthas in whole Ashok Vihar. Oh thanks, one more thing did anyone came to you in search of a room or a P.G. as I am searching too for the same, I said. Yes ,yes a boy came to me yesterday, he was of the same age as you are, he was searching for a room mate and left his mobile no. here it is ,and he showed the no. which was written at the top of his small diary. Ravi sahu I read his name and noted his no. in my mobile. Any ways, thanks guard ji, we will meet tomorrow, and I love paranthas, I said and smiled. Reception rooms A.c. and chilled water from the cooler recovered me a lot, the only thing left was delicious paranthas which were forcing me to towards the dhabba. As I reached the dhabba my nostrils filled with the sweet smell of desi ghee, it fueled my appetite and now the situation was out of control, I really didnt want to wait. I ordered some paranthas with cold drink and sat myself on the corner table. Most of the tables were occupied and the waiters were running from one table to another to cater their customers. The dhabba was famous for its aaloo and cheese paranthas and there was so much rush that I had to wait for several minutes for my parantha. At last I was served with an aaloo parantha with butter and coke, a mind blowing combination to beat heat and hunger. I really wanted to eat the whole parantha in one shot but it was so hot that I had to wait for several minutes. While I was enjoying my meal, a tall well build guy was noticing me; he was wearing a sports t shirt and a lower and seemed to be a localite to me. May be, I was a new

face to his domain and he really wanted to inquire about me. He stood suddenly from his table and came straight to me and asked can I have a seat? I looked at his face which was quite rough from the edges, his hairs were long and dark and he looked more like a vagabond. My mouth was fully occupied by the delicious parantha so I simply nodded my head which was a green signal for him, he sat his heavy body and put his arms on the table, his fist was twice as big as mine, its quite hot today what you think? He started the conversation, yes it is, I replied. Are you new to this place, as I had never seen you before? I told him all about myself and tell him about my search of a room or P.G. he was waiting for this moment only, actually he was a part time broker named sonu and was involved in arranging rooms for students on commission basis. He made his commission from both parties, the landlords as well as the students. He told me about a flat in C- phase and wanted me to see the location, the flat and to meet the landlord. I agreed to his offer and went straight to the C- Block with him on his scooter. He took me to a flat which was on the 3rd floor of an apartment. A girl came from inside as he ranged the bell. She was wearing a tight t- shirt and shorts illustrating all her assets and her little healthy figure. She smiled at us and took us to the flat which was on the 4 Th floor. The flat was simply a set of two rooms an attached bathroom and a small kitchen, but it was quite neat and clean. I agreed to the flat and asked her about the rent, she replied 4000, which was a little costly for me but can be paid if I shared the flat with other guy. Also 4000 is not much for having a good location and especially a girl neighbor. Ravis name came to my mind and I called him, after much ringing he picked the phone and showed his interest in the flat, he was in Gurgaon that day and was unable to come, but promised to meet at the fresher party next morning and to discuss all about the flat. I agreed to him and postponed the deal for the next day. Sonu was

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forcing me to take the flat as soon as possible giving here well planned logics to make his commission soon but I somehow managed him to wait for the next day. The girl was quite happy with my presence and asked me if I would like to have anything, her meaning was water and nothing else. After exploring the whole apartment and much questioning about the electric and water facility, I went back to my seniors house. I was quite tired and a deep sleep was the simple answer. I wake up early in the morning, next day, shaved my chin, put some formal outfit and get ready to go to the institute to attend the party. The institute was filled with students and teachers and all of them were in formals, a tall handsome guy who were in his formals and seemed to be a volunteer came to us and showed us the way to the auditorium, he was one of the many seniors standing to greet juniors. The auditorium was big, dark and full of teachers and clerical staff, they all were welcoming us, and soon we all settled their hearing the man Mr. Khandelwal who was known as the leading economist of Delhi and the chairman of our institute. He gave a short welcome speech on the institute, its courses and expressed his views on Indian economy. The speech was followed by a lunch party, a way to mix up to the other students. I soon find ravi among the students, and discussed all about the flat, he was a quite simple guy and wished to see the flat after the party. I was feeling great to become a part of the institute; all my dreams to join a management institute were fulfilled. That was a great day in my life and I was enjoying every moment. CHAPTER 4/18/2010. Oh so you are here, I searched the whole campus and you are sitting here, have these sandwiches, see I bought these only for you , I knew you havent eat anything since morning, take these, at least take a bite ,its yummy. Asheesh said and -3

offered me one of the two cheese sandwiches he was holding. They were my favorite and he knew that I would never say no for a cheese sandwich. His sandwiches bring me back from the sweet memories. I took a bite and looked at his red round face which got polished after having tons of sandwiches. Tell me how many of these u had and dont lie, I asked? Oh just 4 yaar, I was really hungry and want some change from that boring routine lunch packs. Oh common man, dont stare at me like this, ok I promise no more this week. He said. Chal finish it fast and get up, two more classes to face, sexy Kamini and Professor Jain. Kamini chopra, a graduate from Shri Ram College of Commerce and a Ph.ed enrolled from IIT Delhi taught us corporate finance. Students liked her more for her looks and gestures than her teaching skills, Her silky smooth long hair, her toned figure and her sexy looks were always a matter of discussions among boys, though a quite arrogant with students and carried a lot of attitude, she was much famous among boys. There were hardly any boy who missed her class, she knows how to make them mad and she used the skills in a right way. For girls, Kamini was their biggest opponent, her outfits, her looks and her smile made them out of trend and they regularly follow Kaminis trends to grab their prey. I finished the sandwich and went for the Kaminis lecture, after a long discussion on corporate finance the students were waiting for their favorite lecture, a lecture to end their quite exhausted routine. Leaving some geniuses all migrated to the last rows as this provides them enough chance to finish their pending assignments or gossip with others, Professor Jain, a quite decent man in his 30s never interrupt any student in doing their extra curricular activities during his lecture. For me it hardly matters who is the professor as I was always a back bencher. Asheesh was busy in breaking his previous records in Snake, his favorite mobile game when he stopped for a second, looked at me and said, what are you

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doing buddy? Day dreaming? Or thinking about the assignments? Oh no nothing I was just thinking about the professors, I said and start turning pages. sweet, adorable and refreshing, But there was my mind something different running in my mind something more dragging continuously towards it, an image or a face that comes with a flash and disappears leaving a sweet smile with two dimples on both end. My mind was continuously retrieving that image from its memory, so sweet so elegant so lively what a beauty she is, there was an invisible aura around her making her so lively about life. How come I didnt noticed her earlier, may be I was busy with other girls, or may be she rarely comes out of her class , I thought, whatever, but she is different, my sixth sense was clearly indicating me that she was totally different from the dozens of girls I met throughout my whole career. A perfect small face with all beauty lines, two chiseled dimples, velvet soft lips, big eyes with a perfect figure and silky hair, she was a whole sole beauty package. There was something magnetic with this girl that was attracting me and forcing me to think again and again about her. She was revolving in my mind and I was feeling butterflies flying in my stomach. Her sweet small face was the only good thing happened since morning and I was waiting for the lecture to finish so that I can get a glimpse of her. As the lecture finished I jumped from my seat, I was ready to run straight towards section B when the boring Sushree asked a question from professor Jain, she was well known for her habit to ask boring long questions and doubts at the end of the class. Every student got exasperated from her actions but was helpless and cant change the circumstances. Professor Jain signaled students to sit down and wait for sometime, he was clearing Sushrees monotonous doubts. The time was running quite fast and I feared that I wouldnt be able to see that girl today as it was almost 4:10 and most of the students were leaving or already left for their Holmes. I was suffering

from the curse of Sushree, at last the lecture finished and students vacate the class, I rushed towards section B in hope to see a glimpse of the girl I met at computer lab in the morning. But there was no one, the class was empty and there was a silence which was enough to tell me that you are late as always dear and that I must wait for the next 24 hrs to see her. I hold my folder and went straight to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. At least a cup of coffee was the best thing after such a drained out day. I purchased coffee and came out of the college. After their mind crushing lectures students daily gathered at the community centre located outside the college especially at Channi, A juice and coffee centre located near the main road to bust their stress and to discuss all the hot topics which remained to be discussed during the lectures. This was the time to attend their second shift, a class outside the class. They enjoyed there with cigarettes and coffee mugs in their hand thinking and discussing over hot topics, gossiping a lot about girls, teachers and the companies. They use to sit there for long hours till dark and went to their places only at the dinner. I sat on the pavement and was enjoying my coffee with others when I heard a sound, a horn of a car which was trying to make its way but was stopped due to some traffic on the main road , it was a blue Maruti 800 and two girls were sitting inside. It was quite hard to saw their faces as they were at a distance. The girl at the driving seat was trying hard to manage through the busy traffic of Ashok Vihar and was in a real hurry, may be she wants to reach her home on time, suddenly she got her way and zoomed through the community centre, as she was passing through the juice centre I saw her face which was quite small and cute, she was the same girl I met in the morning, full of sweetness and innocence, driving a blue Maruti car, I finally got the chance to saw her again, I drink the remaining coffee quickly and ran towards the road to get much of her, But good things

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came and vanishes in sec. she zoomed through the road which was empty by the time, leaving the dust behind her. Now I was standing on the road side trying to recall whatever I saw, a smile came on my face at least I get some happy seconds to cheer at the end of a long tiring day. A genius once said life is like an ice cream eats it before it melts and so live every moment and cheer the good things. Cheers I said and raised the empty coffee cup high in the air. I went towards my home with a smile on my face and lots of joy in my heart. There was a lot of difference between the day life and the nightlife for a management student like me there was much to learn and manage outside the classes, my practical training started from the point where my classroom training stopped, here in busy streets of Ashok vihar I was learning the real lesson of management. the management of my personal life my friends and my studies. After the classes, friends usually gathered at a common momo point, enjoying momos, lightning their cigarettes, or sipping their beer cans, roaming here and there in the busy bazaars of Ashok vihar, this all usually ran till night, when suddenly my brain reminds me about my pending assignments and reports and i use to run straight towards my flat start jostling with the complicated assignments and worked on them till morning. I went to the bed, the same hour when my neighbors wake up for an early morning walk. This was my entire schedule for week days and I tried a lot but find myself unable to change it. Weekends were little different from weekdays as Saturdays were usually half days and our classes finished till noon. I use to come home early, utilizing all my time watching new movies or sleeping till evening. Then start finishing all my pending assignments in evening working hard on them till night, with a cup of coffee in my hand, and stopping only once a feeling came to my mind, realizing nothing is left for Sunday, Sundays were quite crucial for me as they were to finish some unfinished businesses. The day

generally started with blood shedding competitive football matches between the two age old rivals, room mates and good friends outside the field, but were death machines for each others and their teams on the field, one with a superb athleticism and football skills that makes everyone wonders, Ravindra Sahu or ravi as we called him was a magician with the ball. A short height strong built with a cool head over his shoulders made him a perfect goal machine for his team and made his opposition often speechless once he entered the field, his dodges and passes were superb and his cool approach to manage with his team members always payed him a lot, winning most of the matches with good goal margin for his team. Standing on the other end was his arch rival not as good and athletic but filled with extreme devotion zeal and passion for the sport. competitive by nature he was a battler. His motto was simple, fight till the end and win the match by hook or by crook. Harshit joshi or Joe as his friends called him was a monster in the field not with his skills or football magic but with his wicked tricks and lots and lots of aggression. Both the teams pay their sincere efforts and full dedication in winning the matches that became a symbol of pride and excellence. There was much to do in the afternoons after these long tiring football sessions. Time to explore new food temples, or hangouts, watching new movies in the multiplexes or exploring new museums and book fairs of Delhi. Each week was dedicated to a new hangout. Nights were voluntarily devoted to beer and vodka followed by a good Chinese food at Hungry Panda. The weekends in this way were the stress busters for all the students and regenerate them for the next week. This week was another blood sucking, tiring and exasperating full of VCRs long, monotonous irritating lectures, I already suffered a lot this week and was eagerly waiting for the week end. There were other tensions too hovering my mind including VCRs deadly economics assignment. Fear was

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mounted on my face when Ravi entered the room, his presence was enough to eliminate half of my tension, he was extremely good at studies and loved to help me at my assignments. So hero what happened? I heard it was a bad day for you at the college and you messed with VCR. Yes yaar it was a bad bad day, he almost took all my cloths in front of the whole class, that was really a nightmare for me yaar, crap, I am really out of my mind now, that bloody prof. washed all my image that I built in weeks and now I need to finish his assignment before next week, yaar please help me. Oh ho, dont worry brother we will finish your work before time, just leave all your tension on me, now I am here, together we will finish all the this, dont worry just tell me have you finished with your meal? I am really hungry, chal yaar first lets prepare some fried rice. He was a real genius and was famous for his commerce basics, a man with multy talent always happy to help others even at mid night. So whats going in your section buddy? I asked him while he was preparing some rice for him, oh nothing everyone was waiting for the exam dates, its our first sem. exam and everyone is so much confused and tense, no one knows about the exam pattern or the domain, the coordinators can put the dates any day so we should ready ourselves in advance and must start preparing for the exams but first your assignment buddy. I really want to ask him about the girl I met in the lab but postponed my thought after his mind bubbling exams talk, a face appeared to my mind, sweet, soothing, smiling at me, saying if you really want to know my name then catch me, meet me and ask all you want to ask and I promise I will give all your answers I really wanted to meet her soon, her flashes were coming to my mind making things complex but there were some unfinished business left. VCRs project report was left and I need to prepare it this week. We worked on the assignment that night. The next day was quite different from usual morning routine as the

students were standing outside their classes discussing with each other about some schedule there was a mass of students surrounding the notice board, everyone was running towards the notice board to have a glimpse of the paper fixed on it. Whats going on? Whats on the notice board asked from Nikhil, Its about the first sem. exams buddy, they are starting from the next week and we dont have much time brother, the first paper is of Accounts. I felt some kind of weight dropped on me, my legs shacked a bit and then stabled to their normal position. I was good in Statistics, economics and all others but Accounts was my biggest nightmare, I tried a million times but never understand the concepts like debit, credit, depriciation and all. Why there were many different accounts for a same firm and whats the difference between these accounts was always a big question for me. Everyone was looking tense than usual, there were signs of depression, fear and consciousness on every bodys face, and they all were new to the institute and really afraid of the coming exams. They were in a hurry to note down the schedule of exams jostling with each others to make space for themselves, even girls were pushing guys hard to have a look of the notice board, I never understand why people wrestle with each other when they knew that the exams are from next week and this notice will remain on the board till next week. I was watching their sport when a heavy hand landed on my shoulder So have you seen the list? Crap man, its account first, Asheesh said. His voice was as heavy as his hand, why God created creatures like him that came suddenly and hit you hard with their heavy accent. Ya its account buddy, but why you fear you are from commerce background and understand the concepts better. Yes you are right but this time I am not worrying for myself, in fact I am worrying for you, accounts is always a struggle for you buddy and you know you have less time. He smiled at me, as was commenting on me and started

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delivering his set of advices as usual, he was a true buddy, always suited on the definition of a pal, giving advices, commenting heavily and supporting at the darkest times. So what have you planned for the exams? Take Ravis help he is a genius and you can come to my place too for studies, what you say? Hmmm, I didnt plan anything yet, lets see what happens? May be Ravis help required at this juncture. As I was discussing the preparation schedule to combat the upcoming exams, a shadow passed through my side and filled my nostrils with a pleasant flower fragrance. That was a known fragrance and can be recognized any where any time, soothes my mind and heart and forced me to rotate my neck 360 degrees. It was her, the girl I met yesterday; she was in her light pink shirt and black trousers, sweet and small trying to elevate her skeleton as high as possible on her heels to have a sight of the notice board through a distance. While analyzing the date sheet she was playing with her hairs, soft as silk black as night, she was looking like a princess with cute smile and chiseled dimples and it was my chance to reach her and to tell her how beautiful she is, that she bears a million dollar smile and looks pretty today in her pink shirt almost a Mickey mouse. That she is a magnet attracting me from the day she strike me in the lab. I was really amazed at her beauty and was keen to watch her when devils son reappeared and stand in between two of us. His gigantic figure almost covered the mickey mouse and now it was hard to saw her. I was trying to escape from the giant but he was in a different mood, He was showing me the book which he issued from the library for exams preparation. look I issued it in advance, man you must see the rush at the library ,oh god they all were trying to issue the best books, but now its with us baby, yes this is the key to our success, are you listening? hey hey where are you? I am showing you this book and you are looking at other end? His voice was coming to my ear but was not connected to my mind, I was

trying to look at the other end but the girl was vanished somewhere during our conversation? I heard the stories of the Angels, coming to earth and disappear marking their presence and load lives of individuals with their aroma, I was feeling the same. It was the third time I saw her but couldnt manage to reach her, may be she was tough, yes some girls are really tough I thought and smiled. Her presence was still there in the mind set and I was flying high in the vanilla sky. Students were standing in the groups and were discussing about the date sheets, some of them were unhappy with the date sheet and were afraid of accounts, especially the people with science and engineering backgrounds, for them Accounts was not less than the snake in the grass, that comes suddenly with a hiss damaging all their dreams of high scores. Tension was building everywhere in the campus except me who was still standing at the corridor thinking about the girl, her sweet smile and silky hairs. The coming week was crucial to every one and a lot of change came to the college. The students who generally roam in the corridors vanished suddenly, now their new destination was the college library. Books were flying from one hand to other and everyone was in a hugger mugger. They all wanted to grab as much as possible in the last six seven days and were practicing hard to master themselves at the subject, the bazaars of Ashok Vihar soon became vacant. The shopkeeper at the Channi juice centre was tense too and was puzzled by the sudden change in the behavior of the students as groups standing at Channi after classes were almost evaporated. His business was hardly hit and he did not understand what to do to bring back the students to his juice centre. My room too became a battlefield with books lying everywhere and lots and lots of hours of studies already started. Ravi was the man of the hour and he was really managing hard to teach every one the concepts of accounts. He himself was feeling less time to prepare for the

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exams and was feeling quite helpless. Hey buddy, dont forget to teach me depreciation tonight, I said to him, and smiled, he was busy in calculations and turned to me and said. of course yaar you are my roommate and first preference would be given to you only. Yaar Accounts is really hard and I afraid that it would hit my scores in the exams. Oh ho dont worry brother its only a subject, we have whole one week and I would teach you all the basics, you will definitely score well in the exams. From that day we doubled our studying hours and were studying almost 8-10 hours daily. We sleep for 4 hrs only and were eating less in order to combat siestas. Fear was ruling my mind and I was in a dilemma what to do next, time to prepare subjects was less and there were no preparation leaves. But there was something bigger, something which was even more destructive than any of the dangers and was continuously haunting my mind, shadows were revolving in their orbits like satellites and were constantly derailing my mind from studies and preparation. Among them was a tiny little shadow, smiling at me breaking my rhythm and concentration? A sudden tension was increasing slowly and slowly putting dozens of questions that needed to be answered. classes cant be missed for exam preparation as their was always a risk of attendance shortage, Assignment pressures were on their peak and I was feeling bit hard to tackle Accounts. All these were passing the signals, some bad omen before the exams. Finally the first semester exams of the college started on a bright sunny day. The student prepared till last minutes and many of them were cramming outside the examination hall till the last minute, they wanted to grab everything to sure themselves that they were fully prepared for the battle and came inside the hall only when they were forced by their teachers to leave their notes and sit on their respective seats. Some of them closed their hands praying to the almighty, others were quiet, regaining their

energy to use it later at the right time. I was trying to recall what I read last night, there was a formula missing and I was trying hard to remind it. After 10 recalls I finally got the formula, I was so happy as if I won a big battle. Students of section B were also there but there were no signs of the girl, maybe she is sitting in the next room, I thought. Finally the exam started, it was accounts and the paper was extremely difficult as was expected. I scrutinized the whole paper and came to a decision that it would be better if I started from case study, which was of 20 marks. Those 3 hrs were full of nervousness, excitement and thrill leaving students with a sweaty face and slippery hands even in the cooling effect of the powerful A.C. mounted above the main gate. The instructor signaled to stop as the clock strike 1:00 p.m., our first paper of the first sem. exams was finished and we were feeling the same a new boxer feel while fighting a champion in the ring. Everyone was excited asking their fellow batch mates about the paper, I was sipping the coffee at Channi when Ravi came and said , dude howz your paper? Crap Man it was so lengthy and tough, I really dont know what will happen yaar; I am afraid that it would affect my scores. Oh dont worry, your sure that you attempted the whole paper? Yes I attempted the whole paper, even the case study. So dont worry you will get good marks, but listen carefully, now your focus must be on other subjects, especially economics, because you know you have to save your ass from VCR. So better start it from today. Dont waste your time, go to room, take a nap and prepare well, I am also coming in half an hour. I nodded my head in yes but I was not in a hurry to go to the room. I badly wanted to see the girl, that little angel who came in front of me 3 times and vanished, and I didnt even get enough time to ask her name. I was searching her in the whole campus as police searched for culprits. She was nowhere, not in the class, not in the cafeteria. I Even tried the parking, but found no signs

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of her, where was she? I thought and went to Channi. I was looking at the main road to get signs of her. I decided to wait for a while but then come a place to my mind which I almost forget to check, it was the college library and I was sure that she would be busy in issuing a book for the next exam. I stepped down to the library; it was in the basement of the college, a cool place for the students to study, to gossip and to discuss about the coming exams. There were about 50000 books in the library almost every newspaper and magazine and a separate section for the finance journals, it looked gorgeous full of colored books in the book rack, two water coolers and one newspaper reading section fully equipped with electronic gadgets. I entered the library and turned my eyes to search mode, soon they focused on an object small in size covered with light bluish salwaar suit. She was analyzing different books and was not sure about a particular, she wanted all of them but the problem was that she can issue only two books at a time. Saw her standing in front of me filled my whole body with excitement. I was feeling butterflies in my tummy. I wanted to tell her that she is beautiful and that I am trying hard to meet her.I felt the time is wrong for this sort of conversation, may be asking her about the exam and the paper would be a better option to start a healthy conversation which can be turned any time into her interests and hobbies. I went to the book rack against her back quietly and start lifting books one by one in a hope that she will turn and the minute she saw my face she remember the lab incident where I helped her and she will come to me and ask for the exam. For minutes I lifted the books from one place to another managing them reading the index tables but find no use. Finally I come to the conclusion that it would be better if I turned to her and ask her about the exams, so I turned but finds no one there, she was vanished as always, my heart shrinked and I was feeling bad of losing her again.She was some kind of Mirage looks

wonderful but hard to catch. I looked everywhere but didnt find her finally I looked at the reception of the library, she was there issuing a book which she selected after a lot of analysis. This was the last chance and I was in no mood to miss my chance so I picked a book randomly from the shelve and went straight to the girl. She was waiting for her turn. So how was your exam? I asked, she looked at me and puzzled for a second, she was trying to remember my face when I interrupted, computer lab, pen drive problem, I am the same guy. Oh! yes yes you are! Oh thanks a lot for that. I was really afraid and then you came and solve the problem, I even didnt ask your name, sorry I was in a hurry that assignment problem you know, our professors want their assignments on time ,I hope you understand. So whats your good name? My friends call me Joe you can call me Harsh, Its Harsh Joshi. Oh thanks Harsh for that day, I am Sneha, Sneha Grewal, from section B. so Sneha how was the paper, dont you think it was a bit lengthy? Oh yes it was, but I liked the paper, papers must be of this standard only after all we are in a management college. Pretty girls are always right and one should not argue with them I learnt this theory, during my engineering days. I was good with mathematical equations and with girls too. Yes you are right paper must be of this standard only. So, Sneha how was your paper? Oh it was good I was preparing for it from days, after all accounts is my favorite, she set her hair while showing his immense love for accounts which was not less than the dragon for me who first haunts and then torn you to pieces. So Harshit how was your paper? Oh accounts is always a struggle for me, well I somehow manage, hope it will not affect my scores. Oh dont worry it will not I am taking guarantee, I was amazed of her confidence in me, how was she so sure? Or maybe she was just passing sympathy as others. Ok, lets see, if I clear the subject I will give you a good treat. Promise, I said .Oh really! Than believe me, you

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will

definitely

clear

the

subject

with

decent

marks.

surprises. Time is same for everybody Harsh; its 24 hrs in a day, the thing is how do you utilize these 24 hrs. That is maximum utilization of the resources as we said in Economics, she said and smiled, showing the two tiny cute culprits again. I was amazed with her answer and was wondering what a sort of sense of humor she was carrying; she got a quiver full of logical answers and comments. I was already impressed with her immense beauty and now this superb sense of humor and attitude of her made me her fan. A fan that not only wanted to revolve around her but liked her so much wanted to worship her & from that day she became my miss perfect, my type of girl, and my ultimate goal which I wanted to achieve to fill my lifes canvas with vibrating colours. Our midterm exams haunted us for the next whole week and then vanished as a ghost came, Haunt, scare and vanished. Every exam has some parameters to measures our performances ,test our patience, our will, our loopholes and based on these parameters it guides us to set priorities and goals of our life, some goals are mandatory, others we choose by our self, but goals are goals and you need to put your sincere endeavors to achieve these goals.

Remember my words and get ready for the treat. She laughed, like a child; innocent and pure from heart just want to show the excitement. Her nose that barely mark its presence became pink. I was electrifying with her presence and wanted to tell her all about my interest in her and her beauty, but this was not the right time to tell this all to Ms. Grewal who was undoubtedly the cutest creature of the whole college. she was looking quite sincere, holding two heavy books in her hands and waiting for her turn. for the first time I was exploring her beauty from a close angle, a beauty which was hard to define in words and can only be defined by a poet or an artist as both works with true emotions coming from heart and not the brain. I think an engineer can only define curves and figures, straight, elliptical or round shapes of a beautiful girl but there was much to praise, crystal clear face with a tiny nose having openings for oxygen intake, two cute dimples on both the sides that appeared every time she smiled, silky long hairs and her slim waist that can be grabbed single handed. She carried a perfect figure with a perfect smile and was undoubtedly the holder of Ms. Beauty with brain title. She had perfect features and all her parts were in the right proportions at right places that made her more beautiful than any other famine in the college . So you issued these two books and you are going to finish these before the next exam! I showed my doubt on the size of the books that were looking quite heavy and dull in the green binding; even a body builder could use those books for his daily workout. I was damn sure that no one can finish those two bible sized books in one day. Oh these two are only for references, I already prepared for the exam, I just wana go through the chapters, she said. Her answer was enough to clear all my doubts. So you already prepared! Thats cool and from where do you get the time to prepare for the subject? I asked her with a lot of dilemma and

Goooooooooal.and no.5 for Crazy sagas, I jumped over the boards lying near the ground. The environment was dynamic at the Bandana Football ground and with the well executive pass of Ravi I hit the nets of the opposition. That was the 5th goal of the match and that too from our side. The air was full of blood, sweat and revenge and Players were ravaging each others side like bull, the crowd was electrifying. Another Sunday and this time the match was with United College. One of the old rivals of our college at the inter college football meet. We were leading by 2 goals and this time the team was much much balanced than previous years. Everyone was enjoying the game and we

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were at our best. As the final whistle blew, I lifted Ravi in the air and howled in excitement. Everyone was enjoying the weekend after a much stressed week full of chill and thrills of Semester exams was surprised by the gathering at the football ground which was quite high in number than usual. Girls were there to see their boyfriends playing in sexy shorts, guys were there to have a glimpse of these sexy girls and Staff was there to support us. Most of them were well equipped with their badminton rackets, cricket bats, balls, Lunch boxes and water bottles. It looked more like a picnic spot rather than a football ground. Everyone was there except Sneha. though she promised me to come and support our team but there were no signs of her. This was something really bad as I wanted to celebrate my win with her but she was nowhere. Ahhh! what a mean girl, just didnt remember the promise she made last week. Huh! Girls are like this only, I am waiting for her here and she must be watching some good movie in PVR with some other guy. What a fool Harsh! How can you expect her presence on Sunday, she is not your girlfriend. Thoughts were ravaging my mind acting like catalyst to raise anger when I kicked an empty water bottle in frustration, which was lying besides the goal. I sat down near the post and opened another water bottle to satisfy my thirst, everyone was enjoying and there was a reason to enjoy but I was not feeling comfortable as I wanted to celebrate this win with someone, someone so special, close to my heart .I closed my eye and stretched my legs, I wanted to relax a bit after such a tiring match and just wanted to lay there for another couple of minutes. Voices were striking my ear drums, girls were shouting, laughing on their counterparts. Some of them were singing and some were still discussing exams. Slowly and slowly their intensity reduced and I felt my eyes heavy and drowsy when I heard a sweet soft voice, Congrats Harsh! For your win! Ahhh Sneha?? my eyes were still closed. Is this some kind of dream

? I smiled, I was thinking of her for all the time, now my mind also playing games with me creating illusions of Sneha, her voice coming to my mind though she is not physically here I thought. Harsh what happen to you ? Are you tired? This time the voice was quite clear, no no it is not a illusion, I thought, and opened my eyes. To my surprise she was standing there in front of me in her cute pink shirt, holding a water bottle, smiling. You here?how?i mean I was searching for you but you were nowhere. No Harsh I was here only, I saw the whole match, You guys played superb.Congrats !! oh thanks, My goodness so you were here only that is so sweet of you ,seems you proved a lucky mascot for us , a good omen may be! Oh I am impressed Mr. Harsh, good lines to impress someone, He he , she laughed and there comes the two devils , her cute dimples,

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