Meanwhile Mannu had found a silent corner. He was preparing
himself for the conversation that was to follow. Channu was sitting with the
aunties, taking the praises and blessings. He was even given an envelope by Dr.
Varshneya, the eldest among the attendees. He buried it in a book and went back
to the drawing room. This behaviour was unusual on his part, but it showed how
happy he was with his first academic achievement at a national level. Mannu
opened up a poetry compilation of Khayyam, Ghalib and others. The thoughts on
love were bitter, soft at times too, stark and sharp in tone and Mannu was
still unable to make out what was to follow. Why had Pia made such a request
even after the misunderstanding? If she wanted to reconcile things why did she
choose the end of the day? Was she so busy throughout the day to resolve the
budding affair? Mannu felt that she had been careless on her part, but a part
of him asked him not to fill his mind with any preconceived notion.
Pakora’s were served for dinner accompanied by a milk shake.
Mrs. K had already gone to the bedroom and Mannu was alone at the dinner table.
“You won’t be able to
sleep in a lighted room. It would pinch your eyes... believe me.” Mannu spoke
to Channu. The time was 11 pm.
“I’m not sleeping yet.”
“But why? You see it’s already 11 pm. You’ve to get up early
for your school... right? Tomorrow you’ve to perform, so have a good sleep.”
Mannu said again.
“Yaa... but...”
“No ifs and buts... come on go to sleep.” Mannu interfered
and started forcing him towards the door. It was 11:20 pm already.
“Will you study, Bhaiya,
brother?” Channu enquired.
“Yaa...”
“Then I’ll practice the guitar piece... it won’t harm your
ears. And... And why be so fussy?” Channu spoke irritated, but fresh.
“I can’t study with
your head in front of me... I need some space tonight. Chemistry isn’t as easy
as it seems to you. Why don’t you understand Channu? I have many exams going
on.” Mannu retaliated. There was silence around. Channu inhaled deeply, kept
his books on the table and left without even saying a word. Mannu was ashamed
of himself and his uncanny behaviour. The clock showed 11:30 pm. But Iit was
sure that both would make up with each other the next morning.
“Good night, Mummy.”
“Good night beta.”
“Good night Channu.”
“Hmmmm... Good night.” Channu replied and
asked Mannu to close the door that led to Mrs.K’s room.
In a hurry he went to the other room, set
the pillow, turned off the lights and hid himself in a bed sheet. Oh! He woke
up again and brought the water bottle. Walking on the tip of his toes he
brought one from the refrigerator. The grinning of the stabiliser made him
comfortable, confident that they would suppress his voice. A new excitement was building up. After dormancy
that lasted for the whole day Mannu felt something good was going to happen.
Strange, but beautiful! His young conscience ordered him to hurry. The dim light
of the mobile phone pinched his eyes. He processed the phone with his left eye
closed, until he pressed the dial button after half emptying the 500ml bottle.
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