A week passed and yet again it was clear that Mannu was
unable to devote more time either to talk at home or to Pia. He was in a
helpless situation and her mother and Pia understood that pretty well. Mannu
messages were mostly filled with ‘sorry’ or ‘please’ and his talks were mostly
confined at asking some other time to call up at home. A Saturday was decided
for the fresher party. The dress code was notified in the hostels and the
common room. It read,
Boys-White shirt, Red pocket square, Ash colour waist coat
and plated trouser.
Girls-Red Saree with Black brocade.
Wasn’t this sort of notification bound to create a ruckus in
the hostels? Surely it was! Except those from affluent families no one had this
particular combination ready to wear. The seniors were requested to rent theirs
but as a tradition it was to be handed only after the fresher party. Till the
Saturday night, getting so informal in relation was not seen rich enough for
the hierarchy. As a favor the college buses were made to pick and drop the
young shopper’s to and from the market place.
It was but exciting as it was the first trip to the Jaipur
city. The buses were again commanded by a senior who informed Mannu and others
that after fresher’s things would change, that the seniors would be like elder
brothers to the boys. He didn’t mention his relationship with the girls. Gargi
sat next to him. The head of the organizing committee had ensured that she finds
a comfortable place in the bus. The senior was sent as an escort to her and the
other juniors.
“What’s there in a day? Why can’t we be like brothers from
now on? ”A guy, thin and lean with a very fair complexion asked the senior. The
senior smiled and asked the fair boy to repeat the question. And he asked him
to do so several times until he pleaded for an apology. The question went
unanswered. All the heads and minds those was directed towards the conversation
turned abruptly and busied themselves with the outside view. Mannu opened the window panes to feel the
free wind. It was the same route, surrounded by mountains. Some un timed rains
had led to the growth of distant green patches on the rocky Aravallis. Again
they crossed the Amber palace. It was
crowded as usual and this led to a jam. The flower seller came inside the bus
to make a sale.
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