“Accha fine… I agree these things don’t matter, but do you have
money? And most crucial thing is bhai we
have our semester next month. How will you manage studies and this uhhh new
agenda? Politely say NO to her...or say nothing just tell her that I will
think.” Nitesh wanted Mannu to be safe an “I should go yaar...She’ll
feel bad about it. I can’t lie”
“This is not lying...you are just being practical. What if the dates of
semester exams clash with your birthday? Will you cancel the plan then? Tell
me... She’ll be hurt more if you do this.” Nitesh held Mannu by his shoulder.
Mannu had no words. There was a cent percent possibility that the dates may
clash, but he was not ready to believe it.
“I will tell her all. We’ll see what happens...Now come to me to the
examination wing...I need to know the dates soon...And I will borrow all that
matters in Mumbai...whatever.”
It was eight in the morning when Mannu’s eyes opened. Rounds and rounds
to the examination wing had brought nothing since the past week. Students had
started their preparation just in case the exam dates are announced for the
next month. The rumour in the hostels was that exams would be postponed for the
last week of March. There was an air of confusion in the hostel. Dates were
undecided, chapters were still unprepared and Mannu had an extra burden of
unreserved tickets. Evenings had become dull and the phase of ragging had also
subsided. Mannu felt guilty in talking to Pia. There talks had reduced to just
a confirmation of dates and the activities of the day. Planning for the visit
had stopped. Preparatory leaves, added to the mass bunk were coming out to be
of no use for him. Mannu still had full
thirty days left for his birthday rather his visit to Mumbai that too in the
last week of March. Hitting against the almirah and the bathroom door in
drowsiness, Mannu somehow opened it to wash himself. Vipul had left for the
canteen very early. He rushed quickly after a phone call. In a perplexed state of mind Mannu splashed
his eyes several times to crystallise his view. Sometimes the mirror image of a
man doesn’t resemble his true identity. The same happened to him. There was
something in his head that was nowhere in his heart. And his heart just said
that no one could stop him from meeting Pia in March. A smile popped up and a
stream of positive energy just made him stand alive. As soon as he left for
breakfast he saw the first years’ were running out hurriedly. A queue was lined
down and all first year students were asked to join it.
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