I woke up while it was still dark. I had volunteered to cook for the family today. I hated getting out of the warm bed, but it had to be done. Mummy needed to rest. She had been in so much pain last night.
I saw Anuj sleeping soundly in his bed. I hadn't seen him at dinner last night. He must have to come in after I was already fast asleep. This was the third night in a row when he hadn't eaten dinner with us. It was for some planning he had to do with his friends for a college festival, he said. As usual, everyone believed whatever he said, and no one questioned his decisions.
But when it came to me, everyone became hyper vigilant. I wasn't even allowed to stay back at Rohini's to prepare for an exam last month. This is when they know Rohini and her family so well. I had literally begged mummy, but to no avail. Anuj had stood by quietly ignoring me when I was pleading my case. I promised myself I will never forget his "support"! Things had not been the same between us after that incident.
I entered the freezing kitchen as quietly as I could and spent the next hour making everyone's breakfast and lunch. Before getting ready for college, I peeped inside mummy's room to make sure she was okay. I couldn't see her face, but it seemed she was sleeping soundly.
The bus was late! I hated being late, but what could I do? The only saving grace was that eight other students from my class took the same bus, so I would not be the only one in trouble with Mahajan sir. Thank God!
I met Rohini at our usual spot under the tree and we rushed to the class together. Mahajan sir was himself late, so we were spared the lecture about discipline and punctuality. I couldn't help but notice that he didn't apologise for his late arrival. All the rules are meant only for us students, it seems!
Later, Rohini and I sat together and had our lunch. I told her about Anuj and his late evening meetings. She agreed with me that he could just be partying with his friends in the name of planning. Boys were like that, always misusing their freedom. I felt good knowing that there was at least one person who had the same misgivings about him as I.
She then told me a naughty joke she had heard from her bus mates. I laughed so hard that a few students turned around to look at me. I suddenly became aware of how I sounded and wished I could be more sophisticated, like Shanaya!
Talk of the devil. Shanaya was walking out of the canteen and coming towards us. Dressed in a flowy kurta and loose pants, with a duppata thrown casually over her shoulders, she was a picture of elegance. As always, there was a retinue of two to three minions walking behind her. Proper princess!
Rohini stood up. That was the reaction of most people when Shanaya walked by. But not me. I had more dignity than that. She may be the resident beauty queen, but she was no better than the rest of us in every other way. She was certainly no better than me in academics. Hadn't I topped the class twice in a row?
I pulled Rohini down and tried to distract her. Jusrt then, to my surprise, Shanaya addressed me directly. She asked if Anuj from the boys' college was my brother. When I said yes, she gave me a sickly sweet smile and asked me to give him a message.
A message? To Anuj? From the princess? For a moment, I was disoriented.
She then told me to ask Anuj to move the fashion show to the afternoon of the 14th. It was scheduled for the morning of 14th, but she was busy in the morning. Thus the request!
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. What was she trying to say? That the fashion show couldn't or shouldn't proceed without Her Majesty?
She then added that it was important that I convey the message to Anuj today itself because the finalised schedule was to be posted first thing tomorrow.
I nodded despite myself, though later it would occur to me that it was just like her to ask the world to adjust according to her convenience.
After she left, I looked awkwardly at Rohini. Anuj wasn't partying after all. He was actually busy with festival planning! I had let my anger and hurt cloud my judgment about him.
When I reached home, I saw to my delight that mummy was up and about. She told me that she had been to the doctor and was feeling better after taking the medication. Then she thanked me for helping her out this morning. I couldn't say anything. I hugged her tightly, wiping my eyes dry on her shoulders.
That night, I stayed up till late so I could talk to Anuj. It was almost midnight when he returned home. I asked him about the schedule of the festival. He looked surprised but was quick to share with me the detailed schedule. He also talked about the efforts they were making to make the festival different and special. His excitement was infectious. He was especially kicked about the elaborate runway being set up for the fashion show on the 14th morning.
He then suggested that I, the nerdiest nerd, should participate in the Scrabble and Boggle competitions that were to be held in the afternoon on the 14th, soon after the fashion show.
Of course I agreed. I agreed immediately!
I wrote this story as a proof to young students that we all feel multiple emotions each day. We are just not paying attention to them. Also
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