Episode 9 : DOES SHE OR DOES SHE NOT? - CRUSH STORY Contd.....

I was driving back home with Ganesh and all through the way Ganesh was talking talking and talking. However, till date I have no idea what he was talking. My thoughts were full of Nandini; my consciousness was so well taken over by Nandini. These seven days happens to be a very difficult task for me. For the past 4 months there has not been much days without seeing Nandini. Nandini was part of my daily activity. It was difficult for me without watching her smile, watching her talk, talking to her. The only good consolation price for me during this vacation was my parents’ wedding anniversary.

However, things back home was a little different. Some how, I had a feeling that lot of things were happening. There were regular phone calls. Mom was looking worried quite often; dad is always wearing his tension look these days. They were always discussing things in private and making sure that I was not aware of anything. Dad was awake late nights, I could hear mom dad talking even late at night. Sometime, heard them arguing about stuffs. Once I heard Dad saying to Mom, “We have no choice, It will not be easy but have to move on”. I happened to ask mom one day about these panicky situations. She said, “It’s all going to be fine, you just work on your academics”. These days Dad seldom spoke to me and mom. Files, documents and Certificates were his only world while he was at home.

It was a pleasant morning and 2 out of 7 days has passed by. Tomorrow is the anniversary day and Ganesh and my self have planned for shopping so that I can pick up something for my folks and my good friend can pick up something for himself for Diwali. Who knew that this outing would have been a pleasant one with Ganesh.

“Lets Shop” is a biggest and first of its kind shopping mall in our vicinity. As we stepped in Ganesh said “Dude!! It’s a shopping temple bud”. That was the first time I realized the world I would be entering after education is going to be huge. There were so many brands and shops for all purpose. 70-80% foreign brands and this gave me a feeling that we are still being ruled by the foreignersJ. We got our freedom fighting against foreign clothes just to make way for this day and we call this day progress.

As we were surfing through windows and checking out stuffs, Ganesh was just thrilled to be a part of this day. He had no clue to where to start and where to end. We were on the ground floor and I noticed a florist making bouquets with most elegant and beautiful creation of nature. He had one of the best collections I have ever seen. Few of the flowers I never saw and many I have never known their names, they were expensive but worth a buy. I went closer and asked him if he could deliver a custom made bouquet. He instantly agreed and we discussed the charges etc. As I was having a conversation I noticed on the first floor, a girl wearing a pink salwar suit and disappear into one of those apparel showrooms. I was pretty sure it was the one that I saw Nandini wearing the first time I met her. It was not necessary that it had to be her, but what can you do when a small little voice inside your heart says “I guess it’s her”. You can ignore anything but not what your heart whispers. I have always believed that we have to make our own choice. Choices are not about right or wrong its all about what you can stand up for. This time I made up my choice, “I am going to the first floor”.

Malls are confusing for sure and that too a huge mall like this it’s difficult to find out which way to go and which way to come back. I reached the first floor, it was crowded with people who have come for diwali purchase, but I convinced myself that I am going to find her, no matter what. “What if, it wasn’t she? Who cares give it a short”, I motivated myself. As I was standing clueless, I noticed five gentlemen carrying bunch of flower walking towards me. One of the guy tripped over and whole bunch of flower was there attending the call of gravity, right from the first floor to the ground floor. I was looking at those flowers dropping down and noticed the pink salwar exit out. I couldn’t stop myself but rush as fast as possible. There was a running staircase that was taking me downstairs but I was so impatient that I raced against them and reached the exit in no time. The moment I stepped out of the mall, I noticed the black Scorpio disappear. Helpless!! I stood there watching the vehicle disappear and was thinking how funny this life is. You have things so near and yet so far. “Eathen!”, she called. That was Nandini I turned around and saw her standing like I am seeing her for the first time. “Hi”, I said. “What are you doing here?”, she asked. “Shopping”, I answered. “At the exit”?, she questioned again.” "I, Ah, saw aaahh!!! Big huh!! Balloon guy outside!! Wondered if I can buy for my niece”, I replied. “Ohhh ok”!!! , she replied raising her eyebrow, as I noticed the girl next to her giggling. “Who is this”? I questioned for the first time. “Hi, I am Gauri, her younger sister, you must be Eathen, the umberella guy”? Gauri giggled. “Ohh ya, sort of”, I replied. “So done with shopping”?, I asked Nandini. “Yes”! She replied, my folks just left, we are going to the parlour, she answered. “Ohhh make up huh?”, I questioned sarcastic. “No, Ice cream parlour close by”, answered Gauri giggling. “Oh, what a day making a fool of myself can never get better”, I said to myself. “Hey!!! You found her dude”, said Ganesh.

“Ohh boy, what timing, screw you idiot”, I said to myself. “Found who”?, questioned Nandini. “You”, answered Ganesh. “Ohh the balloon guy”, she said looking at me. Standing there clueless, I noticed Nandini smile at me as her sister had a patented right to giggle. “Ok gotto go, bye”, she waved. “Enjoy your ice cream”, I replied. “You don’t get ice creams for Pedicure and Manicure Eathen”, said Gauri giggling as usual. Dude! Popat hogaya kya?, whispered Ganesh. “Ya man totally”, I replied smiling as I watched her turnaround and look at me. 

EPISODE 8 : THE DAY I SAID “ME TOO” (CRUSH STORY CONTD)

It’s been good 5 months now and 2 semesters down, time just flies by I must say. It’s the end of November and Diwali the festival of lights and crackers is just around the corner. We have a good 1 week vacation. This is going to be a big break and I will surely miss Nandini. It was our last day in class today and vacation starts tomorrow. My relationship with Nandini, well, I would rather call it “Friendship” with Nandini has blossomed everyday.

The clock struck 8pm and the professor wished us “Happy Diwali”. We wished him back in chorus. All were busy greeting and wishing one another. Ganesh was hugging everyone as If he is off to some new world and will be never to be seen. My eyes as usual were searching for Nandini. As I was scanning the class I caught Nandini looking at me, the moment I saw her she got her gaze shifted otherwise. God knows what girls think or what is running in their mind. However, I waved at her to catch her attention and she waved me back with an expression as if she saw me just that moment. What else could I have done, just smiled and walked out of the class.

While walking downstairs, I heard Nandini call me out “Hey Eathen”. “Hey, wassupp!! Happy Diwali”, I greeted. “Thanks!! Wish you the same!!”, she replied with a smile. “So, what plans? Shopping and stuff huh?”, I asked.” Ya, sort of”, she blushed. God!!! she looks pretty when she replies blushing. “What are your plans”?, she asked. “Not much, home, friends that’s it and ya little bit of studies”, I replied with a smile.

I noticed the pick up coming and I told her pointing at the vehicle, “there you go your pick up has arrived”. “You know what Eathen, this week long break, I guess it’s going to be too long and boring”, she said. “I know, its festival season, so time will fly by, you take care of yourself and be safe with those crackers and stuff”, I replied. “Yes, I will, you take care too”, she blushed again. As she took couple of steps towards the vehicle, she turned back at me and paused for a while. I asked her “what happened?”. “You know what, I will miss you Eathen”, she said looking right into my eyes. I was awe struck and didn’t know how to react. I just replied back saying “ME TOO”. Now that was the first time I said those two words to a girl. Listening to my reply she smiled and waved me good bye and disappeared as I was still standing stun.

AS I SAID “THE CRUSH HAS JUST STARTED” - HAPPY DIWALI FOLKS!!!!

Episode 7: CROSSROADS (CRUSH STORY CONTD)

It’s not advisable to neither judge nor understand our opposite sex, as it gives you sleepless nights. Just like the one I spent last night. I am still coming to terms to understand what went wrong? I had discussed this with Ganesh yesterday, on our way back home. His view was out of the world or stupid, he says “She likes you buddy, she was blushing that’s it!!!”. Oh!!!! I so wanted to kill him.

It was good 30 minutes past 3pm and Nandini was nowhere to be seen in the class. Now, this was crazy and really made me think “what the hell did I say wrong?”. This was definitely not something that I expected. I couldn’t concentrate on class the whole day. It is not a good feeling when your guilty of something and you don’t know what that something is. The whole day went on thinking what went wrong and it was a complete waste. However, I had decided to myself that I will not be talking to her until she feels like talking to me.

It was breezy and dull Thursday afternoon and as I stepped in class, I saw Nandini already seated in her usual seat . “Hi Nandini”, greeted Ganesh, “Hi” she replied looking dull and sick. I could make out she was not well, “Your not well kya? Asked Ganesh, “Yes”, she replied. “How are you now?”, I enquired. “Good!!”, she replied not looking at me. I could easily make out, how uncomfortable she was. This didn’t go down well with me.

Just while the first lecture completed, I decided to change place. “Ganesh, I am moving towards the back with Arjun, I feel a little drowsy”, I said. “What!!!”, exclaimed Ganesh. “I am little uncomfortable here”, I replied. Ganesh was puzzled and there was no reaction from Nandini. The moment I shifted, I could notice Nandini’s secret watch over me. The moment the class ended, I called out for Ganesh and told him to leave early. Ganesh was busy chit chatting. Signaling him downstairs, I sprinted down. I could see Nandini walking down the stairs; I gently said “excuse me” and went past her, without getting into any conversation.

I went straight to the parking and picked up my bike. Ganesh soon followed me saying “why so much hurry?. “Just want to get the hell out of here”, I replied turning towards Ganesh and to my surprise Nandini was standing along with him. I was pretty sure, she heard my answer. “Ganesh, can we have sometime alone”, requested Nandini. “Who we?” questioned Ganesh, “Me and Eathen”, came a prompt answer. “Okk!!!!”, said Ganesh looking at me sarcastically while leaving.

“Why did you move with Arjun?”, asked Nandini. “I was drowsy”, I replied. “No!! Don’t lie” she countered. “I am not lying”, I retaliated. “It was because of me, wasn’t it?”, she replied looking straight at my eyes. “You were not talking to me, you were not even looking at me, So!!!”, I paused. “So??”, she questioned. “So I thought, I will leave you alone, as you were uncomfortable”.

“Beep, Beep!!!” horned the Scorpio, calling out Nandini. “Hold!!” gestured Nandini, showing her palm. Now that was new, the Scorpio never waited for me. “Listen Eathen, I am not like other girls, I am an introvert” she said looking at me. “Let me tell you straight, I was never uncomfortable because of you. “So, why did you start behaving strange, is it wrong to answer what is true?”, I asked, my tone being a little stronger. “Probably I was not expecting the answer”, she answered, her tone soft. So what made you talk now? I questioned.”I had this feeling that you are not like usual guys and you wont behave like the usual guys, I should not judge you and your character just because you gave me a answer!!” she answered, her tone still soft. This answer of Nandini was a slap on my face. At this point of time I had decided that I may not be the guy whom she thinks I am. But, I can surely be like the guy she sees me as. “I am sorry for all these misunderstanding”, she said. “Oh no!!! Its fine!! Shit happens!!, I answered. I guess your cab is waiting for a long time”, I reminded. “Oh!!! Ya, got to go, catch you tomorrow, hopefully in the same place”, she said walking towards the black monster smiling. “Yes sure”, I answered as we waved each other good bye.

All these days I was attracted to Nandini just by her looks and physical appearance, but today I actually liked her as a person and individual. This liking was difference and for a change I liked this as well, but I had a clause with myself that I will try and be like the guy she sees me as.

You guys might have been thinking that the Crush has ended here……

     FOLKS!!! CRUSH HAS JUST BEGUN!!!        

EPISODE 6: I WISH I HAD LIED (A CRUSH STORY contd...)

After an eventful stunt on the rainy day, I have been rewarded with 3 things: “Cold, Cough and Fever”. It’s been 2 days my school and classes have been missed. Ganesh is helping with the notes; he comes home every day after school and class to help me out. The only thing that I miss is Nandini. It’s like I am used to seeing her everyday and kind of addicted. These 2 days have definitely helped me focus back on my studies and other things apart from Nandini.

I have been told to take 1 more day of bed rest. It was a nice Thursday afternoon; I was spending time with my birthday gift (guitar) and trying to create some pleasant music. The weather was chill and Mom was like always involved in those stupid serials that come on TV. Dad didn’t go to work today, thanks to the heavy rain since morning. “Tringgg Tringgg” rang the phone bell. “Hello” answered Dad, “who is this” he questioned on phone. “Eathen, call for you”, he called out. I went out to answer the phone and there he was holding the receiver and wearing a little surprise and sarcastic look. I asked him, “Who is it dad?”, “we can talk that out later son”, he replied and handed over the phone.

“Hello”, I said, “Hi Eathen” was the reply and to my shock, it was Nandini. “Hi, Nandini???”, I replied. “Ya, you recognized my voice? How are you? How are you feeling now? I am sorry”, she said. “No, No don’t be, I am fine just a little cold and cough, will be fine, I guess should be in class tomorrow”, I replied. “You had high fever? That’s what Ganesh told me?”, she answered. “Yes, now I am fine and thanks for calling”, I replied. “Get well soon Eathen, I ll meet you tomorrow, got to go now”, she said. “Cool, no problem, bye!!!” I replied and landed the receiver back on the phone.

“So!! Nandini huh???”, said Dad. “Yes!!! Classmate, called to check, how I am now”, I replied. “Oh well, nice of her”, he smiled and went. I was eagerly waiting for the next day and time was passing like decade yet again.

At last it was Friday morning and I missed my school, just to make sure I am completely fine. However, I was fully prepared to go for my classes. It was 2:30 and I was ready to go. Mom didn’t like me leaving out today; however, I just happened to convince her. Ganesh came in with his bike and said “So buddy, what’s up!!! How are you feeling now? He said. “Fit and fine” I replied and off went our bikes.

It was 3 pm and as I entered the class, I saw Nandini sitting and reading a book. I entered and said “hi”. “Hey hi!!!”, You look so dull!! Are you feeling better now?” she replied. “Yes, I am great!! Didn’t go to school though, just thought of coming to class”, I replied.” I am really very sorry of what happened the other day” she said. “Hey please don’t be, it’s ok, I am fine”, I replied as I took my seat. In walked the professor and started our class.

It was 8:30pm and time to leave. I don’t know, I could sense that Nandini was disturbed by something. “Hey!!“ I called up to her. “What happened? Is everything fine?” I asked. “Ya, no problem”, she replied. “You look a little disturbed”, I asked. “Nothing, there was something that was going on my mind”, she answered. “Oh ok, if you are comfortable, you can share with me”, I told her with smile. She looked even more puzzled and concerned. “Yesterday, when I called you, my younger sister overheard me”, she said. “Oh!! You have a younger sister too, so what, what is the problem? Is your sister a problem?” I asked. “No, no she is sweet, in fact she is my best friend” she said. “So, what is the problem?” I asked her. We reached the parking by then. “Well, she asked me, whom I was talking to? So I told her whatever happened and with a smile and a wink she asked me back something that disturbed me”. “What did she ask you?” I asked. “She asked me if you would have done the same if it was for anyone else other than me?”. Oh boy!!! That was a tough question to answer, for which the answer was obviously no, I thought to myself. “I didn’t know what to answer”, she continued. “You tell me Eathen, what should be the answer?” she asked me looking right into my eyes yet again. I didn’t know how to react. “Well, I don’t know, Nandini” I replied to her. “I don’t think so, I could have done that to anyone else” I stammered back, this time I looked at her eye to eye. Her stare dropped down quickly and suddenly there was silence all over and a kind of awkwardness.

We didn’t talk after that, just stood there and waited for the “Scorpio” to come in. The moment, the vehicle came in, she got in and off she went, this time no bye and the window were still on. This definitely proved that my answer didn’t go down well with her. I didn’t know how to react, just stood there to see the Scorpio disappear.

Episode 5: The Perfect Shower (A Crush Story Contd...)

We have just completed a month after the start of school and things in the institute is super fast. The portions are completed at the “rate of knots”. Sunday was fun once, but no more. However, one good thing of the private classes is you always tend to answer in school. I and Ganesh from average have been promoted to above average students now; he even bought me a “Samosa” when Miss Shirley announced this in front of the class.

It’s mid July and the best part of the month is the monsoon it brings. Have always loved this period of time. Heavy rains hardly allowed our school to work. The pleasant climate helped me compose my piece of work. Everything started looking fresh, even Mr. Venkat’s Bajaj, cricket has been taken over by football now, hot and spicy delicacies are the order of the day. No wonder monsoon brings in joy and freshness to each one of us.

As time went by Nandini and I became friends. But, my liking for her was the same. Whenever, I heard her calling out my name it bought me smile every single time. We still never talked or chatted long. It was just those” hi and hello” that was on and that too in class. Outside class we hardly spoke or met, but it was great whenever our eyes met. I have caught her couple of times looking at me unnoticed. It’s a great feeling when the person you like gazes at you and you tend to notice it.

My first romantic shower came pouring this afternoon when all of us were asked to shift to the alternate branch couple of blocks away, the reason being there were some fixing to be done of the leakage that we all face during monsoon. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my bike so had to walk all the way. Half way down the lane it started pouring and heavy showers came down rushing; we suddenly grabbed our umbrella and started walking. Ganesh managed to reach ahead of us, thanks to his bike. Like every Romeo is concerned of his Juliet’s safety, my eyes started searching for Nandini and found her taking shelter in one of the shops. I couldn’t ignore so I went up to her and asked if she minds sharing the umbrella with me? There was prolonged silence and I got the answer. The building was just a 100 meters away. I handed over the umbrella and without looking back sprinted 100meters and with a heavy pour like that day it was not a good idea. I was wet completely.

“Oh Mr. Majnu”, said Ganesh “you would have never done that for me” he said, “NEVER” I replied. “It was a very bad idea to do something like this”, I said to myself. “You bet buddy” replied Ganesh. Within minutes reached Nandini, she handed over the umbrella and said “I am sorry, lots of people know me here, and hence I couldn’t come with you” she said looking right into my eyes. “Its ok”, I said. “Your wet and in a complete mess, because of me” she said. “Oh that’s perfectly fine, I will be ok”, I replied. “Class chalein…baaki baadh mein” (Shall we go to the class, rest later), said Ganesh. With a blushing smile she walked in to the class, as I stared at Ganesh. The moment I stepped in, my worst nightmare started. The Air conditioners were on and it was crazy cold. For someone like me who is wet top to bottom, it is never a good experience. Throughout the class I was shivering and despite of me asking for mercy, just 1 out of 3 ACs were switched off. I was not keeping well and to my surprise Ganesh had a concerned look for me. “Dude!!!You ok?” asked Ganesh. “No”, I whispered, “Its damn cold out here and the AC is killing me” I said. “Mam!!!” Said Nandini “Can you please turn off the AC?  It’s very cold out here and I am not able to concentrate on class” she said. Within minutes the room temperature came back to normal and with a evil smile on his face Ganesh winked. The class ended and as we were leaving for the day I went upto Nandini. “Thanks Nandini, since you felt cold I got saved, or else I would have been frozen to death” I said. “It was not I who felt cold” she said looking right into my eyes and walked out saying “bye Eathen”. I stood there just a little stunned and told Ganesh “she asked to turn off the AC for me dude”…. “YES, you TUBELIGHT” he said and walked out of the class.

Episode 4: Happy B'day Eathen - CRUSH STORY Contd...

It’s 19^th June, but most of all it’s Sunday Morning and Dad is trying his best to wake me up. The day starts with a nice kiss on my forehead “Happy birthday Son” said Dad and a huge gift all wrapped up was lying alone besides me begging to be unleashed. This tempted me to get on my toes as quickly as possible and unwrap the gift. The Kiss was something that made me a little uncomfortable, I am a 16year old guy you see . It’s a bitter reality that our parents never accept that we have grown up J. However, as I started tearing apart the wrap, I just got the feeling of what was to be revealed and to the best of my surprise there she was , so smooth, so serene, and standing tall. My baby, my guitar J. “Thanks DAD” I hugged him back. “Now go get ready” he said.

It was just the perfect start of a wonderful day ahead; as I cherished my gift the fragrance of “Sheera” (A sweet dish) just got my mouth watering. I couldn’t resist the temptation, so quickly had to get myself ready and dressed up for the dish J. Its truly said “the path to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and how well does my mother know about it, she is a wonderful cook and that is very much evident how much she has conquered Dad’s heart looking at his belly.

Had the best of the breakfast since quite sometime. I could hardly get up after the delicacy. As I was picking myself up, in stormed my friends singing “HAPPYYY BIRTHDAYYY TOOO YOUUU” and to my surprise Ganesh was strong enough to come in without minding Jackie. “Thanks Guys” I said. “Open up” said Girish handing me the gift. The next of the surprise, there it was my favorite “Rolling Stone” CDs. It was so far the best of the start for the day. Dad had gifted me a whooping new Guitar and my friends just bought me my favorite music. YES, folks, I am somewhere related to music as well. I play guitar and “Rolling Stone” is my favorite band. “GUYSSSSS!!!!!”  I yelled “thanks buddy thank you”, I hugged each one of them.

We couldn’t spend much time together. The pain of class X has already started. It was Sunday and we had our first class test of Std X. “THE STUDENTS INSTITUTE” has started ruining our Sundays. However, the only motivation today was, I will be seeing Nandini today and I doubt, if she remembers my birthday today. I packed my bag quickly and rushed out as quickly as possible.The test was at 12pm and we left home at 10:30 am the only preparation that could possibly happen was in the class.

We all were trying to get in as many as possible in our little brains. “Sheera, Guitar, Rolling Stone and Nandini” were all fighting hard as to who will occupy my mind”. It was one of those days, where lot of things come together. It was just 10 minutes for 12pm and in walked Nandini. She looked so serious and didn’t  greet any of us, not even Ganesh. She sat quietly at the very place where we have been sitting since the start of our class.

In came the invigilator with the paper and there it was the toughest 90 minutes of the day. As I was struggling to start, Ganesh was equally struggling to understand the paper. However, Nandini was not waiting for anyone as her pen started solving algebra as if it was gifted by "The Aryabhatta" himself. Concentrating on Nandini and not on the test has already fined me 15 minutes. I tried everything possible to put whatever I know in there and there it was 90 minutes expiring like seconds.

Nandini handed over the paper as if it was a piece of cake and Ganesh was just getting his last point in and there it went, it was all over. It was 1:30 and I stood up to leave. It was very much evident that Nandini didn’t even have an idea that today was my birthday. All where discussing the paper, answers and to my surprise even Ganesh was involved in serious discussion. God knows what he was discussing??. I called up Ganesh and told him “I am waiting downstairs, if he can make it quick?”. He said “will be down, in 5 mins”. I looked for Nandini in the class and she was nowhere to be seen . I thought she had left for the day and might be downstairs waiting for the pick up. I rushed down as quickly as possible and there was no sign of her. With a little disappointment, I went out to get my bicycle, as I was just getting it out of the parking, I heard Nandini calling out “Eathen, Eathen”. I quickly turned behind to find her standing with a red rose, neatly wrapped pointing right at me. I didn't trust the sight to be honest. “Hi”, I said, with a surprise look. “Happy birthday Eathen” she said. I thought you had left for the day. “No, I just went across for the rose and this card” she said and handed over the card. I opened the card with surprise and disbelief “TO SOMEONE WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART….. HAPPY BIRTHDAY from Nandini” it read. I said “Thanks” I am surprised you remember my birthday. “Yeah, thanks to Ganesh” she said, with a smile. “Hope you like the card??” she said. “Ya Ya, its great!!! Thanks!!!” I replied, still surprised and with goose bumps running all over me. “So what did you get for your birthday?” she asked. “Guitar” came the answer, not from me but from Ganesh. “Guitar?” she asked, “Yep!!!” my friend is a very good guitarist and singer”, he replied putting his arms around my shoulder. I didn’t know why he was doing this, but whatever it was, he was helping me. "Wow!!! so you play guitar for me sometime”, she asked. “Sure, I will” I said.

In a while “The Scorpion King” arrived to pick up the little princess waiting!!!! “Bye Eathen” she said and boarded the vehicle, as it started, she lowered the window and waved me bye.. This was something new as well!!!. I couldn’t hold back my smile, but had to give it for her. “Well Well Well, someone is gonna treat me for sure” said Ganesh, leaning on his bicycle. “Tastings!!! (A cake Shop) for sure”, I said with a bright smile


                         ------ To be contd

Episode 3 (THE INTRODUCTION OF 3 SUPERHEROES) THE CRUSH STORY contd…..

“Drrriinggggggg”, “Drrrriiingggggg” rang the school bell, starting the morning for us, it was just the second day of our school and the class has already got the warning for misbehaving.

“Xth A” usually had an impressive history for bright students and top performers, this was lectured to us on the first day of school by almost all the staffs, we all for some moment felt like legends waiting to carry forward the legacy, but that was not the case with this batch.

So, it was a new day and Nandini was still very much occupying my mind. In walked “Dubey Sir" our Hindi professor. His full name being “J P Dubey” he is known in school as “Dubey ji” out of respect. He hails from Bihar northern part of India and has a distinctive Bihari accent, which is unusually funny at times. I couldn’t help smiling when he calls “SCHOOL” “IS COOL” J and “MAHESH” “MAHES” and the best part is the tone he calls us students as “Boyeeeessssss” instead of “Boys”. His famous dialogue that tickles our funny bones is “Open the window and let the atmosphere come in” J. He was somebody who always had a feeling that we are scared of him but it was vice versa, we had a pet name for him as well “Charlie Chaplin from Bihar”.

The bell rang for the fourth time today and the whole class jumped of joy bidding adieu to Science 1 and inviting the PT (Personal Training) hour with a smile. In walked Mr Ganzalves, a joyful character and a very fit personality. He greeted as if he was not a staff but a sergeant serving Indian Army “Good Morning Fellas!!!!” said Mr Gonzalves and the chorus came back singing “Good morningggg sirrrrrrrrrr!!!!!” at once. “Please line up in a single line and walk quietly towards the field” said sergeant. The moment we hear what Gonzaves said,  “Quitely” was an alien word for us. Mr Gonzalves was always someone who was loved by everyone in school, he was kind to all with a polite tone and his motivation to each one of us, whenever, any of us was down or had given up. He truly was a super hero for us. However, his funny dialogue was “NO PT” whenever class was out of control. J

Last but not least it was the final hour of the day and almost all of us were counting the last 45 mins as if it was ages to pass. “Silence all of you” came a voice and there stood Mr Patil our Marathi Sir. You guys remember “Sholay” an epic blockbuster, for those who remember the movie cannot forget the character of “Jailer” “Angrez ke zamaane ka jailer”. He reminded me of that character every time I saw him. Patil Sir was not that kind to any of us. He used to never smile, not once and always used to see us like some Jailer seeing the prisoner or an accused. We all hated him together, like the other two even he had a standard dialogue “Baapaala Saang” or “Baapaala Vichaar” which means “Tell your father” or “Ask your father”. We all wanted him out of our timetable every day. A start of Marathi lecture was like a start of struggle for all of us. “Drrriiiinnnnggggggggg” this time the bell rang for the final time and “Nandini” came back running to my thoughts.

Sprinting straight to the parking I picked up my bicycle as if it was a weightless toy. Rode it straight home without waiting for any of my friends. It was 1:45 pm and in 20 mins I was ready for my most awaiting “classes”. Mom was surprised seeing me so enthusiastic after school. She sarcastically said “It seems somebody is really liking the new tuition class very much and somebody has started dressing up good as well”… I gave her a stare back saying stop it and asked her “what’s for lunch??”.

As I was relishing my sad lunch (Sambar and rice) my pet (Jackie) started barking and it was none other but Ganesh waiting outside the gate with his bike. He was looking extremely funny I must say.. Mom rushed to his rescue and tied up Jackie, she asked Ganesh to come in, even she couldn’t hide her smile looking at him. I asked him “Whatsupp with you and Jackie dude???.. u guys seem to get along like a house on fire”.. “Oh Shut up!! You traitor you cant even wait for us after school, couldn’t resist the sambar kya???” he yelled. “Didn’t want to get late for class” I said. “Ho Ho Ho hey hey hey ha ha ha” said ganesh with his stupid actions “some body is serious of classes these days..is it the class or something else??” he said “I heard that” said mom from kitchen… God!! her ears are sharp!!!  “Shut up and chal”, I told him with my bike ready to roll down the road. I said “Bye Ma” and she said “Studies first, rest can wait” sarcastically she looks sweet when she talks sarcastic and I love that…

It was chilling inside and Ganesh was almost shivering… “Ye bhai zaraa AC bandh karna” (Dude pls shut off the AC ) said Ganesh in his funny South Indian accent. “So dude wats the plan on Sunday” (19^th June) asked Ganesh..(By the way its my b’day on Sunday). “Nothing much dude, morning church and then home with family and later half with u guys”. The door opened and in walked the princess  “Hi Ganesh” said Nandini, this time she was glowing in her white salwar, just like a “white swan”, she smiled at me and so did I. She sat at the very place like yesterday and I was sitting right behind her.

It was just the second day and the dumping work had already started by the professors. There were 3 lectures with wooping 90 mins each. Ganesh and I were exhausted by the end of the day and where just waiting for the final minute to pass by. It was the end of the class and all were packing our bags to leave. Ganesh was in so much hurry as if “Jackie” was running for his ass. I was waiting for Ganesh in the parking while he was taking time to sort out his fee issue with the management . Nandini was standing all alone waiting for her pick up to come. Usually there is a “Scorpio” that comes to pick her up. It was 8pm and all our friends had almost left. I went up to her, pulled in all my courage and started “Ahem Ahem..Hi Nandini”…. “Hi” she said. Havent left yet??? I asked.. “No, my pick up is yet to come” she answered…”Ohh Ok!!!! You practice singing, is it ?? you said that yesterday when you introduced yourself”, I asked…”Ya, carnatic and Hindustani” she said… “Ohh !! Great !!! how do you manage to get those ranks ?? keeping yourself busy with all other activities?”  I asked…I didn’t get an answer but a million dollar smile. “Hi guys” came in ganesh. “Dude !! lets go check out some clothes for you chal” said Ganesh.. I was a little puzzled, cos that was never in our agenda and we never discussed of going shopping. I said “Clothes??” ……… “Ya dude for your birthday on Sunday, now chal” “Ok Nandini, now gonna go” said Ganesh… as we were leaving, in came the scorpio… “Ok, bye Eathen”, said Nandini, that was the first time she called my name and I liked it. Off she went Wrooomingg in the car!!!

Ganesh was waiting for me ready on his bicycle. “whats wrong with you??? Ass!!! when did this shopping shit came by???” I yelled….”Dude!!!! chill , now she knows its your birthday this Sunday” said Ganesh while his eyebrows jumped up and down… I was like “WOW…dude!!!! You have got brains J” “Ya right………..chal now lets go home, I am hungry”.. said Ganesh..

              To be continued on Birthday!!!!!! J