C1 CHAPTER-1

It was 7.00 am in the morning when Rajeev's cell phone started ringing. He woke up with a start when he saw the number on the screen. It was his dad calling from Punjab. Mr Ashok Arora, Rajeev's dad, had some good news for his son this time. He finally decided to let him go to Delhi for his higher studies. Rajeev heaved a sigh of relief because his parents were at first reluctant and were not in favour of sending their only son to a place far away from home for studies when so many good colleges were there in Guwahati, their own city. Rajeev was adamant and reassured his parents that he was old enough to take care of himself. Moreover, studying in a metro would open up a host of opportunities for him after the completion of his studies thus ensuring a better job for him, he reasoned. He had cleared his higher secondary exams with flying colours securing more than 75 percent marks and his parents were overjoyed with hisperformance and they did not want to be an obstacle in the path of their only son's progress. Mr Ashok owned a modest garment shop and earned just about enough to lead a decent life with his family. He had saved up some money to fund his son's higher education but even then he was worried whether he would be able to meet the needs of his son.

Rajeev immediately rang up Akhil, his close friend who too was planning to go to Delhi for higher studies. Akhil's dad was a rich businessman-a consumer electronics business magnate who owned a chain of outlets across Assam. Akhil was a mediocre student and the only reason he wanted to go to Delhi was to stay away from home and his mother. His parents were hardly on talking terms- his dad, Mr Gupta, remained too engrossed in business and his mother stayed at home criticising and talking ill of her husband for neglecting his family and spending most of his waking hours away from home. Akhil's relationship with his elder brother and sister was not very cordial; they remained busy with their own lives and were least bothered about what went on in their own house. Rajeev met Akhil at a small eating joint that was very popular with the young crowd and discussed about their journey plans and the admission procedure followed in some of the institutes that they were planning to approach for admission.

Mr Arora got busy in making the necessary arrangements for his son's journey. He was anxious about his son's well-being so far away from home even though he knew at the back of his mind and was confident that his son would not turn his back upon his studies and tread the forbidden path. The day finally came when Rajeev had to leave and Mr Arora along with his wife went to the railway station to see him off. Akhil had already reached the station in advance and was eagerly waiting for Rajeev

to arrive. The train arrived at the platform at the appointed time and Rajeev after seeking the blessings of his parents bid goodbye to them and boarded the train that would take him to the city where he would be able to realise his long cherished dreams.

After journeying by train for two days they finally reached New Delhi Railway Station. The hustle and bustle outside & the people jostling for space made Rajeev feel uneasy. “Hey come on and stop staring”, Akhil called out impatiently. Rajeev looked around with a confused look. “Now come and help me get our luggage down from the upper berth”, implored Akhil. Rajeev shook his head and helped his friend with the luggage. Together they made their way to the pre-paid taxi stand and hired a taxi to South-Extension Part- 1. They decided to spend the night at a guest house in South Extension as a number of institutes shortlisted by them were in that area and it would be easier for them to locate them in the morning. Tired as they were, both of them could hardly sleep that night in anticipation of the things that were in store for them. Both of them woke up early the next morning and got ready for what would be a hectic day for them. They carefully arranged their mark sheets and certificates and after exchanging pleasantries with the guest house owner Mr Saxena, a tall burly fellow in his mid-fifties, went out looking for an eating joint to have their breakfast.

After looking around for some time they came to Gupta Chaiwale, a non-descript and poorly maintained tea stall but well-known in the Kotla Mubarakpur area for its bread-pakoras and samosas. Both of them ordered tea and stood at a corner near the shop. Guptaji, the owner could immediately make out that they were new in that area and were students looking to join some institute. After a small wait, tea was served to them and Rajeev and

Akhil quickly sipped their tea and dug into their samosas with gusto. After paying Guptaji, they went to an institute named International centre for management and computers which was located just a few blocks away. They went to the building which housed the administrative department of the institute. The outward appearance of the building was modest and as they stood outside and discussed about the reputation of the University the institute was affiliated to, Harilal, the watchman approached them, enquired about the purpose of their visit and led them to the reception where a couple of very well-dressed and beautiful looking ladies were handing out prospectus and forms to a group of boys and girls and explaining about the various courses on offer as well as the admission procedure. But the boys were busy ogling at the ladies and were least bothered about what they were talking about. Rajeev and Akhil glanced at each other and both could sense a wry smile form on each other's lips.