C10 CHAPTER-10

Mr Arora was reading the morning newspaper when Saxena ji turned up with his dad. “Good morning Arora ji! I am going out to attend a hearing with my dad”, Saxena ji said. “Since I am leaving tomorrow, I wanted to discuss about my son's hostel accommodation with you”, Mr Arora said. “I will be back by 12 noon. So if it's okay with you we can discuss after my return”, Saxena ji offered. “Will wait for you then and all the best for that hearing”, Mr Arora replied. “So there goes that fellow again, after making us wait for so long”, Mr Arora said in anger. “I am going to catch some shut eye. You guys go and have your lunch. I am not hungry”, he continued. The boys looked at each other not knowing what to say.

Mr Arora was awakened by the sounds of footsteps and the Saxena father and son duo arguing loudly. “So you are back Saxena ji”, Mr Arora said determined not to let him slip away once again. “Are the hostel rooms ready”? He asked. “Yes, they are. The workers are cleaning the rooms and the boys can move in by today evening”, Saxena ji said even as he wiped off beads of sweat from his face. “What about the room rent and other charges”? Mr Arora asked. “Charges are Rupees Twenty five hundred per bed on a twin sharing basis and canteen charges will be Rupees Fourteen hundred per month which will include breakfast, lunch and dinner on all days of the week except Sundays”, Saxena ji elaborated. “During winter, we provide warm water for bathing at a nominal cost of Five Rupees per bucket”, he added. “All boarders have to pay two month's rent in advance as security deposit which is adjusted against monthly rent if someone wishes to leave the hostel with prior notice. And finally, there is a canteen maintenance charge of Rupees four hundred per year”, he continued. “Okay, I will make the payment in the evening”, Mr Arora said and walked back to his room.

“There goes the last one”, Akhil said as he literally hurled his suitcase inside the room allotted to him and Rajeev. “It's just like being dumped on the pavement. How can this room accommodate two persons”? Akhil grumbled. “Stop complaining now. Do you remember the kind of money we had to shell out for spending a few days and nights in air-conditioned comfort”? Rajeev said. “Things will fall into place after a few days, trust me”, Rajeev continued. “Boys have you finished moving your luggage? If so, then please join me for dinner”, Mr Arora said. The boys hurried inside. As the three of them sat down to eat they hardly looked at each other and none uttered even a single word. “Keep this with you”, Mr Arora said handing Rajeev an envelope containing crisp five hundred rupee notes. “Spend it wisely. This should last you a couple of months”, he continued. Just then, a car came to a screeching halt outside which was followed by a knock on the door. “Arora Ji, the taxi has arrived”, Saxena Ji called out. Mr Arora looked back in the direction of the boys, slightly thumped Rajeev's shoulder and went out after picking up his luggage.

Rajeev stood still for some time even as the taxi carrying his dad turned left and was soon out of sight. It was now that he realised what his dad meant when he said 'you would be on your own now'. He knew he would miss the comforting presence of his parents near him for the first time in his life.