C12 CHAPTER-12

“That will depend on how well you cope with your studies and acquire the desired skills”, Sameer replied with a look that showed even he was unsure about getting a job. “Alright, what about the other three of you here”? He continued determined to change the topic of discussion. “Both of us have joined the BBA programme at IMC”, Rajeev said pointing at himself and Akhil.

“Great, finally I have found someone from the same institute. So how was day one at the institute”? Sahil asked. “Nothing much happened today barring a boring speech, but I have a feeling that major excitement is in store”, Akhil spoke with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Dinner is ready. Please come upstairs with your plates”, Chandra announced and left quickly. “The malai kofta and bitter gourd do not click as a combination”, Sahil remarked as he pushed his plate aside. “I agree but do we have a choice”, Akhil replied. “Let's go out for a walk. It will help cheer up the grumpy looking faces”, Rajeev said after finishing his meal in a leisurely fashion. “Seriously guys, we will have to make some other arrangement if the quality of food does not improve”, Sahil said. “Let's not be so impatient, friend. You will get used to it”, Rajeev replied. “Let's see, good night guys”, Sahil said. “We have a busy day ahead. Get a good night's sleep”, Akhil replied back.

“Come let's go, it's already 9.15”, Rajeev said impatiently looking at his watch. “Let Sahil come. He will feel bad if we walk away without him”, Akhil said. “Sorry, I kept you waiting”, Sahil apologised. “No big deal. Let's move”, Akhil said diplomatically. “That's my class and your class is next to mine. Isn't it great? I won't be missing you guys so much now”, Sahil said as he

entered his class.

Akhil went in ahead of Rajeev and surveyed the classroom. The attendance was better than the previous day. And from the corner of his eye he could see Jyotika entering the class with her friend. “Hi Jyotika”, he called out. “Hello Akhil”, she replied with a smile.

Exactly at 9.30 am, Professor Arvind walked in. “Students, I see a significant increase in attendance compared to yesterday. Good for you all”, he said. “Since the class tests and end-semester exams are accorded almost equal weightage here, you guys will have to be punctual and studious to ensure good grades. I hope, I have made myself amply clear”, the Professor said with a smile. “Yes Sir”, the students said in unison. “All right, let's start with a round of introduction then”, Professor Arvind said.

“Arvind and Aman Sirs are quite friendly. But I can't say the same about Monika Madam and the others. In fact, their faces look scarier than the books we are carrying”; Akhil said tapping the books slightly. “Don't worry man. How can you form an opinion on the very fast day? Give them a fair chance”, Rajeev said with a laugh. “What is the name of the girl you were talking to”, Rajeev continued. “Jyotika Kohli. She is a beauty, isn't she”? Akhil replied his eyes lighting up. “You know I am planning to take her out for lunch tomorrow”, Akhil added. “Don't you think that would be a bit too soon”? Rajeev questioned. “Okay then, I will delay it by a few days. The weekend would be fine I guess”, Akhil said. “Hmm, at least you seem to have some positive intent on this issue”, Rajeev remarked with a mischievous smile. “Hey guys, sorry I couldn't join you for lunch. You know there are quite a few guys from your place in my class”, Sahil said. “We are planning to go out in the evening. Why don't you join us”? Akhil said. “Okay sure”, Sahil said.

“How far are we going”? Rajeev asked as soon as Akhil and Sahil joined him outside the gate. “Well, let's go to the park in Kidwai Nagar. It is spacious and not very crowded at this time in the evening”, Akhil said after a thought. “Fine, let's go, but I only hope the place is not very far. Walking long distances in this heat is not a pleasing thought”, Sahil said.

“You know I was thinking about the food. I have found a place where the food is delicious and affordable and they do home delivery as well. So I want you guys to try out this place tonight”, he added. “You two go ahead if you like. The hostel food is okay for me”, Rajeev replied. “Oh, come on man! At least join us for tonight”, Sahil said raising his hand in protest. “If you want, I can inform Saxena ji not to prepare dinner for us today”? He volunteered. “And what would be the excuse”? Rajeev asked. “I will say that we are going to eat outside. And even if I don't call what's the big deal? We are paying him anyway. I will tell Chandra to serve us small helpings, that's it”, Sahil said. “Namaste, Chawla ji, as you can see, I have brought my friend's along tonight. So don't disappoint me”, Sahil said with a wink as soon as he entered a congested and dull-looking eating joint by the road-side.

“We will have roti, paneer bhujia, dal makhni and aloo jeera”, he yelled. As the boys began tearing into their rotis, Chawla ji walked up to them with three glasses of lassi. “That's complimentary since you all have come here for the first time”, he said pointing at Rajeev and Akhil and left. “Thanks Uncle”, Sahil said.