C3 CHAPTER-3
“Bhai sahab, you have reached your destination”, the auto rickshaw driver called out to Rajeev. Without saying a word Rajeev pulled out his purse and handed him the fare. Akhil had already got out and was making his entry on the visitor's register. Both of them went in after completing the necessary formalities. Akhil was impressed by the well-decorated interiors of the building and looked around to take in the sights and sounds while Rajeev was more concerned about the most important job at hand. After making the necessary enquiries he came to know that the admission tests for the next batch of applicants were to take place after a couple of days. He also enquired about the fee structure; hostel facilities and placement offers received by the previous batches and made a note of it. On their way back to the guest house both of them discussed about their day's work. While all three institutes visited by them had a fairly satisfactory record, the high fee structure was a cause of concern for Rajeev. As it was already late in the evening when they reached South Extension, both of them got down near Bengali Sweet House to have their dinner.
The place was full of diners and the boys had to wait patiently before they could find a place to sit. Without poring over the menu card for too long, Rajeev immediately ordered rice, dal makhni, salad, raita and aloo zeera for himself while Akhil settled for a paneer masala dosa, moong ki dal ka halwa and a large glass of lassi to wash it all down with. By the time they finished their dinner it was already 9.30 in the evening. They settled the bill and walked hurriedly towards their guest house. Mr Saxena greeted them at the reception. Though the boys were tired and sleepy they greeted Saxena Ji warmly and took the room key from him after signing the register. They also filled him in onthe day's happenings. After one final round of exchanging pleasantries they retired for the night in anticipation of another busy day ahead.
The next morning was bright and sunny and by the time the boys were up, Saxena Ji was busy taking orders for breakfast from the other occupants of the guest house. After making a round of his entire property and ensuring that the students who had put up as paying guests at his place were up and getting ready for their classes he knocked on the door of the room occupied by Rajeev and Akhil. Rajeev opened the door and greeted Saxena Ji who appeared to be in a cheerful mood. Although Rajeev was not sure, he guessed that the steady flow of guests was perhaps the reason for it. After all money makes the world go round, he thought. “The servant will come at eight in the morning accompanied by the sweeper and thoroughly clean your room. At what time would you like to have your breakfast? It would be easier for you if you have your breakfast here as you will then be able to head straight to the college; moreover food cooked outside is not very healthy, you don't want to fall sick, do you”? Saxena Ji went on. Rajeev was in no mood for a lengthy debate on this topic early in the morning and therefore nodded in approval. He ordered two omelettes; toast bread, butter and two large glasses of milk and went in to take a shower. Breakfast was already on the table by the time he finished taking his bath and got dressed.
Even as he applied a liberal coat of butter on his bread slices and tore into his omelette he spared some time to yell at his friend who was still fast asleep. Getting Akhil out of bed in the morning was a task fraught with grave risks as one not only had to put up with the choicest of abuses but also had to watch out for a flurry of vicious kicks that he let fly in all directions.
“Come on now, pour some more milk into my glass”,
yelled Akhil still looking sleepy after a shower even as he continued buttoning his shirt with one hand and combing his hair with the other. Rajeev chose not to counter his friend's rude behaviour and did as he was told as he knew that his friend was missing his pampered lifestyle back home.
