C8 CHAPTER-8

After making the necessary payments and signing on the guest register, Mr Arora headed straight to his room. “Both of you come to my room after a few minutes, I need to discuss tomorrow's program with you guys”, he said nodding in the direction of the two boys. Mr Arora had already ordered tea and snacks when Rajeev & Akhil walked into the room. “So what have you guys decided”? Mr Arora asked. “Well dad I want you to visit the institute tomorrow and if you like what you see we will take it further”, Rajeev spoke. “I told both of you to choose a good institute. Why do you want me to decide for you? Since you two have decided to pursue your studies here you will also have to learn to take some important decisions yourself”, Mr Arora said. The boys nodded their heads quietly.

After a brief wait the boys were led into the office where they were greeted by the two beautiful young ladies once again. Mr Arora was only concerned about the credibility of the institute but he trusted the judgement of his son. “So how much money do I have to pay now son”? Mr Arora asked. Rajeev did a quick calculation. “Rupees forty thousand dad for the first semester”, Rajeev said. “When will the classes start”? Mr Arora asked the admissions-in-charge even as he collected the money receipts. “Classes will start from mid-July and the study- material would be distributed by the end of this month sir”, the lady replied after she had finished counting the cash for a second time and putting it away in the locker.

The two boys congratulated each other. “Ok, now what”? Mr Arora asked. “I am feeling hungry. What was the name of that restaurant you were talking about yesterday”? He continued. “Kent's Fast Food”, Akhil quipped. Any talk about food always made him hungry. Akhil ordered a maha burger with French fries and a glass of fruit juice while Rajeev and his dad settled for a paneer burger and a cup of coffee each.

“Arora Ji, the servant has just finished cleaning your room”, Saxena Ji said as he handed over the key to Rajeev. “So boys, now that you have got admission I would want you to concentrate on your studies right from day one”, Mr Arora said as soon as they got inside the room. The boys nodded their heads in unison. “I need some rest. Wake me up after a couple of hours”, he continued when he saw them walking towards the door.

“Have some Prasad dad”, Rajeev said as soon as he saw his dad standing in the corridor. “I told you to wake me up before going out”, Mr Arora said. “We thought you were tired uncle and so you decided to let you rest”, Akhil said.

“It's okay for today but make sure to take me along when you go out in the evening tomorrow. I too want to visit the temple”, Mr Arora said with a smile.

“Want to go out for a cup of coffee”? Rajeev asked after looking at his watch. “No thanks. Saxena ji brought me tea and snacks sometime ago”, Mr Arora replied. “He has gone out with his wife to Chandni Chowk to attend a birthday party”, Mr Arora continued as he went inside his room.

“Hey Rajeev, your mom wants to speak to you”, Mr Arora called out. Rajeev hurried inside. “Hello mom. How are you”? I am fine he said. “I am doing good son. Hope you are enjoying your stay in Delhi. Please take good care of your health. How is Akhil”? Rajeev's mom replied. “The weather here is awful but I am getting used to it. Akhil is doing well too mom”, Rajeev replied. “Tell Akhil to attend classes regularly”, his mom said. “Mom, why don't you have a word with him”, Rajeev said and passed the phone to his friend. “How are you Akhil beta”?

Mrs Arora asked. “Fine Aunty”, Akhil replied. “Your dad called me up yesterday son. He is worried about your future. So Study hard and make him proud. And both of you always stick together like good friends”, Mrs Arora said. “Okay Aunty”, Akhil said and handed the phone back to Mr Arora. “Don't worry Kavita, Saxena ji is a good man. He will take good care of the boys. Take care and good night”, Mr Arora said and disconnected the call.

“Are you planning to go out for dinner”? Mr Arora asked Rajeev. “No dad”, Rajeev shook his head. “Would it be okay if I order poori, subji and raita for dinner”? Mr Arora asked. The boys nodded in agreement.