Schoolmates (17 page)

“Don’t worry, it will take about fifteen to twenty days, there is nothing we can do about it. It is viral, you know” I replied.

“So why can’t they give him some pills for it?” Kabir protested like a seven year old.

“Because there are no pills for viral diseases. Remember, antibiotics don’t work against them . . .” I squeezed his hand a little.

Kabir evaluated the information but kept silent.

“You better go now . . . someone will notice.” He replied after a while.

“Ok, but don’t fret. He will be fine.” I replied and touched his shoulder.

I recall Anjali expressing her concerns as well. She said that Kabir was very disturbed by all this as she saw how he simply moved aside when she crossed him in the corridor after recess. I agreed and said that he was concerned about his game, or so he said. The real reason was that he really was lost without his wing man.

That day, after school, as I waited for Kabir on ‘our spot’ I wondered if we should go and see Dev. But then decided against it as viral is infectious and neither one of us would be safe. I was in the process of making a mental note to call Dev up when I heard Mohit’s panting voice.

“Riya, you better come . . . Kabir . . . Tejas . . . fight!” he said amid gasps of air.

I dropped my chemistry refresher and ran to where Mohit was heading. Mohit was our junior and adulated Kabir. For him, Kabir was the Sachin Tendulkar of basketball.

As I neared the court, I saw Angad, Rahul, Jagriti, coach Ranjeet all trying in vain to pull them both apart . . . Tejas and Kabir were entwined like the electricity cables we had in our physics lab. Shirts were torn, lips were bleeding and a lot of cussing was on.

“Enough you two, back off!” coach Ranjeet held Kabir while Angad pulled Tejas.

“Kabir!! Stop!” I did my bit as well. Finally after another few minutes, they both quit snatching at each other’s throat, or perhaps the lactic acid in their muscles made them tired enough to call it quits.

“What happened?” Coach demanded.

“He called Dev . . . something bad!!” Kabir was shaking with rage.

Coach looked around and saw me and Jagriti along with a few other younger girls. He understood Kabir’s hesitation in being elaborate.

As I walked back with Kabir I thought not to ask him about the fight. It was obvious that he was in pain and frustrated at being drawn into a silly brawl with Tejas. It was only yesterday that I was telling him how much he had improved since last year as he suffered no detention this year. Perhaps I spoke to soon, or maybe he was stressed.

As I picked up my bag, he took it, as always from my hands.

“Leave it Kabir, you are hurt . . . I can carry . . .” He did not let me finish.

“I’m not weak Riya. Don’t ever think that. Give it to me.” He looked me in the eye and said it with so much of determination that I simply let him carry my bag to my bus. As he settled me in my seat and was about to leave he said, “Sorry . . . I din’t mean for you to see it!”

“It’s fine. My boyfriend is into sports, he has muscles to die for . . . I really don’t mind” I tried to make him smile. He did so a little and then left. I was relieved that at least I had the sense to give him some space. What had happened exactly would be dug out later, I thought to myself.

The next day, I took some registers from Ms. Ritika Kapoor, Kabir’s Mathematics teacher and entered his class. I was about to ask for permission but the scene which beheld me was unbelievable!

Students were throwing paper balls at each other, few were sitting unaffected chatting away, Ayesha was standing near the window, beckoning to the boys in the next room and the teacher was lost somewhere among the tall students, trying in vain to control the class.

I knew which class this was. Kabir and Dev had mentioned it many a times how Ms. Veena Acharya, their Economics teacher was rather inept at management. Students always had a gala time in her periods. Few went missing and she never realized. It was often in her class that Ms. Josephina entered from the adjoining classes to pacify the situation, much to her annoyance.

As I stood on the door and looked around for Kabir, Ayesha caught hold of Tejas and pointed him towards the door. He saw me and I saw him looking at me. He turned away and eventually the message reached Kabir that his ‘girlfriend’ was waiting. I entered the class, placed the registers on the teacher’s table and left. I knew he would come.

The bell rang for recess as I was leaving the classroom. I waited for him at a distance and finally Kabir came in sight as I saw their class monitor locking the room.

“Hi! These are for Dev.” I said as I handed over the notes for that day to Kabir. “How is he by the way?” Kabir and I began walking and Kabir narrated how well Dev was doing and would probably join back in a few days. Though schools were to shut down in a week for the exam preparations, Kabir was hopeful for Dev’s early return.

I was happy to return to my class after the recess with the knowledge that he was relieved and that no action had been taken so far for yesterday’s quarrel. Perhaps the school authorities were also aware that only a few days were left in this session now.

Again . . . I was too soon to count my blessings.

Near the end of the day, the news spread like wild fire. I was wary the whole day and this news came as a shock to me.

Apparently, there had been a huge theft in Kabir’s C section. Someone had left his watch in his bag and a bit of money too. They were found though on checking of the bags after recess, in Kabir’s bag.

A few students were in Principal’s office. Kabir was facing suspension. His parents were called. I was amazed at how skilled someone was in framing Kabir.

Kabir had been with me during recess and later in my library period. The theft must have happened during that time. Clearly he was being framed.

I decided to tell this detail to the Principal.

“What exactly was he doing in the library Riya?” Anjali asked me mockingly.

I looked at her.

“This is what the Principal will ask as well. Will you really tell her that Kabby was standing with you in the shadows holding hands . . . K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” Anjali replied.

“Please, not you too. I face that jingle daily from so many people. Nevertheless, the truth must be told, he will be suspended otherwise.” I replied.

“Why is it that he is always where the trouble is?” Anjali thought out loud.

“What baffles me is who did this?” I asked. “Tejas?” Anjali contemplated.

“Perhaps . . .” I replied. I knew I did not have the time to dig out the culprit. All I had time for was to provide Kabir with an alibi.

“Wish me luck Anjali; this is the second time I’m going to save his skin!”

Anjali showed me a thumps-up sign and I headed for the Principal’s office lightly.

I entered her office and stood there, facing her, sweating a bit. I explained to her in the simplest and most compliant manner what had happened, leaving the details out. I told her that he was with our class in the library and so he was innocent.

“Hmm. I see. Where exactly was he? I mean who was he seen with? I can call the librarian in as well for verification.” She looked intently at me.

I knew the librarians had not seen him.

“Ma’am . . . he was . . .” I hesitated. How could I be profane! “Yes . . . ?” she knew she had me trapped.

“Ma’am . . . actually . . . he was . . . with . . . me!” I looked down at my shoes, glued with fear and self-consciousness.

“Hmm. I find it hard to believe, yet, I will have to look into the matter. What were you two doing exactly, may I ask?” She was grilling me. I just could not furnish any further information.

“Off you go now.” She let me go finally. I left looking contrite.

Riya picked her books and pens and sat down on the plush sofa. She had a few notes to prepare. As she looked at the table in front of her, she recalled how the word about the theft had reached her parents as well. Kabir was not suspended and both his parents were only too thankful. Yet, her dad had heard warning bells for the first time.

She remembered how tensed he had turned when she had accepted helping ‘that boy’. He had asked her to maintain distance and she had stood mutely listening. He had not known the whole truth back then.

But he soon did . . . in two months’ time.

A sigh escaped Riya as she unconsciously rubbed her chain. The tougher times were beginning.

CHAPTER-29

T
he farewell had been great! The seniors were thrilled by the efforts made by their juniors. The auditorium was lavishly decorated, thanks to the funding provided by the administrative staff and of cource, from Danish’s MLA father. Meenakshi was crowned the princess of the ball and Angad was the prince. There were numerous dances, drama acts and songs for everyone’s entertainment. The seniors were totally mesmerized on their official last day. Each teacher was gifted a special token by the outgoing batch. Feet were touched, tears were shed. The notice boards were alive with numerous pictures of our senior’s time well spent in school. Picture gallery had clips from their days in class first to class twelfth; Meenakshi in various ages, performing in school annual days, Angad playing ball, Danish standing for debates, and numerous others holding cups, medals or in their costumes. It was a sight to behold. This was Mamta’s and Jaya’s effort.

The show stopper was however the dance in the end. There was a popular DJ invited this year and the tears were soon forgotten as the loud music medley engulfed all the students and some of our favourite teachers as well.

I must have danced for hours with Kabir that night. And thankfully, Dev had managed to step in as well, he would not have miss this event for any sickness; bacterial or viral. Everyone was dressed richly. The girls flaunted bright luxurious sarees with all kinds of haughty, string strap, Nita Lulla and Tarun Tahiliani branded blouses. Most of them were totally exemplifying Femina Miss India models. The boys were in suits and sheerwanis.

I too was dressed in a luxurious and impressive salwar kameez. My performances had not permitted me to dress up like Ayesha and her gang who looked like brides!

Finally the schools closed after the farewell for the seniors and we juniors were lost in the exam preparations.

Kabir had called me that day. He had a doubt in mathematics and wanted to meet me somewhere to clarify it.

My dad had answered his call and then dejectedly called me over to take it. I saw the discomfort the name ‘Kabir’ caused him. I was guilty; I knew he did not appreciate my friendship with Kabir at any level, even if it was academic, as this is what he thought it was. Just a simple friendship.

I was fearful of the day he would realize that the name ‘Kabir’ was now so much a part of me that there was no ‘Riya’ without it.

I knew I had to ask Kabir to stop calling me frequently. So I decided to tell him that today evening when he would meet me after my tuition classes and we would stroll in the society park. We did this quite frequently. I always managed a few minutes with him in the cool shades of the trees, sitting on the benches.

“Your old man really has no clue ‘Who’ I am?” Kabir was walking besides me.

“Well . . . he has gathered information about you. So he knows what all you’ve done. That is not what I was hoping for him to know about you.” I replied.

“So, if he found out, situation would be bad . . . for you?” He asked.

“Yes, definitely. That’s why you should refrain from calling me so repeatedly now.” I spoke, as calmly as I could.

“Hmm.” Was all he said. I knew he was struggling with this information.

“You will at least come to Anjali’s home tomorrow right?” he asked suddenly.

We had planned this outing a few weeks before the farewell. He had planned to take me on a ride somewhere from Anjali’s house.

“Yes. But that would perhaps be the last one this year before the schools re-open.” I replied, happy that I was giving not just the tough news to Kabir.

‘Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled a little. The evening sun was descending on that cool March evening and I was to head back home soon. As if he had read my thoughts, he slipped his hand in mine and held them tightly as we walked the last stretch.

My dad was a bit weary the day before I left for Anjali’s house. I stayed at her house for an hour and then she walked me to where Kabir was waiting.

“You know, this is not right . . . it is almost deception!” Anjali said. Nothing had changed her reaction to seeing me and the lover boy together, as she often called him now.

I was silent. What could I say? I knew she was right. I ought to confront my parents, but I knew they will never try understanding. My mom, maybe, but never my dad. He had already made up his mind about Kabir and I knew him well, once a bad egg always a bad egg, was his firm opinion. The tough army discipline had attuned him to certain things and he was very concrete in his views.

“Hi . . .” Kabir’s eyes lit up when he saw me. “Hi . . .” I smiled back.

“Thanks Anjali.” He said smiling his most grateful smile towards her.

“Whatever!” Anjali rolled her eyes and walked off.

I smiled after her. I knew I was blessed to have her, and so was Kabir. We drove off on his bike. He took me to a very popular discotheque whose owner was one of Dev’s friends. So we managed free passes despite the heavy season booking.

I was completely enthralled and ensnared by the glitz and setting of the electrifying ambience of the room. The floor was covered with people, all grooving to their heart’s extent. The music wasloud and yet energizing oddly. I never knew I would actually enjoy something so non-academic. There was a fine odour of vanilla and lemon in the air. There was no smoking allowed inside so the air was clean. The lights were dim and I was on top of the world.

“So? You like it?” Kabir made me sit in one of the corner booths and sat down opposite to me.

“Yes . . . immensely!” My eyes were sparkling with joy and excitement.

“Like to drink something?” he asked.

“Sure. What do they have?” I looked around for a menu.