1 1.ARUNDHATI
I am no bird; and no net
ensnares me; I am a free
human being with an
independent will.
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"I want ice cream." I started whining like a baby. Come on! Age is just a number.
"Oh! Okay don't scream, You madwoman." he told me in his best arrogant tone.
Huh! as if it will affect me.
Saying that he went to the counter.
I could see girls drooling over his pig-like backside. I will never understand What the hell do they see in him?
Then I noticed those lonely sandwiches waiting for someone to pick them....
Me being the selfless person I am reached out for it but Dan beat me to it.
He ate it in ONE GO.
It still amazes me how these two eat like pigs and still manages to maintain those biceps. I thought while gazing around.
Everyone were in a rush. The preparations for campus selection!
The next step to their dreams, aspirations and livelihood.
The chance to start spreading our wings.
Rithwin came back with the ice creams giving me and Dan each.
He then started glaring at me, that's when I noticed a forefinger pointing at me.
"I swear Rits she ate it."
The Evil stepmother is better than my so-called backstabbing 'Best friends'.
"NO! He ate it Rits "
Rits eyed me.
"That was the sandwich which fell in the ground. That's why I didn't eat it, Ann." Rits told, but I didn't miss the mischief in his eyes.
"SHIT!"
there starts the ever so neat freak Danniel's sprint to washroom.
"You made it up. Right?" I asked Rits while staring at our personal Usain Bolt.
"Yup,"
Rits said popping the 'p' and then we started laughing like dying hyenas.
No one cares about the sounds we make because it's usual.
This is me.
3 friends more like siblings.
Hailing from a middle-class family full of doctors it was expected of me to follow their path.
But breaking the taboo I stood my ground.
'I want to become an Engineer.'
My parents were supportive after the initial apprehensions.
But all others are still not on terms with it even after 3 years of me joining the most prestigious Engineering institute of the country.
I was happy but not completely then I met Danniel and Rithwin. They taught me that a family need not necessarily be blood-related.
My family is an orthodox one so interacting with boys from outside was a big NO but somehow my Mom took a liking for them which is still a mystery to me.
We are 4 including Leah a fashion freak.
She dropped out and joined a fashion institute to chase her dreams.
Now I am stuck with these two dumbheads.
My train of thoughts was interrupted by Dan.
"Ann when is your interview?"
He calls me Ann as he was not able to pronounce my name.
He is from the UK, Rits from Delhi, Leah an Australian NRI, and I'm from TamilNadu.
I know we are a little messed up.
But we are one.
"1:30, I guess."
"Here Leah wants to speak to you." Rits told me passing the mobile.
"Hey Sexy! How is it going?"
"What? These two dumbos' torture or their glaring competition to avoid guys coming in my 1m radius?!"
"Ha! Okay okay. See the CEO of Veracity International is most likely to be there in the interview and girl! He is a Hottie with a capital 'H' so beware and send a wink at him from my side."
Any guy with a minimum height and swoon worthy smile is Hotties with a capital 'H' for her.
Nevermind
"Then what? wink at him and eventually lose the last one percent chance of me passing the interview or tell him 'Sir, this is not me winking it's my psycho friend's parcel delivery I am just acting the delivery girl.' Seriously Leah?!"
And there she starts laughing.
I need new friends. Period.
Suddenly silence fell over reminding me of the impending ordeal.
"Ann you will rock today just give your best."
Maybe after all I don't need new friends.
"I'm not sure Le"
"Sorry to break your bubble but I'm damn sure you will make it just don't lose your confidence and face them with your signature smile.
At least you are my sister na!" She completed with a sass.
"Yeah! That's my only fear."
"Huh! as if ! anyways got to go bye and all the best."
And the line went dead. I stared the blank screen for a second.
And heaved a sigh.
"Okay guys let's go and kick some asses" Dan said while standing up.
"Seriously? Looking like beggars, without an ID Card? I am not sure." I spoke raising an eyebrow.
Dan gave me a sheepish smile.
"Come let's go to our rooms and then meet in front of the hall." Rits spoke
"And kick some asses."
Argh...
"If you don't start moving now, I'll kick your ass."
Interview here we come!
****
Everyone was seated in order some with confidence, some tapping there legs on the tiled floor, some biting their nails.
And finally some others making a deal with God.
"Arundhathi Varma."
I went in and took my seat.
There sat a panel of 5 interviewers.
Doing their best to find a fault.
I think Leah's Hottie with a capital 'H' didn't come. All of them were around 50+.
Their scrutinizing gaze scanning me.
But I didn't waver. I didn't come this far to cower back now.
I faced them head on.
They asked me some typical questions. Then came the million-dollar question.
"Ms.Varma we know you are qualified but are you sure? 99% of attendees are males. But no offense!"
I knew this would come it never matters how high 'She' flies.
This society will not change that easily.
I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders looking deep into his eyes I started,
"No offense taken. Have been hearing the same question for almost the past 4 years. 'Can you make it?' But trust me that never stopped me.
I never doubted myself moreover I am proud to be a female and I did make this much from there.
So I believe in myself.
As you told I am qualified and if all it takes is my assurance then Yes I can make it sir."
And the interview continued...
I came out with a heavy heart.
Rits and Dan saw my dull face and kept mum, we walked a bit in silence before I stopped and took a seat on the nearby bench, they sat on my either side.
I smiled a bit.
"I'm a girl."
"I had my doubts but thanks for the conformation"
Dan exclaimed suddenly making Rits give him a stink eye
but he continued in a soft tone,
"They lost a Gem, a very rare one at that."
"You will make it, if they are intelligent enough, otherwise their loss."
Rits completed holding my hands and smiled.
And we stared at the sky together momentarily forgetting the burdens and obstacles in our way.
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