The Letter

March 1980

 A letter bearing stamps was delivered by the post man at the college dormitory somewhere in India. The receiver of the letter was a man who had seen 23 springs in his life and was looking forward seeing the 24th. The man was a bit surprised at the sudden arrival of a letter from his father. Usually he would write to him once in a month but this was his 2nd time receiving a letter in the past 20 days.

 Being curious he came to his room and sat down on his study table. Opening the envelope gently, he took out the letter written on a plain paper. The familiar scent of his father engulfed him and he started reading the letter written in blue ink.

 He read the letter once, then twice, then thrice. He still could not believe what he read. He sat there for sometime. The silence in the room was interrupted by the usual chattering of his roommate with his friends. They came in when he was engrossed in his thoughts. Their presence made him place the letter back in the envelope which he placed inside the pocket of his bag.

"Received a letter again?" Dev, his roommate asked

"Yes."

"They really miss you at home. You are so lucky" Roman, their class fellow said

"I guess I am. Okay tell me why there is so much noise outside"

"You don't know yet. The exam results are out and once again your name is on the top of the list." Dev replied.

"And what about you both. Did you pass?"

"Ah yes thank God we passed this time." Roman informed

"Nice to hear that. Okay I am going to see the result myself. After that I have to leave for home"

"So suddenly?" Dev inquired

"Yes I have to attend my marriage after 3 days so I have to leave now so that I can reach there by tomorrow."

"What? You didn't tell us before." - Dev

"I got to know now too. It is arranged by my family."

And then he left the room, going to the notice board to see the result. Making his way through the boys he reached the front. With the tip of his finger he traced the first column bearing his name. It said,

"Ahmed Ali -------------89%"