Chapter 19

Chapter 18

                   

                              It was close to two weeks since Niyati had joined college. Everybody was juggling between classes, assignments, rehearsals and what not. There was not a minute to spare. All the senior students wanted to make this event the best St. Louis had ever witnessed. Since the expectations were riding sky high, the level of preparations needed to be top notch too. All hands were at work. And the most stressed out were the GS, AGS, CS and ACS.

          Sharon was working herself to a frenzy and would have regular outbursts. Many yelling episodes, tantrums and 2 asthma attacks later, Rey threatened to have her removed from the event if she didn't calm down and take care of her health.

The cultural team had reached a deadlock. The biggest challenge for the team was to bring something new to the table. So far, the group dance had been finalized, Rey was going to do a solo as Kria was sitting this event out, Nil and Simmi were going to a couple dance, though they were yet to decide what style. Boys had decided to a group dance as well. But there was nothing after that. Nothing everybody hadn't already seen.

 

                    One such evening, they were all gathered in the Rehearsal Hall, trying to get a breakthrough, when Niyati joined them.

"Tu abhi tak college mein hi hai?", Swayam asked surprised.

"Haan. Bataya toh tha aapko. Mera seminar hai next week. Toh powerpoint sir ko dikhani thi. Bhool gaye aap?"

"Haan!", Swayam said rubbing his forehead with his palms. "Sorry yaad nahin raha."

"So, how is it going?" Niyati asked massaging Swayam's temples gently. "Toh kahan tak pahunche aap sab?"

"Rey apna dance Camp waala Lyrical Hip Hop kar raha hai coz nobody has seen it. Nil and Simmi have decided to do Quickstep. Donon group dances bhi almost ready hai."

Everybody probably expected Niyati not to understand what he said, but were surprised to see that she followed.

"Arre Waah! Hogaya na aapka show tayyar."

"Humein kuch hat kar karna hai. Something jo kisi ne nahin dekha ab tak."

 

Everybody fell silent. Niyati was about to leave them to their devices when she had a sudden idea. Mad, but brilliant idea

"Bhai, why don't you do a Trio dance? As far as I know, St. Louis mein kabhi nahin hua hai."

Everybody looked at her in amazement.

"Good idea Neeti! Suna guys? Hum ye totally kar sakte hain. Acha? Kaun karega ye number?"

"Obviously bhai, College ke GS, CS and ACS".

Everybody looked at her as if she had lost her marbles. Dud she actually mean Sharon, Swayam and Aashi together or had she confused them with someone else? There were so many impossibles' with that idea.

It was impossible that Swayam and Sharon would agree to dance together.

It was also impossible that Sharon would agree to dance with Aashi.

It was impossible to get Swayam to agree to dance with Aashi.

"What? Aise kya dekh rahe hain sab mujhe? It's a good idea if you ask me. College ke important designation holders ek saath perform karenge toh acha impression padega. Sab juniors and college authorities ko ye message pohonchega ke sabhi departments work in complete harmony and unity."

 

          When Niyati put it that way, it indeed seemed a very good idea. As seniormost students of the college, they did have a responsibility. Also incidentally, their past endeavors hadn't left very good impressions with the College Board.

"Bhai, why don't the three of you do a Paso Doble? It'll really suit this Trio dance. Plus, all the three of you can easily handle an aggressive dance style."

All the three seemed to be hesitant. Niyati controlled the urge to roll her eyes. Typical hotheads, she thought. "At least give it a try. Baad mein decide karenge whether it will work or not."

All the three of them looked at each other. This was going to be interesting.

 

                                                                                                    *********

 

          "Niyati!" VP sir's voice halted her as she passed his cabin. Doubling back, she asked, "Yes sir? Aapne bulaya?"

"Yes, if you are not so busy, could you please take these receipts and applications to the Accounts Department? They would need these to secure the required funds for the Freshers'"

"Sure sir", she said taking the sheaf of papers.

As she was leafing through them, she found some glaring discrepancies. She immediately turned around and brought it to the notice of VP sir.

"Excuse me sir? Sorry to bother you but looks like there have been a few miscalculations which you missed "and proceeded to explain him where the errors were.

"Thank you Niyati for spotting those and informing me. This has happened a few times before. Either I miss those errors or the Accounts Department. Itne saare kaam aur meetings ke beech things, just slip. Even the Accounts Department is neck deep in work."

"Sir, chota muh badi baat. I know I have not been here very long. Lekin aapki permission ho toh kya main ek suggestion de sakti hoon?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Sir, aap ek students ka separate Accounts Department create kar sakte hain. Is Department ki sole duty hogi to manage the funds required for all student-related activities. Be it parties, events, trips or camps. Waise hi Accounts Section college ki maintainence, bills, fees and damages ko manage karne mein busy hai. If we take over the fundings of student activities, kaafi bada burden utar jayega unke sar se. Koi bhi event mein paison ki zaroorat ho, toh necessary details students accounts head se approve hone ke baad hi Main Accounts Department jayegi. Is tarah unhe bhi crosscheck karne ki zaroorat nahin hogi. Less work for them and more accuracy can be maintained."

VP sir listened to her suggestion with rapt attention. At the end of it, he was quite impressed and said, "That's a good idea. We can do that. Balki I am hoping you take up the post of Accounts Head."

Hey Krishna ji! Main toh madad karne aayi thi, khud ke pairon par kulhaadi maarne nahin! Probably her thoughts were quite evident on her face because VP sir chuckled and explained "I know tum kya soch rahi ho. And no, tumne apne liye koi well nahin khod diya hai. I suggested your name because I have seen your siblings' work. Both Swayam and Taani have been exemplary heads and mujhe poora bharosa hai you will follow their footsteps."

Niyati found it hard to speak. It was as if a big lump had lodged in her throat successfully preventing her from making any noise, either of assent or disagreement. To be considered along with her brother and sister meant the world to her.

"So, Should I take it as a yes? Do you agree to become the Accounts Head?"

Niyati could only nod.

 

Precap: Tu mili unse?

Unse? Unse kinse?

Neeti! Tu jaanti hai main kiski baat kar rahi hoon!

Niyati sighed. Ek saal hone ko aaya hai Taani. Ab bhi?

Hamesha, came the reply

[NOCOPY]

[MEMBERSONLY]