Chapter Three:
Maanvi yawned as the teacher talked about Picasso's works. The effects of waking up early was tiring her out even though it was nearing noon.
"Can anyone tell me the meaning behind Pablo Picasso's 'The Weeping Woman'? Hm, anyone?" The lecturer asked the students. Not many students chose Art, preferring either Maths or English: substantial subjects. Maanvi loved Art; it's colours, it's freedom albeit in a symbolical form. She was not that great at academics but she excelled in the Arts. "Miss Raizada? Perhaps you would like to answer?" The teacher said. Maanvi came out of her thoughts but her tiredness distracted her from the lesson.
She tried to answer but couldn't remember anything so didn't reply. "The work is an 1930's anti-war painting to which Picasso tried to establish the agony and grief of the women in that era." A voice from behind Maanvi replied. She didn't recognise the voice and tried to turn behind to see who it belonged to but the bell for lunch went. Soon enough, everyone started to pack up and leave and that mystery voice became mixed in with the buzz of the students. Maanvi wondered who it was before shaking off the thought and went to find Jeevika and Viren.
She walked into the canteen with her tray. Before she knew it, Tanya and Maya came up to her whilst puffing their hair up to get more volume. Maanvi looked at them in disgust.
"Look, Maanvi. We have this thing to go through so like, tell Mom that we'll be coming home late." Maya said, her voice somewhat high in pretence. Maanvi suppressed her snort, she knew exactly where they were going: partying in a club. The amount of times she had covered up for them were uncountable.
Maanvi nodded, "Fine." She was about to go when Tanya pulled out her leg to which Maanvi tripped only to be caught by Viren with Jeevika on his side.
"Oops, you should definitely watch where you're going, klutz." Tanya said laughing.
"Look, you little she-devils!" Viren shouted but was stopped by Maanvi holding his arm. She shook her head indicating for him to leave him. He sighed and agreed, not wanting to make this hard for her than it already is.
The twins left, continuing their laugh as they went out of the canteen. Maanvi sighed, not wanting this minor event to ruin her day. "Come on guys, let's go and eat!" She pulled Viren and Jeevika away to an empty table.
"I don't get how you can be so...normal about this." Viren told Maanvi. She shrugged, slurping her juice.
"Leave it, Viren. So tell me how was your day?" She asked them.
"It was awesome! Hey, did you know that there is a code of chivalry during the late Middle Ages? The original code: the religious ideology and then there's the chivalry in action with all the war and tournaments." Jeevika replied gleefully. She got a bite out of her sandwich and drank some water.
Maanvi groaned, "Is that what you're learning in History? Boooring!"
Jeevika faked a gasp before rolling her eyes with a smirk.
"Well, at least you know that chivalry is not dead with me as the perfect gentleman." Viren perfected his shirt collar before winking at Jeevika. Jeevika playfully slapped him before putting her head on his shoulder.
"Urm...guys?" Maanvi asked to which they looked at her. "I'm still eating! Keep your PDA* somewhere else!" She pulled her tongue at them.
Jeevika giggled. "Hey Viren, where is your cousin?" She asked.
"Oh, he had no lessons this afternoon so went home...did you meet him yet?"
"Nope." Maanvi and Jeevika replied at once. They started to giggle.
Viren widened his eyes. "Okay, seriously this is freaking me out. You two must have been sisters in your previous life or something."
They both looked at each other and raised their eyebrows before falling into a hug, "OH DI!" Maanvi exaggeration.
"Kya hua Mannu? Are you okay?" Jeevika replied caressing Maanvi's head whilst trying not to laugh.
Viren groaned, "Oh no. Their drama starts again!" He placed his head into his hand and sighed leading to the girls not being able to contain their laughter. Couple of minutes later, when they had calmed down Jeevika suddenly remembered something.
"Hey guys! It's the Homecoming dance* this Friday! Wow, time seriously flew since we last talked about it!" She said getting excited.
Maanvi shook her head furiously, "No, I can't come." Her words started to fade as she automatically looked down in frustration. J had never allowed Maanvi to do what she wanted therefore going to the most prestigious event of the Senior year was a big no-no.
"Because of J, right?" Jeevika asked, knowing full well what her step-mother was like. Maanvi nodded. "Look, me and Viren can persuade her...you have to come."
Maanvi shrugged, she knew that there was never going to be a chance in a million years that she'll be able to go to this party. Never.
"I don't know..." She said sadly.
______
Author's Note: I had to do some research on subjects before writing it. There may be some facts wrong so bare with me. Also, you will only get PM's if you "like" the second post of this thread: click here It just helps me to see who to PM and who to not.
*PDA: Public Display of Affections
*Homecoming Dance: Okay, this is mostly American but hush...
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