So presenting to you chapter 3. Hope you all like it.đ
CHAPTER 3:
Early next morning.
Sia was already in gymnasium putting on her boxing gloves when coach KV entered. He was pleased to see Sia relatively calm and composed but at the same time determined.
"I am sure miss Sen must have talked to Sia. Thank you miss Sen", said he in his mind.
He thought this was the best time to tell Sia about the upcoming boxing championship. And he was also sure the reaction would be positive.
"Good morning Sia", said KV.
Sia looked up and smiled.
"Good Morning Sir", said Sia.
"Sia I am very happy to see you so determined and focused. I am sure that nothing can stop you from achieving your aim. But you know you have to put yourself through number of tests to prove your worth."
Sia looked confused and worried at the same time.
Coach KV smiled and said," Don't worry Sia. Actually 4 months from now a National boxing Championship is going to be held in New Delhi. And I want you to participate in it. You I believe have everything required to be called a National level boxer. I know this and so do you but the world doesn't. You have to prove them this. I want your name to be considered in India's best boxers and why only India World's best boxers. I am sure if trained in a proper way you will emerge with flying colours.
But before you start to dream about it let me tell you that you will have to start from small level. Everyone has to start small to achieve something big not just the boxers. I hope you are getting my point. Your participation in local tournament was just a start and also at that time your need to get back in Elite. But this time you play it will be because you want to play and prove yourself. There are many levels before qualifying for Nationals. You need to get through them first to qualify for Nationals."
Finally he said, "Any questions?"
Sia said, "Thank you sir for having faith in me. I will give my best sir."
Coach was very happy. He said," Now that's the spirit. But let me tell you that you will have to work very hard to reach the finals. We will have to figure out all your flaws and rectify and work on them. First you will have to clear the state level championship only then you will qualify for nationals."
And from that day onwards began Sia's training. She practiced the way she never had. There was a satisfaction in the way they were progressing.
One fine morning principal called Arjun in his office. He knocked the door.
"Enter", called Principal's voice.
"Ah! Arjun. Come my boy come."
"Sir you called me" said Arjun.
Principal said," Oh yes yes. Actually Arjun I want to tell you that there are two new admissions in eleventh standard that is your class. And one of them is going to join tomorrow."
"Oh okay sir", said Arjun.
"You may go back to your class now."
"Ok Sir."
And one more thing Arjun I hope like you extended your hand of friendship and help towards the scholarship students you will do the same for these two as well."
"Ofcourse Sir. I will never disappoint you.", said Arjun.
Saying so, Arjun left the office.
He went back to the class. He had just entered the class when the bell rang indicating the end of the period and the start of lunch break. He quickly collected his things and waited for Sia in the corridor.
"So how was the practice today?" asked Arjun as Sia came hurrying towards him and together they set off towards the canteen.
"Oh it was great. Coach sir is very happy the with my progress. He told me today that we will be learning some new moves and techniques that will help me in the tournament."
Sia jabbered away happily. Arjun just listened to hear. He liked this new and happy Sia much more.
Finally as they sat she asked Arjun ,"By the way why did Principal sir call you?"
"Oh yes. Actually sir called me to tell that there are two new admissions in our class. And one of them is going to join tomorrow", said Arjun.
"New Students!", Amber and Aakash shouted together as they appeared out of nowhere.
"Wow this is so good", cried Sama and Tanya as they took their seats. "You know who they are? Girls or boys or a girl and boy?
"Guys guys stop stop... I don't know much, I just know that one student is going to join tomorrow. Thats it", said Arjun.
The news about two new admissions spread like fire throughout the school. Everywhere people were just talking about these new two students.
The news had also reached the Saloni's ears. She talked to Vishal about it.
She said, "Hey Vish what do you think will there be a hot hunk or again some stupid gawar scholarship student."
Vish said," Whatever Sally. Doesn't matter to me much. We shall see tomorrow."
Vishal said to himself when Saloni was not listening, "I don't care who it is it just should not be other Raghav or other she boxer."
That day retired with excitement of what was going to happen tomorrow. But Sia had not even pondered about it. In fact she had completely forgotten about it. Perhaps she was so exhausted that she had not had any time to give it a thought. However when Sama again brought the topic did she remember about it. She was forced to join the conversation in which she had least interest. They spent their time speculating about how these new students must be. When finally the topic came to an end did Sia think about something. She remembered her first day at Elite. How she was nervous and excited as well. With a pang of pain she remembered her first meeting with Raghav in Elite. All this again brought back all the memories of Raghav. To stop herself from thinking about all these she decided to sleep but sleep was far from reaching her. She sat on the window sill and looked above at the million skies, She searched for the brightest one and started talking to it.
Hi papa. I just wanted to talk to you today. I mean I want to share something with you. You know everything papa but still... Papa few months ago I joined Elite thinking about nothing but just my dream. That dream which you had shown me. Your dream, mom's dream, mine and Gauti's dream to become number one boxer. Little did I know that my life was going to take a drastic turn. In Elite I met Raghav. I used to hate him a lot. He used to irritate me and play pranks on me. He even gave me the name Pushpa. But as I started spending time with him I slowly realised that although he was childish he was a really good person at heart. I started spending time with him. I don't know papa but he always made me feel special. I started liking him. We started enjoying each other's company. You know papa during the boxing tournament he was the support system in my life. He always encouraged me to fight. He even arranged money for my fees. This liking I don't exactly know when but it it turned into love. Yes papa your daughter is in love with Raghav and I can't live without him. And even Raghav loves me. He considers my dreams as his dreams. If something happens to me he feels the pain. He was the one who always brought a smile on my face. But you see dad fate separated us cruelly. Raghav's mother is not well. He had to go papa. Ofcourse he has to be with his mother in this tough time. Please papa bless Raghav so he can stay strong and take care of his mother. Papa, you are so close to God please ask God to make Raghav's mother get well soon. Please papa. I can never forget Raghav. Papa you know I can't share all this with anyone else so I told you all this. And one more thing papa your daughter will never disappoint you. It is my promise to you.
Ok now bye and good night papa.
This was the first time Sia had spoken her thoughts in open, she felt greatly relieved. Finally she went to sleep.
Next day morning Sia was in gym doing her regular warm up exercises when she heard some noise of footsteps.
"Probably sweeper bhaiyya", she thought.
"As she started to punch the punching bag she heard the same set of footsteps but this time as if somewhere nearby. Then she saw a shadow cross the gym door. A bit scared she went towards it and opened the door. Slowly she peered outside but everything was silent and there was no one around. "He must be the sweeper bhaiyya only. I am unnecessarily getting scared. I should start my practice else coach sir will kill me."
Soon coach KV came and their practice went quiet well. Spirits were very high. The State level boxing championship was nearing and every one had great hopes on Sia. After finishing her practice she went to freshen up before the classes commenced. As she came out of the girls loo she heard shouts and scuffle outside the school building. A great number of people had assembled there. Arjun was there trying to bring the order and asking the students to return to their classes but was unable to do so.
Finally Sia managed to squeeze through the crowd and see the cause of the commotion. She saw a bike parked in the middle of the school ground. All the students were asking to whom it belonged. After having a long careful look, Sia recognized the bike.
She realized with a jolt that it was the same bike which belonged to the man who had saved her that night from the goons. That must mean that the man had to be somewhere here only. She looked around but couldn't find anyone. She abandoned her efforts thinking about how rude the man was and why should she go searching for him. But all along she could not understand what work could he have in Elite.
Then she heard someone say," Could this be new student's bike?"
"New student? But he definitely didn't look like a school student. He looked like a college student. But why does it matter to me he was no good. Such a rude person he was, I have never seen anyone like him in my life. Forget it Sia. You should go to class or you will get late" thought Sia.
She hurried towards the class. As soon as she took her seat Arjun came hurriedly and sat beside her.
"Any idea whose bike it is?", asked Sia.
"No but few people are saying that it probably belongs to the new student who is supposed to join today. But honestly hasn't he read any rules or what about bikes being not allowed in the school. If it is true I will have to talk to this new student" said Arjun shaking his head.
Arrival of miss Sen brought an end to this discussion. She started taking the attendance. After finishing she started her class. Today Miss Sen was teaching about Shakespeare and his very famous play Julius Caesar. As class listened with interest they were interrupted by arrival of principal. They all saw that he was followed by a man. The class stood up as they came in.
"Sorry to interrupt you miss Sen. But I want to introduce this new student who has joined our school from today."
New student? Only one word echoed throughout the class. Sia was shocked to see the same man or to say boy from now on. She just couldn't understand how could he be an eleventh standard student. As the boy took his seat principal addressed the rest of the class," I hope you will help and cooperate with this new friend of yours."
With this he left the class. Miss Sen turned back to the class. Okay students time for introduction.
"So can you tell us something about yourself", miss Sen asked him kindly.
"Yes Ma'am. My name is Rihaan Shekhawat. I am basically from Delhi. And I am looking forward to studying in Elite" said Rihaan in a very calm and boyish tone which didn't sound rough at all.
Sia was surprised to see him talk so calmly. It was as though she had never seen his rudeness at all.
"Okay Rihaan. Welcome to Elite School. I am Shona Sen. I teach English Literature. I am Elite's counsellor as well. I am also your class teacher. So in case of any help you can always contact me."
"Thank you ma'am.", he smiled and sat down.
The rest of the class continued. But Sia carefully watched all his actions.
Surprisingly again she found them as normal as a regular school boy. He was fully concentrating in the class.
Finally the bell rang. As miss Sen departed Rihaan was surrounded by all the students. Sia could not see him. As the girls chattered around him he took little interest in them. Clearly his handsome features had won the acceptance from all the girls.
Beside Sia, Arjun was shaking his head and saying, "Gosh he is the first person to get so popular among all the students after Raghav..."
He stopped in mid sentence and looked uncertainly at Sia. It was the first time since their little chat near the gym that Raghav's topic had been brought up.
Sia however had no time to react with the arrival of professor Bhargav. Arjun kept glancing at Sia throughout the class. He knew he should have thought and spoken. But Sia's face was impassive and hard to read.
As the class ended they left the class for lunch break heading towards canteen. Arjun was walking fast to match Sia's pace. After few minutes he said," I am sorry Sia.."
But before he could continue Sia cut him across and said, "Listen Arjun you don't have to say sorry everytime. I understand. By the way I am very hungry. What are you going to order today?"
This sudden change of the topic was very unnerving but thinking it was best not to stretch the discussion they both sat at the table. Soon they were joined by Amber, Aakash, Sama, Tanya and Gurmeet.
Sia meanwhile was thinking about Raghav. About where he must be now and what he must be doing. Whether he was missing Sia or not.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Rihaan in the canteen. He was alone this time He went to a nearby table and sat. Sia thought about how someone could change in a few days. She thought about telling Arjun about knowing this boy but then thought against it as it would take a great deal and time to explain. Also she didn't want to give tension to anyone and think that she was wandering on the lonely roads all alone. As she turned to listen to what all were talking about she saw that Arjun's chair was empty. She looked all around. Gurmeet seeing Sia look everywhere said, "Looking for Arjun? Look he is there."
She saw Arjun moving towards Rihaan's table."
Here Arjun was thinking, "I shouldn't give him an order. Who knows that he might be friendly and understand me without having to tell him off."
He reached Rihaan's table and spoke to him, "Hi Rihaan. I am Arjun. I am head boy of Elite and we are in same class. I just wanted to say that if you have any problem you can always tell me. I can help you."
Sia waited for Rihaan's reply. This was the time to see if he indeed was good natured or not.
"Okay. Anything else?" said Rihaan in a rough tone.
Arjun was taken aback a little due to this rudeness. However he continued in a calm tone.
"Yes there's more. I wanted to ask you if the bike parked outside is yours?"
Rihaan was now looking irritated. He answered back Arjun.
"Yes. It is mine. So what?"
Now Arjun was looking a bit angry. He said, "So the thing is don't you know or haven't you read that students are not allowed to have bikes. You can be punished for that."
"Listen Mr Headboy. I don't care about punishments and you don't have to worry about my punishments I can handle them. So buzz off."
That was enough for Arjun. As he started to argue with him Sia could sense the danger. She knew matters could get worse. She hurried towards Arjun and said to him, "Leave it Arjun. Please come back have your lunch."
Sudden appearance of Sia seemed to have taken Rihaan by surprise. But he said nothing and showed no sign of recognition.
As Arjun and Sia returned back to the table Arjun started saying, "I haven't seen anyone so rude in my entire life. What the hell does he think of himself. Whatever I was telling him was for his own benefit and my duty as a head boy. Let him get the punishment by some teacher that will flatten his head."
"Arjun please calm down. Don't let anyone spoil your mood. I know what you must be feeling right now."
Arjun looked at Sia slightly surprised and asked, " What do you mean Sia?"
Sia looked worried and said, "Nothing I just mean we all saw how rude he was and how you must be feeling that's it."
"Oh okay. You are right Sia I should not let this brat spoil my mood and my day", said Arjun.
The day passed on. It was towards end of the school hours during an off period that while walking across the office area did she see Rihaan standing near students' section. He was arguing with someone. Sia went towards him.
Seeing Sia come towards him he stopped talking abruptly. He smirked at her. Finally he said, "So have you dropped the idea of suicide? I knew it. You people just don't have the guts to face the death or worse- the truth. Anyways what do you want now? I don't have much time. Say it quickly and leave."
Now Sia was boiling with anger. She retorted back, "I hope u know that you are very rude. I just wanted to thank you that day for having saved me from the goons. But thanks to you, you proved it that day itself that you are not worth it. You are rude, arrogant and spoilt. I thought for a moment that you might not be that rude after all. Maybe you were in a hurry that day that's why you spoke to me that way. But I was wrong. Forget me you were so horrible even to Arjun. How can someone be so so... "
"Finished? Have you? Now listen to me. I don't give a damn to what you think about me or what others think about me. You get that miss whatever your name is. So get lost", said Rihaan.
Sia threw him a dirty look and left the place. She thought, "Ughh! I hate this boy. What the hell does he think of himself. God please give him some brains and a heart as well. I was right about him he is a psycho."
The final bell rang indicating the end of school. She was glad that the classes were finally over. As she was leaving the building heading towards hostel she saw Gauti coming towards her. The sight of her dear brother drew everything out of her mind.
"Gauti said, "Hi Sia. I am sorry we couldn't speak to each other properly with your practice and my unit tests going on."
Sia smiled and said, "Gauti from when have become so formal? Is this all because of your dear girlfriend?"
Gauti said, "What yaar?. It's nothing like that. But seriously we should spend some time together. It's been many days since we didn't go to Mamaji's place. Let's go on this Sunday.
Sia apologetically replied back, "Sorry Gauti I can't come. Actually coach sir has kept my practice on Sunday as well. I want to come but I can't.
Gauti became sad but smilingly said, "It's okay. I can understand that you are practicing hard."
Sia said, "I am really sorry Gauti."
Gauti replied back," It's okay Sia. I am sure after all this hard work you will win for sure. And then we will go to Mamaji's place and party a lot."
Saying this Gauti bid her goodbye and left for boys hostel. Sia felt guilty. After standing there for some time she left.
In boys hostel Arjun was fuming with anger as he saw that the second bed was being made ready. He had come to know that Rihaan would be coming to live with him in his room. He was enraged. Rihaan taking Raghav's place was just not acceptable to him. Soon Rihaan entered the room. Without paying slightest attention to Arjun he took his bags and put them down on his bed. He stopped the sweeper kaka and took him aside. Arjun tried to see what he was up to. He gave sweeper the money and said something in his ears. Sweeper looked shocked and refused instantly. But he gave some more money and convinced the sweeper to do what he wanted. Arjun was getting suspicious of what Rihaan might be up to. As he sat in silence. Sweeper appeared at their room's door carrying something which was packed. Rihaan smirked at Arjun as he saw the sweeper hand over the package to Rihaan. He closed the door and saw what was in the package when finally Rihaan opened it. He was shocked to see two bottles of wine in his hand.
"Want some eh? I am sure you must not have ever drunk this before" said Rihaan to Arjun.
You are drinking that too in a school hostel. How can you? Stop it right now otherwise I will have to report you", said Arjun.
But Rihaan just laughed.
Arjun said, "You can't do that. I order you stop right now or I will report you to the principal. Don't forget that I am the head boy of this school."
But Rihaan laughed again and said, "Listen Mr head boy of the school. You are the head boy only in school hours. So go and show off somewhere else not to me. You get that.
Disgusted Arjun got up and left the room. He could not believe that he would ever meet such a boy whom he would hate so much.
He thought of walking around a while to calm down his mind but the more he walked the more anger he felt.
He walked without knowing where he was going. Suddenly he bumped into someone. He saw that it was Sia.
"Oh Hi Sia. What are you doing here?" asked Arjun.
Hi Arjun I come for a walk here every day. But what are you doing here. You look upset", asked Sia.
Arjun replied, "No I am not upset. It's just that I was getting bored so I decided to come for a walk."
"We both know Arjun that you can't lie. Now tell me what's bothering you?", said Sia.
"Rihaan. Rihaan's what bothering me."
Sia was shocked. She said, "Why what has he done now?"
Arjun looked at Sia and wondered whether he should tell about the wine incident or not. But he decided against it.
Then he said, "It's nothing Sia. I am angry because he is my room partner. I mean how can I share my room with him. He is so arrogant and rude."
Sia thought she understood him. It must be very difficult for Arjun to see someone else at Raghav's place. She could not even think about it specially Rihaan. This made her blood boil. But this was not the time.
She comforted Arjun. Arjun calmed down a bit. Rest of the evening passed happily where Arjun and Sia gave a number of names to Rihaan.
Finally realizing that it was getting late they departed for their hostels.
As the two of them went to sleep something was going on in Rihaan's mind about which neither Sia nor Arjun nor the whole world had any idea.
I hope you liked it and please comment and give you suggestions. Will try to post chapter 4 as soon as possible.
Indian Idol 15
