Chapter 7
Helpless turmoil and a self battle has been constant part of Nandini ' s being since the day she became cognizant of the difference of her father's vision for her life from the life she envisioned for herself.The knowledge brought an array of conflicting emotions, rebellious, self pity, self directed anger, restlessness and many more which became part of her innate system of emotions and feeling, still she managed to keep them buried inside.Never ever she let anyone experience her inner storm.Now when she is juggling between her father envisaged and self dreamt life, the storm is taking form of a cyclone.
It has been over a month, Nandini came to Mumbai.In this one month her heart seems to completely take over her mind.While she has been dedicated pursuing her passion, she struggled with her studies really hard.Her books, which once used to enjoy her entire attention are probably envious of her human friends.Nandini earned true friends for life in the form of Cabir, Mukti and Manik to top the list.She had friends in Ajmer also but not as close as her Mumbai friends.They made Nandini drop her inhibitions albeit step by step.She hasn't been able to share her inner turmoil with them but they always make her feel good.Thinking about all the good things after a good coversation with her parents, Nandini got ready for the college. She left for college with Poorva after grabbing breakfast.With seniors going easy with freshers, college life has become a bit smooth for them not completely smooth as academic pressure has started growing rather exponentially. Tons of assignments and assessments were just increment in the headache.
" God!!It has only been one month. How are we going to survive another five years of this torture? " Abhimanyu one of Nandini ' s friends of college started conversation at canteen after anatomy class.
" Don't worry, we'll get adapted to it very soon. " Nandini made a morale booster effort seeing everyone distressed around although she wasn't feeling anything different.
" Oh Nandini you are such a fighter managing between music classes and studies, and still being so sane. Keep it up sweetie. " Added Priya, another of their group admiring her spirit.
" Dear fighterrr Nandini, please fight for our freedom and salvate us from these assignments and useless exams! " Rahul said playfully making everyone laugh.After some more chitter chatter, everyone left for next lecture.
After a usual tiring day at college, Nandini took a shower, had lunch and left for Space. Increased college hours leave no time for rest.She hadn't even crossed the road when she saw Mukti already there to pick her up. Mukti has been picking her up for past few days regularly not caring about Nandini ' s pleas of not bothering for her and Nandini eventually gave up convincing her.
They made it to the class at exact time. Nandini had never been late to her classes after the first day.Nandini's eyes travelled to third row at left, reflexively before her feet started moving to her seat, of course corner seat at third left row next to Manik. She took her seat next to him leaving Mukti to go to her seat.A warm exchange of smiles took place between Manik and Nandini before they stood to greet their teacher.Mr Mohan Acharya taught them Indian classical music.After enjoying the class with dreamy glances and cute, shy smiles they stood up to leave for next class.Nandini got out of the seat followed by Manik. He barely put a step forward when a sound came. * THUD *
Manik fell flat down with Nandini beneath him.He used the few seconds he got before reaching the ground to cover Nandini as much as possible to lower the momentum of her body least she gets hurt.Both were on the ground after few seconds, Nandini beneath Manik with her eyes closed, forehead creased and lips chanting prayers to Lord Krishna.Manik couldn't move her eyes of her.It looked like he was counting every crease on her adorable face.This was a sight to behold inviting many ' awes ', ' uhuuus ' and hoots from some of their fellows who were yet to make an exit.Nandini soon opened her eyes and was bewildered seeing Manik upon her wrapping his arms around her.They were too close for her comfort.She tried to move out of his hold.Sensing her movements Manik immediately let go and got up. " Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? " He shot questions with utmost concern not giving a damn to the dramatic voices in the background.
" I am fine Manik.I am not hurt at all.I guess you are fine as well. " Said Nandini Composing herself from the awkward moment.Manik nodded and stood up giving his hand to Nandini. She held his hand and got up biting her lips to hide her shyness.
" Oh my god!!!! I am so sorry Nandini.You're not hurt anywhere, are you? " Mukti hugged her and spoke concerned.
" Yeah I am fine Mukti. Relax and why are you saying sorry? Oh!! Do. Not. Tell.me.you were behind this fall.You pulled another prank on me you stupid crazy girl. " Nandini's expressions resembled an electric iron, going red hot in few seconds.
"Yes I pulled a prank but it was for Manik not for you sweetheart.I wanted to make Manik trip.I never wanted you to fall.I am so sorry my Fragaria ananassa. " Mukti said with a puppy face.
" Excuse me " Manik said shocked.He was well aware of Mukti's craziness but he never imagined one day she will make him her prey.
" You see I never got a chance to play prank on you.So I did it and it wasn't anything dangerous that you are ready to eat me up. " Mukti replied.
" It was bloody dangerous.I could have broken my bones or injured my genius brain.And Nandini too fell, what if she got hurt? " Manik said, anger clearlyreflecting in his tone.Mukti felt bad hearing him.She didn't want it to go this way.
"Guys relax.Nothing serious happened, right? So let it go.Mukti is feeling bad.I'm sure she'll be careful next time, right Mukti " Nandini intervened sensing Manik ' s anger.Mukti nodded and apologised to Manik. He smiled letting the matter go.
" We are getting late for instrumental music class.Common let's go.Nandini said realizing the time.All three of them rushed to their class and entered class before teacher.
After attending one more class, all three friends left the space.Manik dropped Nandini to her hostel as had become their routine these days.
Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in a frictionless vacuum of a non existent abstract world can change and movement take place without that abrasive friction of conflict.
Saul Alinsky
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