Anita: Rahul! What happened to your shirt?
Rahul forged his arrogant smile. He couldn?t let this ruin his reputation; he had to come up with something fast!
Rahul: Actually- it's a new style. You know (modeling himself, walking up and down the stairs)
Robbie: New style my foot! It looks like someone tore the sleeve right off of you!
Rahul was totally embarrassed "Robbie! C'mon man! Someone tore this off my shirt (begins fake laughing) You?re such a joker!"
Rahul (thinking of a way to change the subject): Yo! Robbie- catch!!
He had thrown a basketball towards Robbie, which caught him off guard! Robbie took fast steps back, trying to catch the ball that had been flying in the air. He wanted to show the ?chicks? how good we was.
Robbie wasn?t watching his step, and Kasturi was busy revising facts for her history exam, both weren?t paying attention.
Robbie (reaching out for the ball): I got it!
He leaped out to catch it-
Kasturi (murmuring): French men, English men- 2 prime groups. Natives, Vikings.
Robbie took a step backwards, while Kasturi took a step forward. Robbie caught the ball, accidentally causing Kasturi to fall to the ground.
Kasturi: Ow! You idiot!
She squeezed her elbow, which pained from rug burn.
Kasturi: Can't you watch where you're going?
Robbie turned around to see which rude fool had been throwing insults at him, and interrupting his game.
Both: YOU!
Robbie: I'm not surprised. Only goofs like you would complain.
Kasturi: Complain? You pushed me!
Robbie: I pushed you? No I didn't! Why don't YOU watch where you?re going?
Kasturi was appalled by Robbie?s behavior. Instead of apologizing, he just went back to playing his little catch game with Rahul.
"Ouch!"
She watched the palms of her hands change from different shades of red. The rug was really old and rough, which made her hand burn every time she pressed onto it to get up.
Robbie: Oh c'mon!
He lent out his hand for support.
Kasturi: I'd rather die then get any help from you.
Robbie: Fine!
He turned around and walked away.
Kasturi: Uh! What a jerk!
-- Upstairs, in history class
Muskaan: But Kassy! You told him not to help you!
Kasturi: I know! But it's just an exaggeration! I didn't mean it!
Muskaan: Oh Kasturi. He's new; it'll take him a while to understand you r"figures of speech." After all, it took me 2 years.
Kasturi took her seat and pulled out her notebooks to do some final studying.
Raunak: Hey!
"Oh. Hey Raunak! How're you?"
Raunak: I'm good. What happened to you? You're arms look all red.
Kasturi: Ugh. Don't even ask.
Raunak: Does it hurt a lot? (Getting worried) I'll get some ice for you!
Kasturi: Raunak- I'm fine. Don't worry about it. So, how did your studying go?
Raunak (not convinced): Good. But it's hard remembering it all.
Raunak and Kasturi's conversation had been interrupted by a loud noise- initially; this sound was to catch the attention of all students and staff members before an announcement, but the speakers had broken down, causing untimely screeching noises throughout the school.
Announcement: Attention all students and staff members. As most of you may know, it's the time of year again where we hold our annual sports day. Starting next week- various types of sports and activities will be held all throughout campus. Students will be divided into 5 teams, and compete for the trophy. The lists have been made! Teachers please send a runner down to the main office to collect these lists.
"Screeching noise."
Muskaan: Psst! Kassy!
Muskaan threw pieces of paper at Kasturi to catch her attention.
Kasturi: WHAT!
Muskaan handed her a note.
"Aren't you excited? I?ve been waiting for this all year!?"
Kasturi wasn't really the sporty type. She wasn't really looking forward to this "big" event; it was just a waste of time and money. Why couldn't they have something more meaningful- like a science fair or something?
Teacher: Kasturi!
Kasturi- startled, dropped the note out of her hands.
Teacher: Why do you look so tensed dear?
Kasturi: No reason...
"Thank god she didn?t see the note!?"
Teacher: Go down to the main office and get the lists please.
She rushed out of her seat, and ran down the stairs.
After getting the papers, she was walking back to class, when she overheard someone talking.
"But mom! I hate it here!?"
Kasturi poked her head from the side of the wall. The person was speaking into a phone, it seemed as if there were a very heated conversation going on. She tried looking to see who it was, but there back was to her.
"No! You don?t understand! IM A F'EN BILLIONARE DAMMIT! HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO STAY HERE!?"
Kasturi quietly walked towards the person.
"MOM! I demand you get me out of here! I can't stand this place- nor the people here! UGH! I'M DONE!"
They slammed down the phone, and threw it on the ground.
Kasturi watched the screen shatter into billions of smaller pieces.
She carefully placed her hand on the person's shoulder.
"Are you okay?"
She felt a strong hand touch hers. Kasturi watched the person turn around, she was shocked to see Robbie.
Kasturi: R-Robbie?
His eyes were bloodshot red. Was he crying? He looked angry- really angry.
Kasturi: Who were you talking to? Why're you so mad? You can tell me, you know?
He gave no answer to her questions. Kasturi wanted to help- she hated seeing someone sad!
"Robbie. I can help, just tell me what's wrong." She tried speaking as calmly as she could.
Robbie: NO! GET LOST!
Kasturi: No! Robbie, you can talk about it. It'll help you feel better!
She watched Robbie shake in anger. Kasturi could tell he wanted her to leave. She decided that would be the best thing to do, so Kasturi tried walking away. But Robbie held tightly onto her hand and pulled her towards him. Her heart skipped a beat, what was he doing? Kasturi gave him a confused stare.
Robbie pushed her against the wall and clutched onto both her arms. He stepped closer towards her, his nose brushed against her cheek.
"Robbie! Let go of me!"
She tried pushing him away, but his grip was too strong. Kasturi stood hopelessly, she felt hot tears stream down her face.
Robbie: YOU KASTURI CHAWLA- mind your own business! I've taken a lot of crap from you, and a lot of crap from everyone else- no more! Who do you think you are interfering in MY life? HUH? (He squeezed her wrist tightly)
Kasturi let out a squeal of pain.
"You're hurting me! LET GO!"
Robbie: And who the hell asked for your help? I don't need anything from you- understand? I HATE YOU AND I HATE THIS DAMN SCHOOL!
He released Kasturi from his grip. Her hands felt numb, and her eyes had swollen up from crying. She couldn't believe what had just happened. Kasturi just wanted to help- why had Robbie reacted this way?
Robbie was driven back to reality. He didn't mean to release his anger on Kasturi, but he couldn't control the rage and frustration building inside of him.
Robbie: Kasturi I- I didn't mean to
Kasturi: Just save it okay! I don't wanna hear any bull from you Mr. Sabarwal! I'm sorry I even tried helping!
Kasturi ran up the stairs, leaving him there alone.
"SHIT!"