This part is not scary. Thank you for you comments!!!! I really didn't think it would be that great. I am improving. I guess taking online English classes is a good thing. This part is in Zoya's point of view. I was going to post this at night. But, I couldn't wait!!!!! Hopefully you like it.
Chapter 2: Zoya
It's Tuesday morning, before the first period. I am sitting in the guidance office. Waiting for Mr. Patel to open and door and let me in. I know that he knows why I am here. I also know why he isn't here yet.
"He should be here in a few minutes," the guidance lady tells me.
I nod and let out a deep breath, digging my fingernails into the fabric of my wallet.
"Are you okay, Zoya?" the secretary asks me. "You look a little red."
"I am fine," I say, not surprised at how I look like, especially since I know that I am going to be sick.
"Maybe you need a peppermint." Pointing towards a box beside her desk.
"No thank you," I say, trying a put on a polite smile. I wonder if she is giving me those because she is pity. I think she heard about what happened too.
"Mr. Patel is usually really busy at this time of the year," she says. She stuffs a chocolate cupcake in her mouth. I wonder if she knows that she is supposed to have a healthy breakfast. I think I should explain to her the importance of having a good breakfast.
I was about to say something, but then Mr. Patel finally opens the door. "Zoya!" he announces, as though he is actually surprised. "Come in, I was on the phone." He opens the door wide. He takes the seat behind his desk and gestures me to sit in the seat across from him. I do, noticing how my lips tense before I can even say something. "I'm sure you have heard," I say.
He nods, and says, "I'm sorry."
I want to start crying, and tell him to fix this somehow. But, I know I can't. This is all supposed to be a grand mistake. I want him to fix all of this. I want to show him the rejection letter, I want him to make a few calls and then say, and "This was all a mistake; you are accepted."
"You never know what is going to happen. It is a dog eat dog world out there. It is beyond competitive. I am so glad that I am not applying to colleges these days."
"No." I balk. "You told me. We have talked about this before."
"I'm sorry," he repeats. "Life is not fair."
"No," I repeat, shaking my head. My mind does not want to hear this. I can feel my face turning red, and hot. The tears are on their way. "I kept on doing what you told me to do. Why didn't you?"
"Hold on," he says, raising his hand up.
"You told me that you knew someone who works at the admission board at Harvard. You told me that if I got straight A's, and became this year's valedictorian, there is no way they can say no."
Patel lets out a deep sigh. "Maybe I shouldn't have told you all that. I seriously thought you would go in. This was a huge surprise for me too."
"Did you call your friend on the admission board?"
"Of course I did. I tried my best."
I was trembling now. I look in the mirror. My eyes are red, and puffy. My cheeks look red. "I worked so hard," I whisper. Afraid that I say it louder, I won't be able to control myself.
"Join an elective, or a club. How about debate, or sports?"
"Debate scares me'. and sports and I are like oil and water. You should see me in the hockey field, not a pretty sight." Last year in gym class, I kept raising my stick too high. It always hit people in the head.
"What do you like to do?" He lets out a sigh. He was starting to run out of ideas.
"Studying'. You know biology, math, physics, English'"
"How about art?" he asks.
"Does doodling in a notebook count?"
He shakes his head. "I am serious, Zoya. Think of something collaborating. They want to see you work with other peers, working together."
"But, that stuff is too hard for me," I say, getting all teary again. "I am not the social type."
"You don't have to be the social type. You just have to participate. You have to show your school spirit." He punches the air for emphasis.
"What about the stage?"
"Drama?"
I nod. " I could help them paint the sets, or build it."
Mr. Patel leans back into his chair. Unconvinced.
"I am not sure they need anyone right now, especially when their yearly play just ended. But, maybe Mrs. Duncan will have some ideas."
I nod. I know I am acting like a spoilt brat. I hate this side of me. "I'm sorry," I say, trying to smile. "I am not like this."
"Don't apologize, Zoya. Just remember that there is always a way out."
"I don't know. I mean, I always dreamt about going to Harvard. I had it all planned out. Abbu has been saving money since I was born. Ammi helped me paint my room the colors of the Harvard teams."
"So your parents want this?"
I nod.
"Well, that's pressure."
"It's my life. This college is my dream. It is my way to go to medical.
He studies me for a moment. "Okay," he finally says. "Get involved in something, then maybe a can make a phone call, and see if we can get you off that waiting list."
"Really?"
He nods.
"That would be amazing!"
"But no promises. Okay?"
"No promises," I say. I can feel a whole weight bar float off my shoulders. I go out of the room. Give a smile to the lady, and pick up a peppermint. I eat it in front of her, surprised at how good it tastes.
If you want a pm when I continue, you have to send me a buddy request. Please comment if you like it. 😊
The next part will be on Asad again. This time it will be on his family.
😃
Edited by Nandini0910 - 12 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Members Lounge
Cricket
47