Why did Vicks stop the car? What was his plan? What is gonna happen with Prathi, Nithi, and Subhu being in the same class...? What happens after the barren conversation with Nithi on his friend request? It was ultimately a “not now”. But there is always a “Then When?”
Coke is bottled under pressure to ensure that the proper levels of carbonation. This is what gives the drink its fizz and lively taste when we open it. Vicks spoke what I felt yesterday in bus. And I was feeling like I’m enjoying the fizz already. I was not the only one who was jammed by the yearning eyes of the kid.
Vicks: Let’s talk to the kid’s parents if he could act in our documentary and we shall reward him with his school fees for this year. Will you help me Subhu?
I took his fist, “Vicks I don’t think your heart is this much big, I guess it’s bigger than that”
He smiled as we were walking towards the kid but this time saw him getting beaten up by a guy from a mechanic shed. We ran towards him to stop the harassment. The kid ran towards me when Vicks hindered the guy firmly without any personal attack asking him to leave the kid alone. By then there was a crowd to support us.
What we started noticing though, after the chaos, was that we could understand what people were saying. Of course, there were many conversations reaching our ears and it was hard to concentrate on just one, so I would hear “phrases” that meant something to us. “His parents passed away recently and the guy from the shop was one of his distant relative employing him in his shop with only food. The kid stopped going to school under forceful demands from that guy”.
Vicks: Wiping the single tear that rolled down the kid’s eyes, “What is your name kiddo?”
“Karthi”, Anna. The word Anna was feeble and he swallowed the word in his throat without completing it.
Vicks: Would you like to come along with us and stay Karthi, only if you wish!
I dint expect him asking that and the reply Karthi gave was more than unexpected
Karthi: Can I bring Subhu along with me Anna, please?
Vicks: Yes of course, Karthi.
We were looking at each other wondering what he is up to! Does he have a brother or a sister? He ran a bit far and brought a little puppy in his hand. Vicks laughed looking at me.
Karthi: Subhu stays with me Anna. If I go with you who will take care of him. Please Anna, we both will be good and obedient he said lifting Subhu’s hand
Vicks: So this is your Subhu? He looks so cute just like ours, meet our Subhu, he winked.
Vicks: Okay Subhu, you take the car and go to college. I’ll take leave today. I’ll take Karthi home and do all the formalities to make him one in our family.
I knew he would be able to complete the formalities in ease, as uncle held a dignitary post in the police department (so that’s answer for his heroic deed earlier: his gene) But I failed in my effort to convince him to join. So I said, “Bye Karthi, Take care of him Vicks. And Subhu too”, I winked as I took the car.
By the time I reached college I missed the few hours, so I walked directly to the library until the next hour starts. The second row next to the window was empty. I went and occupied it as I smiled back a hello to the librarian. Since it was a new place and with what happened this morning I couldn’t concentrate there. So I was just looking aimlessly and suddenly I saw him, “Nithi”. He was sitting in the fourth row, facing me. He was resting his head on the chair and was closing his eyes. I wondered how someone could just come to library to sleep. Then I thought to myself, my previous impression on him was perfectly correct. Then I started reading. In a short interval, I again started to look at others. This time his eye and mine met. I still remember that moment. I realized that I’m staring at that guy without any reason, and he had the same reaction, because he was staring at me too. Then he waved a ‘hi’ to me. And I, the one with nil brain, looked back to check if he was actually signaling me. I still wonder he would have considered me stupid that day? Then I waved him back.
I dint but notice the time for my next class. And I had few minutes left. So I got up and packed my bag in haste with few books I found that I would need for the week. I had to cross him when exiting. So had multiple thoughts on what to talk and reply. What to say if he asks me again. When I reached near him, all of a sudden “Ouch, Thud“,I slipped and fell to the floor and immediately turned to look around if anyone was looking. There was none. Thank god, But Nithi!!!!
“What happened” I asked Nithi, as he gave me his hand (again!)
Nithi: You fell down
“I know, but how?”
Nithi: You would have fainted.
I thought for a while, “No, I tripped by a leg”
Nithi: How can your leg slip you?
“Not mine yours”
Nithi: I’m here you’re there, how’ll my leg slip you?
“It will”
Nithi: But how
“I’ll demonstrate. Now you are Subhu, Go back and come again. No need to go far. Walk starting from those books on the floor and come”, as I took his seat
He did as I told. The librarian was having fun seeing our childish feud
I tried stretching my legs far to make him fall, until I fell down from the chair again.
A minute of frozen silence… I extended my hand for help keeping my heads down.
He helped me, took the books, gave it to me and advised, “Don’t worry that you fell down Subhu, practice daily on how to walk. You’ll eventually learn to walk properly on your own” as if he was teaching a kid
I nodded and walked back taking my books in hand in order to avoid any more chaos or shame.
To be continued….
Oh ho Poor Subhu…. Will Love peep in this clash of clans or are they going to be enemies for life? What happens to Karthi and Vicks? For that you’ll have to wait for the next blog…See you for now…
