Kolkata, 2015
“Hey Sis, your results are going to be out. Aren’t you excited?” said an excited Harlyn.
“Yes. I have prayed before Shri Krishna and kept my fingers crossed. Let’s hope for the best.
Aastha had appeared for the Delhi Judicial Service Exams (Mains) after qualifying the preliminary (first) stage of the exam in the special quota. She left Aim Law Institute after giving the exam and was now awaiting the results of the exam.
She left Delhi, but Delhi couldn’t leave her. The results were out but to the disappointment of the students. Thereafter, the students filed a writ on the decision of the authorities considering the decision as erroneous and that the papers of the mains examination be rechecked. Authorities selected only the influential candidates. The selections were scarce to death. The Aim Law Institute, along with others, reacted sharply to the decision of the authorities. In response to the said decision, Aastha also received a call from the Aim Law Institute.
“Did you clear the exam?”, asked Akash Sharma
“No Sir. My name is not on the list. I am not that influential, I guess”.
“Why do you say so?”
“Sir, they have selected only those students who are wards of the influential persons like judges, etc. This is one reason for filing the writ”.
“Now, what do you plan to do? Are you giving any more exams?”
“Sir, I don’t have any plan. I am thinking of joining an institute here”.
“Okay. Sebastian Sir, was asking about you and your results? He wanted you to take some classes in the Institute. Can you come over?”
“Sir, not after what happened? He has literally thrown me out of the Institute”.
Akash Sir laughed and showed some interest in the matter. He said–”No, he needs students like you. He only asked me to contact you for some work. Are you interested in preparing some test series for the forthcoming exams of Haryana and other states?”
“I would be glad, Sir. Kindly give me as much work as you can. And even more money,” she chuckled.
“Can you take classes on Arbitration and Conciliation Act and Registration Act? I will schedule your classes accordingly and send you the details in no time”.
“Sir, kindly proceed with your schedule. In the meantime, I will begin with the test series of Rajasthan Judicial Service Exam and send you the test papers one by one.
“What will be your charges for the test papers?”
“Sir, you make payment as per the policy of the Institute.
“Okay, then I will pay you rupees 30 per question. Is that fine?”
“Yes Sir. Thank You. And give my regards to Sebastian Sir also”.
‘Give my regards also’, shouted her dad, Kishan Sidhwani.
Turning to her dad, Aastha begins –
‘Dad, what do we do now? The results of Delhi Mains are pending litigation in Delhi High Court. I don’t see a chance of becoming a judge in near future. How do we tackle our police complaint, which is pending action by the police?” She spoke after putting down the receiver of the phone.
“Have patience Kid”, he said. “Just concentrate on the key areas of life where your problems arise and tackle them one by one,” smiled Kishan.
“There are many, Dad, she laughed
“Financial problem is our family problem and a recurrent feature now. So, till something happens on other fronts, why don’t I join another institute here for a job?”
“That is a good idea,” he said. “Approach TIME Institute. It is the best, and most reputed, coaching institute in the country with centres across India. I have heard a lot about them and even read their advertisement in the newspapers. Here look”.
“Thanks dad. I will send my resume and approach them soon”.
Next morning, Aastha hurries towards the door, when she dashes against the wall separating the kitchen from the rest of the flat.
“Hey, you could get bruised. Are you okay? Where to, girl?” asked Rita.
“Mom, I am in a hurry. I am going for an interview at TIME Institute”.
“Here, have something before you go”.
“Mom, I feel sleepy and heavy after eating your food these days. I will eat my food after coming back from the Institute”.
Saying so, Aastha leaves for the meeting with the head of the department of Kolkata branch office of TIME. He gives an orientation to her and discusses about certain important topics of logical reasoning.
Finally, she is selected as a faculty member at the Institute.
Aastha teaches logical reasoning to aspirants appearing for bank and other related exams of the Country. On an average, she used to take up 11-14 classes per week of over 2 hours of teaching every class. In no time, they gave her an additional responsibility. They once asked –
“Mam, Can you teach some law subjects to the students appearing for law entrance exams like CLAT etc.?
“Yes, ” she replied gleefully.
Also, she prepared different test series for exams conducted by different states like Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, MP, Uttarakhand and UP for Aim Law Institute, for which she slogged for hours and hours, especially over the week. The weekends used to be spent more in TIME Institute than at home.
“Why do you take so much burden of finances on your petty shoulders? remarked Rita. “We will manage everything together. You need not worry”. Saying so, she began serving food to my dad and sister.
“I will have to contribute,” thought Aastha. Before she would leave the room, Rita began – “We need to pay our electricity bills. We need some more finances”. Looking at Aastha, she adds – “Why don’t we pledge some gold with the jewellers? That might solve some of our problems temporarily.
Tomorrow, let us go and take a loan, Kishan”
“No need to take a loan, cried Aastha. “I will take up additional work from Aim Law Institute and earn some extra bit. That will pay off our bills. They are very helpful”.
Next day, Aastha receives another notification on social platform regarding the next Delhi Judicial Service Preliminary Exam. She immediately leaves for Delhi. Harlyn, who has to stay in Delhi to complete her education, accompanies her. They leave in a joyous mood for they will meet their friends and most importantly, their mentor and father figure in Delhi, Sebastian Sir. In the meantime, Akash Sir arranges some lectures for Aastha at the Aim Law Institute branches at Delhi.
“Stop chewing my head, Harlyn. Let me fill up this form. I need to finish it before noon,” angered Aastha.
“Di, should I help you with the form?”
“No, just complete your work. We will leave for Mukherjee Nagar in an hour”.
“I have to submit my form at a bookshop, visit Aim Law Institute for some work and then call up Parth”.
“Oh… Parth… your love interest… just be careful about your heart Sis.. It is precious to all of us also,” laughed Harlyn.
“Yeah right, as if you care. Anyways, you attend college after meeting up with Sebastian Sir. He wanted to meet up with you”.
“I will meet him sometime later. I just wanted some time with you. I will come with you to Mukherjee Nagar only to spend some time with you and take my salary, which is pending payment by the Institute”.
“Okay. Now let us proceed”. Saying so, they leave for Mukherjee Nagar. Revisiting the old lanes of Mukherjee Nagar, Aastha feels overwhelmed with strong emotions. She submits the form only to find many other students doing the same. They shared the same concerns about the exam that every one of us did. All were worried about the conduct of the exams by the authorities and the resultant delay in the final results.
The Aim Law Institute greets the Sidhwani sisters with jubilation as they meet them after a long time.
“How are both of doing?” exclaimed Akash Sir.
“Sir.. I need my..” said Harlyn
Before Harlyn could speak further, Aastha interrupted her and replied-
“Sir, we are doing fine? Any work that we could do for you?”
He laughed and said, “Harlyn, your salary will be given to you. Care to have some tea before that?”
“Are, Chotu, he shouted. Please bring some tea for the madam? Saying so, Akash Sir handed over a piece of paper to Aastha. Here Aastha, this is your schedule for the classes at our institute. Is this fine with you? Will you be able to cover the whole syllabus?
“Yes, Sir. I will do the needful”.
“I will take classes from tomorrow. Now shall I take your leave?”
“Won’t you have tea with us?”, he was courteous.
“Sir, I will go down and have the famous “Chandu’s Chai” and speak to him as well. There are many known faces over there who must be having some more news about the pending litigation of Delhi Mains”.
“You look worried, Aastha. Everything will be fine. Give this another attempt. Am sure you will clear. This Institute has faith in students like you. Hope you have filled the form.
“Yes Sir. I have just submitted the form. Now I shall take your leave”.
“Come Harlyn, let us leave, shouted Aastha. Both the sisters leave for their respective domain.
Months passed struggling in Delhi, but Aastha didn’t spend a day without missing Parth. Her struggle took most of her time. Her earnings were sufficient for both the sisters.
“Should I call him now? He must be very busy at this time of the hour”. Aastha thought about calling Parth and asking him out for lunch or dinner.
“Hello, Is this Parth? Aastha asked nervously.
“Yes. I am Parth speaking. May I know who is this?”
“Oh. I am Aastha. Remember, we had met at the Learner Coaching Institute. We were working on a project together.
“Oh yes. I remember. And how are you doing, Aastha?”
“I am fine. How are you doing? asked Aastha. As she spoke, she felt a tingling experience throughout her body.
“Hello… Are you there on the line? He continued after a pause of silence.
“Yes. I am there”.
“So, tell me Aastha, where are you these days?” he spoke suddenly.
“Sir, I am in Delhi”.
“That’s good”.
“Sir, Can I make a request to you?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“Sir, can we meet over lunch or dinner?”
“Aastha, I am keeping very busy these days. Hence, lunch will not be possible. We can have dinner together. Message me the time and venue and I will be there”.
“Sir, can we meet tomorrow at 7pm at QD’s, the restaurant that has recently been inaugurated on the main road at GTB Nagar”.
“Okay. Sure. I will come”. Saying so, he cut the call leaving a smile on Aastha’s face.
In the evening, preparations were on a full swing for the most special meeting she would have with Parth. She adorned herself with nice dangles, a bracelet and wore a light makeup. She wore a nice red-coloured bandhani printed Kurta atop a light pink coloured pyjama.
“Here, put this lip balm, Sis. This will enhance your beauty” spoke Harlyn
“Come on, Harlyn”. Aastha blushed and her blushes added a natural glow to her face.
“What Sis? You cannot hide your excitement from me. I can hear your heartbeats even from at a distance, ” she laughed.
“Okay. Tell me. How am I looking? Are the dangles matching my dress? Or should I change my jewellery? Please Tell me. What should I do to look better?”
“Nothing Sis. You are looking absolutely fabulous. A serene beauty. Now please care to take rest of the compliments from your love interest”.
“Hmm.. Are you sure you won’t come with me? I mean you can join us in our meeting”.
“No. Sis. You are meeting him after a long time. Go ahead and have a nice time with him. I will wait for you at the PG (Home)”.
QD’s at 7:05 pm – Aastha reached the restaurant ten minutes ago. She was all ready and waiting for him.
After fifteen minutes, she finds a motorbike Honda CB Shine closing in on to her. It was Parth. She was feeling thrilled and a sense of numbness followed her all over her body.
“Hi”, said Parth, looking directly into her eyes.
“Hello”, replied Aastha. She looked mesmerized.
Both looked at each other for sometime. He interrupted and began –
“You are looking very different”
“Thank you, Sir”
“Come, let us go inside,” he said. “So, what will you have for dinner?”
“Sir, whatever you wish to order?” replied Aastha
“I have heard you get good Chinese food here. What else would you like to have?”
She gave a bashful smile and said, “Sir, I would go with a lemonade”
He ordered for some Chilli chicken, Momos and Lemonade.
Till the time dinner was served, they shared some thoughts on their project work. She apologized for leaving the project midway.
“It is ok, Aastha. It happens with everyone. This is life, ” Parth added.
“Here, try this dish, momos. It is pure vegetarian. Saying so, he served the food to her when his hands touched hers. She felt electrified. As if time stopped for her and she did not want this time to pass. However, it was late over 9 pm and they had to leave for their respective places. Before leaving she gave him a gift, a small idol of Lord Ganesha, that would bring good luck to him. They parted their ways after this meeting. However, she was left wanting for an answer – Does he want my friendship?
During her stay in Delhi, she would want only a glimpse of Parth while at others, she would yearn for his companionship or even friendship. All of it had to end that soon. She didn’t know. Times changed soon.