REVOLUTION 2020

Chetan Bhagat is the author of four bestselling novels Five Point Someone (2004),
One Night @ the Call Center (2005), The 3 Mistakes of My Life (2008) and 2 States:
The Story of My Marriage (2009).
Chetans books have remained bestsellers since their release, and have been
adapted into major Bollywood films. The New York Times called him the the biggest
selling English language novelist in Indias history. Time magazine named him as one
amongst the 100 Most Influential People in the world and Fast Company, USA, listed
him as one of the worlds 100 most creative people in business.
Chetan writes for leading English and Hindi newspapers, focusing on youth and
national development issues. He is also a motivational speaker.
Chetan quit his international investment banking career in 2009, to devote his
entire time to writing and make change happen in the country. He lives in Mumbai with
his wife Anusha, an ex-classmate from IIM-A, and his twin sons Shyam and Ishaan.

To know more about Chetan visit www.chetanbhagat.com or email him at

[email protected].
----------------------------... I Love you Rachu ...
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Praise for previous work

Many writers are successful at expressing whats in their hearts or articulating a
particular point of view. Chetan Bhagats books do both and more.
A R Rahman, in TIME magazine, on Chetans inclusion in the Time 100 Most
Influential People in the world
The voice of Indias rising entrepreneurial class.
Fast Company Magazine, on Chetans inclusion in the 100 Most Creative
People in business globally
Indias paperback king.
The Guardian
The biggest-selling English-language novelist in Indias history.
The New York Times
A rockstar of Indian publishing.
The Times of India
Bhagat has touched a nerve with young Indian readers and acquired almost cult status.
International Herald Tribune

Text copyright 2015 Chetan Bhagat

Originally published by Rupa Publications
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the
publisher.
Published by Amazon Publishing, Seattle

www.apub.com Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Amazon Publishing are trademarks of
Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.
eISBN-13: 9781503987852 Cover Designer: Rachita Rakyan
----------------------------... I Love you Rachu ...
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To my mother
To Varanasi
To the holy river
To the Indian student

Contents
Thanks to:
Prologue
1
2
Seven Years Later
3
4
5
Kota
6
7
8
9
10
11
Varanasi
12
13
14
15
16
17
Varanasi Three More Years Later
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Epilogue

Thanks to:
My readers, for their love and support.
God, who looks after me.
Shinie Antony, who remains the first reader and editor of my books.
Anubha Bang, for her suggestions at all stages in the writing of this book. Nutan
Bendre, Niharika Khanna, Michelle Pereira, Prateek Dhawan, Zitin Dhawan and Anurag
Anand, for their great comments on the manuscript.
Saurabh Rungta and Kishore Sharma, for their help in research.
The amazing, amazing people of Varanasi.
All the people I met during my travels and talks, who helped me understand my
country better.
My mother Rekha, wife Anusha, brother Ketan, for being in my life. My sons
Ishaan and Shyam, who tell me, Its OK, Daddy, during my lows.
My extended family on Twitter and Facebook.
Rupa and Company, for publishing me.
The filmmakers who chose to make my stories into films.
And once again, you, dear reader, for wanting a revolution.

Prologue

And I hope not just you but our whole country will keep that spark alive. There is
something cool about saying I come from the land of a billion sparks. Thank you, I
said, ending my motivational speech at Tilak Hall, Varanasi.
The claps and whistles were my cue to leave. Security volunteers formed a
human barricade and soon I managed a neat exit from the hall.
Thank you so much, sir, someone said right behind me.
I turned around to face my host. Mr Mishra, I said, I was looking for you.
Please call me Gopal, he said. The car is over there.
I walked out with the young director of GangaTech College, Gopal Mishra. His
black Mercedes whisked us away from the crowded Vidyapath Road.
So you saw the temples and the ghats? Gopal asked. Thats all Varanasi has,
anyway.
Yeah, I went to the Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat at five in the
morning. I love this city, I said.
Oh, good. What did you like best about Varanasi?
Aarti, I said.
What? Gopal looked surprised.
The morning aarti at the ghats. I saw it for the first time, all those diyas
floating at dawn. It was out of this world.
Gopal frowned.
What? I said. Isnt Varanasis aarti beautiful?
Yeah. Yeah, it is it is not that, he said, but did not elaborate.
Will you drop me at Ramada Hotel? I said.
Your flight is only tomorrow morning, Gopal said. Why don't you come home
for dinner?
Dont be formal I began.
You have to come home. We must have a drink together. I have the finest whisky
in the world, he said.
I smiled as I shook my head. Thanks, Gopal, but I dont drink much.
Chetan sir, one drink? I can tell people I had a drink with the Chetan
Bhagat.
I laughed. Thats nothing to brag about. Still, say it if you want. You dont
actually have to drink with me.
Not like that, sir. I actually want to have a drink with you.

I saw his intense eyes. He had sent me twenty invites in the last six months, until
I finally agreed to come. I knew he could persist.
Okay, one drink! I said, hoping I wouldnt regret this later.
Excellent, Gopal said.
We drove ten kilometres outside the city on the Lucknow Highway to reach
GangaTech. The guards saluted as the campus gates opened. The car came to a halt at
a gray bungalow. It had a stone exterior that matched the main college and hostel
buildings.
We sat in the living room on the ground floor. It opened out to a badminton
court-sized lawn.
Nice house, I said as I sat on a cushy brown velvet sofa. I noticed the extrahigh ceiling.
Thanks. I designed it myself. The contractor built it, but I supervised
everything, Gopal said. He proceeded to the bar counter at the other end of the room.
Its the bungalow of an engineering college director. You and your friends raided one,
right?
How do you know? I said.
Everyone knows. Weve read the book. Seen the movie.
We laughed. He handed me a crystal glass filled with a generous amount of
whisky.
Thank you.
Single malt, twelve years old, he said.
Its the directors bungalow, but you dont have a daughter, I said. You arent
even married. The youngest director Ive ever seen.
He smiled.
How old are you? I was curious.
Twenty-six, Gopal said, a hint of pride in his voice. Not just the youngest, but
also the most uneducated director youve met.
Uneducated?
I never went to college.
What? I said as I twirled the ice-cubes in my glass and wondered how potent
this drink was.
Well, I did do a joke of a correspondence degree.
Wow! I said. It isnt a joke to open such a big college.
Sixteen hundred students now, Chetan-ji, across all batches. Each paying one
lakh a year. We already have a sixteen-crore turnover. And you inaugurated the MBA
coaching today. Thats another new business.
I took a sip. The smooth whisky burnt my throat. Do you have beer? Or wine? I
coughed.
Gopals face fell. Not only had I ignored his impressive business statistics, I had
also rejected his whisky.
Not good? Gopal asked. Its Glenfiddich, four thousand a bottle. Should I
open Blue Label? Thats ten thousand a bottle.
It is not a price issue, I wanted to tell him but didnt. I dont drink whisky. Too

strong for me, I said instead.

Gopal laughed. Live life. Start having fine whisky. You will develop a taste.
I attempted another sip and winced. He smiled and poured more water in my
drink to dilute it. It ruined the scotch, but saved my sanity.
Life is to be enjoyed. Look at me, I will make four crores this year. What is the
point if I dont enjoy it?
In most parts of the world, speaking about your income is taboo. In India, you
share the figures like your zodiac sign, especially if you have lots.
He seemed to have put the question more to himself than to me. His dark eyes
continued to bore into me. They demanded attention. The rest of him wheatish
complexion, modest five-feet-seven-inch height, side-parted hair was reassuringly
normal.
Yeah, of course. One should enjoy I said as he cut me.
Next year I will make five crores.
I realised he would keep forecasting his salary until I demonstrated suitable
awe.
Five crores! I said, my voice loud and fake.
Gopal grinned. Baby, eat this, for I have made it, is probably the T-shirt
slogan he would choose.
Thats incredible, I murmured, wondering how I could switch the topic. I
noticed stairs winding up. Whats upstairs? I said.
Bedrooms and a terrace. Come, I will show you.
We climbed up the steps and walked past a room with a luxurious king-sized
bed.
I took in the panoramic view from the terrace.
This was a wasteland, all of it. My grandfathers old agricultural land, Gopal
said.
Ten acres? I made a guess.
Fifteen. We had fifteen acres more, Gopal said, but we sold it to fund the
construction.
He pointed to a small array of lights towards the eastern wall of the floodlit
campus. Right there, see. There is a mall coming up.
Every Indian city is building malls now, I said.
India shining, Chetan-ji, he said and clinked his glass with mine.
Gopal drank more than four times my pace. I hadnt finished my first when he
poured his fifth. You big-city types. Drinking for style, he teased when I refused a
refill.
I dont drink much. Really, I said. I checked the time; 10:00 p.m.
At what time do you eat dinner? he asked.
Up to you, I said, though I wished hed decide to eat right away.
What is the big hurry? Two men, one educated, one uneducated. Having a good
time, Gopal said and raised his glass in the air.
I nodded out of courtesy. My stomach rumbled for food. We came downstairs to
sit down in the living room again.

Did you really go to the professors daughters house? Gopal asked.

I smiled. Love makes us do stupid things.
Gopal laughed out loud. He gulped his drink bottoms-up, then grabbed the halfempty bottle to make his sixth tipple.
Love? Forget stupid things. Love fucks you, Gopal said.
Thats harsh, I said. Is that why there is no Mrs Director yet?
Gopals hand trembled as he continued to pour his drink. I wondered if I should
stop him from drinking more.
Mrs Director! Gopal smirked. He gripped the whisky bottle tight.
Easy, Gopal, you are drinking too fast. Its dangerous.
Gopal plonked the bottle on the coffee table. Why dangerous? Who is going to
fucking cry for me? If I live, I want to enjoy. If I die, who cares?
Your parents?
Gopal shook his head.
Friends?
Successful people dont have friends, Gopal averred. Its true, no?
His lavish house felt cold and isolated. I took the whisky bottle and placed it
back in the bar.
Pessimist, eh? I said. Surprising, given you are doing so well.
What well, Chetan-ji? Gopal said, now completely drunk and, presumably,
completely honest.
He pointed to the huge TV, stereo system and the silk carpet under our feet in
quick succession.
What does all this mean? Ive lived with nothing
Our conversation had become serious. I patted his back to cheer him up. So
you read about my girlfriend in the book. How about you? You ever had one?
Gopal didnt respond, but looked distraught. He placed his glass on the coffee
table.
Touchy topic, I figured too late.
He retched.
Are you okay? I said.
He ran to the restroom. I heard him throw up. I browsed the display shelves to
pass time. I saw framed news stories about GangaTech, trophies, pictures of Gopal
with guests who had visited the college. I wondered if my picture would also be there
soon.
When he hadnt returned in twenty minutes I called for the maid. She took me to
the bathroom. I knocked at the door. No answer. I banged my fists on the door.
Nothing.
Looks like we will have to break the door, the maid said.
I wondered how I, who had come as a chief guest for a college orientation
programme, became involved with forcing open random toilets in Varanasi.

The rustle of sheets on the hospital bed woke me from my nap. The bedside clock
showed 3:00 a.m. I had brought a passed-out Gopal to the Heritage Hospital, in the
Lanka area of Varanasi.
Gopal sat up on the bed now, massaging his temples.
His hangover reminded me of my college days. However, here the director had
binged on alcohol, not a student.
You were here all night? He looked surprised.
I could not let my host die on me, I said.
I am sorry. I had a bit too much. Gopal gave a sheepish grin.
Are you alright?
Yeah, I am good.
Not right now. Are you okay generally?
He turned his head to stare at the opposite wall.
Hows life, Gopal? I asked softly.
He didnt answer.
I stood up after a minute. I should leave, catch some sleep before my flight. I
walked to the door.
Do you think I am a good person, Chetan-ji? he said.
I turned around.
Am I? he asked again.
I shrugged my shoulders. I dont know you, Gopal. You organised the talk well.
Treated me good. You seem fine, I said.
You think so?
Youve achieved a lot. Take it easy. Even expensive whiskies can be harmful.
He smiled and gave a brief nod. I will drink less, he said. Anything else?
You are young. Dont give up on love yet, I said, checking my watch. I really
should go. It is almost time for the morning aarti.
Thats her name, he said.
I didnt want to stay any longer, but I was hooked. What name? Whose name? I
asked even as I reminded myself that this was not my business and I should leave
soon.
Aarti, he said.
Aarti who? Someone you like? I hazarded a guess.
Like is not the word, Chetan-ji.
You loved her? I smiled.
Imagine every sadhu and priest in Varanasi. More than all their devotion put
together, thats how much I loved her.
I absorbed the analogy. Curiosity had taken over my need for sleep. I allowed
myself to ask one more question. She loved you too?
He mulled over the question for a while. She didnt just love me, she owned
me.
I shifted from one foot to the other. I had a long day ahead. A sleepless night
would be a bad idea. But I heard myself asking him, So what happened? Between you
and Aarti.

Gopal smiled. This is not an interview, Chetan-ji. Either you sit down and
listen to this stupid mans whole story or you leave. Up to you. His charcoal eyes met
mine. Something about the young director intrigued me. His unusual achievements,
his cockiness, his tortured voice or maybe this strange holy city made me want to
know more about him.
I let out a huge sigh. He pointed to the chair next to him.
Okay, tell me your story, I said and sat down.
Do you want another drink? Gopal said.
I glared at him. He laughed. I meant tea, he said.
We ordered a pot of extra-hot masala tea and glucose biscuits; nothing
complements a conversation better.
Where do I start? Gopal said.
Lets begin with Aarti. The girl who did this to you.
Aarti? She got me into trouble the first day we met, Gopal said.
I dipped a biscuit in my tea and listened.

Lazy parents, bread-butter again, I grumbled, shutting a blue plastic tiffin in the

second row. Raghav and I moved to the next desk.

Forget it, Gopal. The class will be back any time, Raghav said.
Shh
Ive brought puri-aloo, we can share that. Its wrong to steal from others.
I battled a small, round steel tiffin box. How does one open this?
Neither of us had the sharp nails required to open the thin steel lid of the stubborn
box. We had skipped the morning assembly for our weekly tiffin raid. We had ten more
minutes till the national anthem began outside. After that class 5 C would be back. We
had to find, eat and keep the tiffins back within that time.
Its pickle and parathas, Raghav said, having opened the lid. You want it?
Forget it, I said as I returned the steel box to the students bag. My eyes darted
from one bag to another. This one, I said, pointing to a pink imported rucksack in the
first row. That bag looks expensive. She must be getting good food. Come.
We rushed to the targets seat. I grabbed the Barbie bag, unzipped the front flap
and found a red, shiny, rectangular tiffin. The cover had a spoon compartment. Fancy
box! I said, clicking the lid open.
Idlis, a little box of chutney and a large piece of chocolate cake. Wed hit the
jackpot.
I only want the cake, I said as I lifted the huge slice.
Dont take the whole thing. Its not fair, Raghav said.
If I eat only a bit, she will get to know, I scowled.
Cut it into two. Take one, leave the other, Raghav said.
Cut with what?
Use a ruler, he suggested.
I ran to my desk. I brought back a ruler and made a clean cut. Fine? I said.
Happy now?
Its her cake. Raghav shrugged.
But you are my friend, I said.
I offered a bite. He refused. I had not had any breakfast at home. I gorged on the
cake, my fingers smeared with icing.
Why dont you get your own tiffin? Raghav said.
I spoke with my mouth stuffed. It will mean extra work for Baba. He makes lunch
and dinner anyway.

So?
I tell him I dont feel hungry. My father taught in a government school. He left
home at six, even earlier than me. I licked the chocolate cream off my fingers. We could
hear the national anthem.
I can bring tiffin for you, Raghav said and made me stand up along with him for
the anthem.
Forget it, your mom cooks boring stuff. Puri everyday, I said.
We heard students chatter on their way back to class. I stuffed the remaining cake
into my mouth.
Hurry, hurry, Raghav said.
I shut the red tiffin box and placed it back in the Barbie bag.
Who sits here anyway? Raghav asked.
I fumbled through the pink rucksack and found a brown-paper-covered notebook. I
read out the label on the cover, Aarti Pratap Pradhan, Subject: Maths, Class 5, Section
C, Age 10, Roll number 1, Sunbeam School.
Whatever. Are we done? Raghav said.
I hung the bag back on Aartis chair, in its original place.
Lets go, I said. We ran to our back-row seats, sat and put our heads down on the
desk. We closed our eyes and pretended to be sick, the reason for skipping the morning
assembly.
The entire 5 C entered the room, filling the class with the simultaneous cacophony
of four dozen ten-year-olds.
Simran Gill madam, our class teacher, arrived a minute later and the noise died
down. Multiplication, she wrote on the board, even as the children were still settling
down.
I sat up straight and craned my neck to see Aarti Pratap Pradhan, roll number one.
She wore a white skirt, white shirt, red cardigan and had ribbons in her plaits, and she
faced the teacher most seriously as she sat down.
Eww, Aarti screamed and jumped up. She picked up a chocolate-stained ruler
from her seat. The back of her skirt had chocolate stains. Oh my God! Aartis shrill
voice made the entire class take notice.
Aarti, sit down! Gill madam screamed in a voice loud enough to make the back
rows shiver. Gill madam didnt like noise, even if it came from girls with cute plaits.
Raghav and I exchanged a worried glance. We had left behind evidence.
Madam, someone has put a dirty ruler on my seat. My new school dress is
spoiled, Aarti wailed.
The whole class laughed and Aarti broke into tears.
What? the teacher said. She placed the chalk down, dusted her hands and took
the ruler from Aarti.
Aarti continued to sniffle. The teacher walked along the aisles. Students shrank in
their seats as she passed them. Who brought chocolate cake today? she launched into an
investigation.
I did, Aarti said. She opened her tiffin and realised how her own cake had been
used to ruin her dress. Her howls reached new decibel levels. Someone ate my cake,

Aarti cried so loud, the adjacent class 5 B could hear us.

Half your cake, I wanted to tell her.
Raghav stared at me. Confess? he whispered.
Are you mad? I whispered back.
When Gill madam walked by, I stared at the floor. She wore golden slippers with
fake crystals on the strap. I clenched my fists. My fingers were greasy.
The teacher walked back to the front of the class. She took out a tissue from her
purse and wiped the ruler clean. Admit it, else the punishment will be worse, she
warned.
I pretended not to hear and opened my maths notebook.
Who is GM? the teacher asked. She had read my initials. I had scraped them with
a compass on my ruler. Damn!
We had two GMs in the class. One, Girish Mathur, sat in the first row. He stood up
without provocation.
I didnt do it, maam, he said and pinched his neck. God promise, maam.
The teacher squinted at him, still suspicious.
I swear upon Ganga, maam, Girish said as he broke down.
The Ganga reference worked. Everyone believed him.
Whos the other GM? Gopal Mishra! the teacher shouted my name.
All eyes turned to me. The teacher walked up to my desk. I stood up.
I didnt say a word. Neither did the teacher. Slap, Slap! Both my cheeks were
stinging.
Stealing food? Are you a thief? the teacher said. She looked at me as if I had
stolen the Kohinoor diamond from the British queens museum, something the social
studies teacher had told us about two days ago.
I hung my head low. She smacked the back of my neck. Get out of my class!
I dragged my feet out of the class, even as the entire 5 C stared at me.
Aarti, go clean up in the bathroom, Gill madam said.

I leaned against the wall outside the class. Aarti wiped her eyes and walked past me
towards the toilet.
Drama queen! It was only half a slice of chocolate cake! I thought.
Anyway, thats how I, Gopal Mishra, met the great Aarti Pratap Pradhan. I must
tell you, even though this is my story, you wont like me very much. After all, a ten-yearold thief isnt exactly a likeable person to begin with.
I come from Varanasi, which my social studies teacher says is one of the oldest
cities on earth. People came to live here in 1200 BC. The city gets its name from two
rivers, Varuna and Asi, which pass through the city and meet the Ganga. People call my
city several names Kashi, Benares or Banaras depending on where they come from.
Some call it the City of Temples, for we have thousands of them, and some the City of
Learning, as Varanasi apparently has great places to study. I simply call Varanasi my

home. I stay near Gadholia, a place so noisy, you need to put cotton balls in your ears if
you want to sleep. Gadholia is near the ghats, along the river Ganga. So if the crowds of
Gadholia become too much to take, you can always run to the ghats and sit by the Ganga
and watch the temples. Some call my city beautiful, holy and spiritual especially when
we have to introduce it to foreign tourists. Many call it filthy and a dump. I don't think
my city is dirty. It is the people who make it dirty.
Anyway, they say you must come to Varanasi once in a lifetime. Well, some of us
spend a lifetime here.
I had a pencil in my pocket. I used it to scribble 5 C on the wall. It helped me
pass the time, and would make our class easier to find too.
She came out of the toilet face wet, drama-queen expression intact and gaze
firmly fixed on me and walked back to the class.
She continued to stare at me as she came closer. You are scribbling on the walls!
she said.
Go complain, I said. Go.
How can you steal my tiffin? she said.
I didnt steal your tiffin, I said. I had three bites of your chocolate cake. You
wouldnt even have noticed.
You are a really bad boy, Aarti said.

Dubey uncle, our lawyer, pushed a small box of four laddoos towards us.

Sweets? What for? my father said.

Dubey uncle had come home. Baba and I faced him across our ancient dining

table.
Youve got a hearing date, Dubey uncle said. This itself took so long, I thought
we should celebrate.
I wondered if I could give some laddoos to drama queen Aarti as compensation
for the cake. I wanted to buy a chocolate cake and slam it on her desk. However, I didnt
have money for that. My father didnt give me any pocket money, and he didnt have
much money in his own pocket.
My mothers illness had wiped out all his savings. She died two weeks after I
turned four. I dont remember much of her or her death. Baba did say he had to wear her
dupatta and sleep next to me for a month. After her death the land dispute started. Dubey
uncle had become a frequent visitor to our house for this reason.
You brought sweets only because we have a hearing? Baba coughed. The case
had not given his land back to him, but it did worsen his respiratory ailment.
Well, Ghanshyam wants to settle the case out of court, Dubey uncle said.
Ghanshyam taya-ji, my fathers respected elder brother, had screwed us. My
grandfather had left his two sons thirty acres of agricultural land on the Lucknow
Highway, to be divided equally. Soon after my grandfathers death, Ghanshyam uncle
took a loan from the bank and mortgaged Babas half of the property, forging the papers
with wrong plot numbers and bribing the bank officer.
Ghanshyam taya-ji made bad business decisions and lost the money. The bank sent
a foreclosure notice to us. Baba protested, and the bank slapped cases on both my father
and uncle. The two brothers slapped cases on each other. All these cases moved through
our legal system slower than a bullock cart on the national highway.
Settle? My father leaned forward.
I picked up a laddoo and put it in my pocket.
Ghanshyam will give you some cash. He will take your share of the land and
handle the bank and legal cases, Dubey uncle said.
How much? Baba asked.
Ten lakhs, Dubey uncle replied.
My father kept quiet. I snucked away another laddoo. She should be happy with
two, I thought.

I admit the offer is ridiculously low for fifteen acres, Dubey uncle continued.
But theres a loan of a crore on your property.
Its not my loan! Baba said in an uncharacteristically loud voice.
He submitted your documents to the bank. Why did you give him your property
papers?
He is my elder brother, Baba said, fighting tears. The loss of a brother hurt him
more than the loss of land.
If you want more money, I can ask him. Why drag this forever? Dubey uncle said.
I am a farmers son. I am not giving up my land, Baba said, his eyes red. Not
until I die. Tell him to kill me if he wants the land.
Baba then stared at me as my hand reached for the third laddoo.
Its okay, take all of them, Dubey uncle told me.
I looked at both of them, picked up the box and ran out of the room.

I placed the box on her desk with a thump.

What is this? She looked at me primly.
I ate your cake. Im sorry, I said, my last word faint.
I dont like laddoos, she announced.
Why? You firang or what? I said.
No, laddoos make you fat. I dont want to be fat, she said.
Chocolate cake doesnt make you fat?
I dont want it, she said. She gently pushed the box towards me.
Fine, I said and took the box.
Did you say sorry? Aarti said.
Yes, I did. I noticed her loopy plaits, tied up with red ribbons. She looked like a
cartoon character.
Apology accepted, she said.
Thank you, I said. Sure you dont want the laddoos?
No, fat girls cant become air hostesses, she said.
You want to be an air hostess? I said.
Yes.
Why?
They fly everywhere. I want to see different places.
Okay.
What do you want to be? Aarti said.
I shrugged my shoulders. A rich man, I said.
She nodded, as if my choice was reasonable. Are you poor right now?
Yes, I said.
She said, I am rich. We have a car.
We dont have a car. Okay, bye. I turned to leave when Aarti spoke again.
Why doesnt your mother give you a tiffin?

I dont have a mother, I said.

Dead? she asked.
Yes, I said.
Okay, bye.
I came back to my seat. I opened the box of laddoos and took one out.
Aarti walked up to me.
What? I asked.
You can eat my tiffin sometimes. Dont take a lot though. And dont take any cake
or nice treats.
Thanks, I said.
And dont make a mess. If you want, we can eat together during lunch-break.
You wont have enough food for yourself, I said.
Its okay. I am dieting. I dont want to be fat, Aarti said.

Seven Years Later

... I Love you Rachu ...

Walk me home first. Then go to the cricket ground, Aarti said.

We were coming back after an afternoon of boating on the Ganga. Aarti and I had
been doing this every week for the last five years. Phoolchand bhai, a boatman at Assi
Ghat, let me borrow his boat. We walked down a bylane narrow enough to jam a fat
cow, and came out on the main road adjacent to the ghats.
Im already late, Aarti. Raghav will scream at me.
So let me come with you. I dont want to be bored at home, she said.
No.
Why? she blinked.
Too many boys. Remember the whistles last time?
I can handle it, Aarti said. She brushed some strands of hair away from her
forehead.
I looked at her beautiful face. You have no idea what you do to them, I said. You
have no idea what you do to me, was what I actually wanted to tell her.
Aartis looks had always drawn appreciative comments from the school teachers.
However, two years ago when she turned fifteen, the whole school started talking about
her. Statements such as the most beautiful girl in Sunbeam School, she should be an
actress, or she can apply for Miss India became increasingly common. Some of it
came from people trying to please her. After all, a senior IAS officer father and a
prominent ex-politician grandfather meant people wanted to be in her good books.
But yes, Aarti did make Varanasi skip a heartbeat.
Her entry into the Sigra Stadium cricket ground would definitely disrupt the game.
Batsmen would miss the ball, fielders would miss catches and jobless morons would
whistle in the way they do to give UP a bad name.
Ive not met Raghav for so long, Aarti said. Lets go. I will watch you play.
You will meet him at tuitions tomorrow, I said curtly. Go home now.
You want me to walk home alone?
Take a rickshaw, I said.
She grabbed my wrist. You are coming with me right now. She held my hand and
swung it back and forth as I walked her home.
I wanted to tell her not to hold my hand anymore. It is fine at twelve, not at
seventeen. Even though I liked it more at seventeen than at twelve.
What? she said. Why are you staring? I am only holding your hand so that you
dont run away.

I smiled. We walked past the noisy shopping streets to the calmer Cantonment
area. We reached the bungalow of District Magistrate Pratap Brij Pradhan, Aartis
father.
The evening sky had turned a deep orange. Raghav was sure to sulk, as it would
be too late to play. However, I could not refuse Aarti.
Thank you, Aarti said in a child-like voice. Coming in?
No, I am already late, I said.
Our eyes met. I broke eye contact quickly. Best friends, thats all we were, I told
myself.
Her hair blew in the breeze and wisps of black gently stroked her face.
I should cut my hair, so hard to maintain, Aarti said.
Dont, I said firmly.
Im keeping it long only for you. Bye! she said. I wondered if she had also
started to feel differently about me. But I didnt know how to ask.
See you at tuitions, I said, walking away.

Raghav Kashyap, the teacher called out and held up an answer-sheet. Raghav, Aarti
and I had joined JSR coaching classes in Durgakund to prepare for the engineering
entrance exams. JSR, named after its three founders Mr Jha, Mr Singh and Mr Rai
conducted frequent mock-tests for AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Exam) and the
IIT JEE (Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Exam). The AIEEE attracted ten
lakh students annually for thirty thousand seats in the National Institutes of Technology
(NITs) across the country. Every engineering aspirant took these exams. I didnt
particularly want to become an engineer. Baba wished to see me as one, and that was
why I went to JSR.
Raghav walked past the forty students in the crammed classroom to collect his
answer-sheet.
Sixty-six out of eighty. Well done, Raghav, the teacher said.
IIT material, a boy whispered as Raghav walked past. He is a topper from
Sunbeam.
I could totally see Raghav follow in the footsteps of his IITian father, an engineer
in BHEL. I scored fifty out of eighty, a borderline performance, good enough to become
the twelfth man on a cricket team, but not quite player material.
Focus, Gopal, the teacher said. You need sixty-plus to be safe.
I nodded. I wanted to get into a good engineering college. My father hadnt heard
any good news in years.
Aarti Pradhan! the teacher called out. The entire class turned to look at the girl in
the white salwar-kameez, who made the otherwise drab coaching classes worthwhile.
Aarti took her answer-sheet and giggled.
Twenty out of eighty is funny? the teacher frowned.
Aarti covered her mouth with her palm and walked back. She had no intention of

becoming an engineer. She had joined JSR because a) attending coaching classes could
supplement her class XII CBSE studies, b) I had also enrolled so she would have
company and c) the tuition centre never charged her, given her father was about to
become the District Magistrate, or DM of the city.
Aartis father had a relatively honest reputation. However, free tuitions came
under the ambit of acceptable favours.
I have not even filled the AIEEE form, Aarti whispered to me.

My AIEEE rank is going to be horrible, I said to Raghav as I stirred my lemonade.

We had come to the German Bakery near Narad Ghat, a touristy firang joint where
white people felt safe from germs and the touts roaming around Varanasi. People sat on
beds with wooden trays to eat firang food like sandwiches and pancakes. Two
malnourished, old men played the sitar in one corner to give the Varanasi effect, as
white people found it a cultural experience.
I never thought much of the place. However, Aarti liked it.
I like how she has used a scarf to tie her hair, Aarti said, pointing at a female
tourist. She had obviously ignored my AIEEE concerns.
Ten more marks and you will be fine. Relax, Raghav said.
One lakh students stand between me and those ten marks, I said.
Dont think about the others. Focus on yourself, he said.
I nodded slowly. Easy to give advice when you are the topper. I imagined myself
in a sea, along with lakhs of other low-rankers, kicking and screaming to breathe. The
waters closed over us, making us irrelevant to the Indian education system. Three weeks
and the AIEEE tsunami would arrive.
Aarti snapped her fingers in front of my face. Wake up, dreamer, you will be
fine, she said.
You are skipping it? Raghav turned to Aarti.
Yeah, she giggled. Main Hoon Na is releasing that week. How can I miss a
Shah Rukh film? They should postpone AIEEE.
Very funny. I grimaced.
So you arent becoming an engineer. What will you do in life? Raghav asked
Aarti.
Do I have to do something? I am an Indian woman. Cant I get married, stay home
and cook? Or ask the servants to cook?
She laughed and Raghav joined her.
I didnt find this funny. I could not think beyond the teeming millions of wannabe
engineers who would wrestle me down in three weeks.
Why so serious, Gopal-ji? Im joking. You know I cant sit at home. Aarti tapped
my shoulder.
Shut up, Aarti, I said. Yeah, I know you want to be an air hostess.
Air hostess? Wow! Raghav said.

Thats not fair, Gopal! Aarti screamed. You are telling the world my secret.
Its only me, Raghav said.
Aarti gave me a dirty look.
Sorry, I said.
Aarti and I had a deeper relationship. We saw Raghav as a friend, but not a close
one.
You will make a great air hostess, Raghav said, his tone flirtatious.
Yeah, whatever, Aarti said. Like dad is going to let me leave Varanasi. There
are no airlines here. Only temples. Maybe I can be a temple hostess. Sir, please take a
seat on the floor. Prayers will begin soon. Prasad will be served in your seats.
Raghav laughed again, holding his muscular abdomen. I hate people who are
naturally gifted with a flat stomach. Why couldnt god make six-packs a default
standard in all males? Did we have to store fat in the silliest places?
Raghav high-fived Aarti. My ears went hot. The sitar players started an energetic
tune.
Aarti, what nonsense you talk, I said, my voice loud. The foreigners around us,
here in a worldwide quest for peace, became alert.
I didnt like the we-find-each-others-lame-jokes-funny vibe between Raghav and
Aarti.
Raghav sucked the straw in his lemonade too hard. The drink came out through his
nose.
Gross! Aarti said as both of them started a laugh-fest again.
I stood up.
What happened? Raghav said.
I have to go. Baba is waiting, I said.

The sound of Babas coughing drowned out the sound of the doorbell the first couple of
times.
Sorry, I couldnt hear, he said, opening the door.
You okay? I asked.
Yes, it is the usual. Ive made dal and roti.
Thats the usual too.
My father had turned sixty last year. His non-stop coughing bouts made him look
like an eighty-year-old. The doctors had given up. We had no money for surgery either.
His school had fired him long ago. You cant conduct a fifty-minute class with ten
respiratory breaks. He had a pension that lasted us three weeks in a good month.
I ate in silence at the wobbly dining table.
Entrance exam my father started and paused to cough five times. I understood
his drift.
I have finished the AIEEE preparation, I said.
JEE? Baba said. It is harder to manage family expectations than prepare for

exams.
Dont have IIT hopes for me, Baba, I said. My fathers face fell. I will take the
JEE. But, three thousand out of four lakhs Imagine the odds.
You can do it. You are bright, Baba said, paternal love obviously overestimating
progenys abilities.
I nodded. I had a shot at AIEEE, none at JEE. That was how I looked at it. I
wondered if Baba realised that a rank would mean me leaving home. What if I had to go
to NIT Agartala? Or somewhere far south?
Engineering is not everything, Baba, I said.
It secures your life. Dont fight now, right before the exams.
Im not fighting. Im not.
Post-dinner, Baba lay down on his bed. I sat next to him and pressed his forehead.
He erupted into a coughing fit.
We should consider the surgery, I said.
For two lakhs? Baba said, lying back and shutting his eyes. I resumed the
massage.
I kept quiet. I didnt want to bring up the touchy topic. We could have settled the
land issue ages ago. Court hearings still haunted us, the land lay barren, and we had no
money.
From where will we get the money, tell? my father said. You become an
engineer. Get a good job. Then we will do the surgery.
I could not stay quiet anymore. Taya-ji offered ten lakhs. The money would have
doubled in the bank by now.
Baba opened his eyes. What about the land? he said.
What use is the stupid land?
Dont talk like that, he said, pushing my hand away. A farmer doesnt insult his
land. He doesnt sell it either.
I placed my hand back on his forehead. We are not farmers anymore, Baba. We
cant use the land. Because your own brother
Go. Go and study, you have your exams coming up. Baba pointed to my room.

The landline rang at midnight. I picked it up.

Im sleepy, Aarti, I said.
You dont sleep till one. Stop fibbing.
Whats up?
Nothing. Just felt like chatting.
Chat with someone else, I said.
Aha, she said. I know whats bothering you.
Bye, Aarti, I said.
Hey, wait. I found some of Raghavs jokes funny. Thats all. You are still my best
friend.

They werent funny. And whats this best friend business? I said.
Weve been best friends for eight years, though you still havent bought me a
chocolate cake.
And Raghav?
Raghav is only a friend. I talk to him because you are close to him, Aarti said.
I kept silent.
Chill now, Gopal. Howre things at home? she said.
Screwed up as always. How are you?
Im fine. Dad insists I finish college before I try any of this air hostess business.
But you can even become one straight after class XII.
Go to college. Hes right, I said.
Which college can I join with my marks? I am not smart like Raghav and you.
Raghav is smart, not me, I corrected her.
Why? Because of the mock-test? You are so stupid, Aarti said.
You are stupid.
We are both stupid, fine? Did you have dinner?
She had asked me this question every night for the last five years. I wanted to stay
mad at her, but could not. I did, thanks.
What thanks? Stupid. Go to bed now, sleep and dont think about the entrance
exams.
Aarti, I said and paused.
What?
You are very nice, I said. I couldnt come up with a better line.
Nice and stupid? Or nicely stupid? Aarti laughed.
What would I do without you?
Shut up. I am here only, she said.
We are not young anymore, Aarti, I said.
Okay, okay. Not that again. Go to bed, Mr Grown-up Man.
Aarti, come on. You always avoid
Well talk, but not now. After your entrance exams.
I kept quiet.
Dont complicate life, Gopal. Arent you happy with our friendship?
Yes, I am but
But-but what? Good night, sweet dreams, sleep tight.
Good night.

Its no use now, I said, closing the maths textbook.

Raghav had come to my house on the eve of the exam. He had offered a last-minute
trigonometry revision, my weak spot. Raghav picked up the textbook.
You sleep, okay? Rest before the exam is a must. And take lots of sharpened
pencils, he said.

Baba came out of the kitchen when he saw Raghav leave. Stay for dinner, Baba
told him.
Not today, Baba, Raghav said. I will take a proper treat once Gopal gets a
rank.

I did get a rank. A fucked-up rank, that is.

52,043, I read out from the screen. I had come to Raghavs house in Shivpur. We
had logged on to the AIEEE website.
Sure, I hadnt scored too badly. Out of ten lakh test-takers, I had beaten nine lakh
fifty thousand. However, the NITs had only thirty thousand seats. Sometimes, life played
cruel jokes on you. Id be one of those unfortunate cases who had done well, but not
well enough.
5,820, Raghav said, reading from the computer monitor.
Raghavs father had come into the room to stand behind us.
Whats that? I said.
My rank, Raghav said.
Excellent! Raghavs father said delightedly.
Raghav smiled. He could not react more than that.
This should give you lots of choices, Raghavs proud father said. You can get
Electronics in Delhi.
Theres NITLucknow too, right? Raghav said. Closer home.
Forget AIEEE, let us wait for JEE, Raghavs father said, his voice elated.
Father and son took a while to remember my presence in the room. They saw my
crestfallen face and fell silent. I have to go home, I mumbled.
Fifty thousand should get you something, no? Raghavs father said, fully aware it
would not. He didnt mean to hurt me, but it felt bad. Never in my life had I felt so small.
I felt like a beggar hanging out with kings.
Ill see you later, Raghav, I said and scurried out of their house. I didnt want
anyone to see my tears.
Raghav came running after me in the lane outside his house. You okay? he asked.
I swallowed hard and wiped my eyes before turning to him. Im fine, buddy, I
lied. And congrats! You owe us a treat. But your dad is right. We will take the real party
after JEE.
I continued to ramble until Raghav interrupted me. Will Baba be fine? he asked.
I shrugged my shoulders and fought the lump in my throat.
Should I come with you? he offered.
Yeah right, take a top-ranker to meet your parent when youve flunked, I thought.
Dont worry. Hes faced worse things in life, I said.

Arent the AIEEE results due today? They are not in the papers, Baba said as soon as I
entered the house. Four different newspapers lay open on the floor.
No, they dont publish results in the newspaper anymore. Baba, what is this
mess? I said.
I bent down to collect the papers. I did not mention that the results were available
online.
So how do we find out the results? Isnt today the date? he said.
I kept quiet as I stacked the newspapers. I wanted to tell him the results wont be
out for a while. Peace for a few more days would be nice, even if temporary. I saw his
aged face, the wrinkles around his eyes. Eyes that were extra bright today.
Should we go to NITLucknow? Baba said, happy to make the five-hour journey
to find out his son was a loser.
Baba! I protested.
What?
Lets make lunch. I moved to the kitchen. The antique gas stove took six tries to
start. I placed a bowl of water on a burner to boil dal.
My father stood behind me. We have to get the results. Lets go, he said. When
old people get stuck on something, they dont let go.
Let me make the meal, I said. I will call you when it is ready.
Telling your parents youve failed at something is harder than the actual failure. I
cooked lunch for the next hour. I wondered if life would ever be the same again. One
stupid exam, half a dozen mistakes in multiple-choice problems had changed my life
forever.
My father and I ate in silence, his hopeful eyes pinned on me. My hiding the news
did not help anyone.
I went to him after dinner. I know the results, Baba, I said softly.
And? he said, eyes wide.
My rank is 52,043.
Is that good?
I shook my head.
You wont get a good branch?
I wont get into NIT, I said.
My fathers expression changed. He had the look every child dreads. The look that
says, I brought you up, now see what you have done!
A bullet in the head is preferable to that look.
Baba got up agitatedly and started to circle the dining table. How can you not get
a good rank?
Well, not everyone does, Baba. Nine lakh fifty thousand of us didnt. But I did
not air my thought.
Now what? he said.
I wondered if I should suggest some options suicide, penance in the Himalayas
or a life of drudgery as a labourer?

I am sorry, Baba, I said.

I told you to study more, he said.
Which parent doesnt?
He went to his room. I gathered the courage to enter his bedroom after half an
hour. He had kept a hot-water bottle on his head.
I could do a BSc, Baba, I said.
What good will that do, huh? he said, his voice too loud for a sick man.
Ill finish my graduation. Look for a job. There should be plenty of opportunities,
I said, making up words as I spoke.
Who gives a good job to a simple graduate? Baba said.
Correct, a simple graduate meant nothing.
We dont have money for a donation college, Baba, I reminded him.
He nodded. He spoke after some thought. Try again?
Baba had not made an unreasonable suggestion. However, he had horrible timing.
The entrance exam had given me so much pain. The mere thought of repeating it
caused physical agony. Stop it, Baba, I screamed. If you had settled on the land, we
would have money for a private college. You didnt, so I have to keep suffering.
My father pressed the hot-water bottle harder against his forehead. He looked
pained, by the headache and me. Go away, he said.
I am sorry, I said automatically.
Fail exams, scream at your father. You are going in the right direction, son, he
said, eyes closed.
Ill do something. I wont let you down. I will become rich one day, I said.
It is not easy to become rich. You have to work hard. You dont, he said.
I wanted to tell him that I did work hard. You dont get a fifty-thousand rank,
however useless that may be, without working hard. I wanted to say I felt fucked up
inside. I wished he would figure out I wanted to cry, and that it would be great if he
hugged me.
Go away. Let me have some peace in my final days, he said.
I went to my room and sat in silence. I had never really missed my mother all these
years. However, on the day of the AIEEE results, I wished she was around. I kicked
myself for not getting those six extra problems right. I kept rewinding to the day of the
exam. As if my brain could go back in time, recreate the same scenario, and I wouldnt
make the same mistakes again. Regret this feeling has to be one of the biggest
manufacturing defects in humans. We keep regretting, even though there is no point to it. I
stayed in my bed, dazed.
I came to the living room at midnight. I called Aarti.
Hey, you okay? Her voice was calm.
She knew my results. Yet she hadnt called. She knew Id call her when I was
good and ready. Aarti and I were in sync.
We will talk on the boat, I said.
Four-thirty tomorrow morning at Assi Ghat, she said.
I went back to bed after the call. I lay down but couldnt sleep. I tossed and turned
for ages. There would be no sleep till I sorted things out with Baba.

I went to his room. He was asleep, the hot-water bottle still by his head.
I kept the bottle aside. My father woke up.
I am sorry, Baba, I said.
He didnt say anything.
Ill do whatever you tell me. I will try again if thats what you want. Ill become
an engineer, Baba, I said.
He placed a hand on my head as if in blessing. It acted as a tipping point for my
emotions. I broke down.
Ill work extra hard, I said as tears rolled down my cheeks.
God bless you, go to sleep, he said.

I reached Assi Ghat at four-thirty in the morning. Phoolchand, my boatman friend, smiled
as he handed me the oars. He had never charged me in all these years. I would take his
boat for an hour, and buy him tea and biscuits in return. Firangs would pay five hundred
bucks for the same.
Sometimes Id help him negotiate with foreigners in English, and hed give me a
ten per cent commission. Yes, I could make money like this too. Maybe not a lot, but
enough to survive. If only Baba would understand this.
Come back by five-thirty, Phoolchand said. I have a booking. Japanese tourists.
I wont take more than half an hour, I promised.
He smirked. You are going with a girl. You may forget the time.
I wont.
You have a setting with her? Phoolchand said as he untied the anchor rope. In
small towns, everyone is interested in every male and female interaction.
Phoolchand bhai, I will be back in half an hour, I said and got into the boat.
Phoolchand frowned at my curt reply.
She is a classmate from school. Have known her for eight years, I said.
He smiled. His paan-stained teeth shone in the semi-darkness of dawn.
Ill help you with the Japanese, we will rip them off together, I said, holding the
oars.
Aarti was waiting twenty metres ahead of the ghat pier, away from the stare of
boatmen and sadhus. She stepped into the boat, one foot at a time. I whisked the boat
away from the shore.
Lets go that way, she said, pointing in the quieter western direction. On the east,
the morning aarti had commenced at the crowded Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Dashashwamedh, believed to be the place where Brahma performed ten ashwamedha
yajnas (horse sacrifice), is the hub of all holy activities on the banks of Ganga
inVaranasi.
The sound of bells and chants faded as I rowed further away. Soon, the only
sounds came from the periodic slapping of the oars on the water.
It happens, said Aarti.

Her face had an amber hue from the morning sun. It matched her saffron and red
dupatta.
My arms and shoulders felt tired.I stopped rowing and put the oars down. The
boat stood still somewhere in the middle of the Ganga. Aarti stood up to come and sit
beside me. Her movement shook the boat a little. As per ritual, she took my tired palms
and pressed them. She held my chin and made me face her.
Im scared, Aarti, I said in a small voice.
Why?
Ill get nowhere in life, I said.
Nonsense, she said. So people who dont have a top AIEEE rank get nowhere in
life?
I dont know. I feel so so defeated. I let Baba down.
Is he okay?
He wants me to try again. He is obsessed with making me an engineer.
Do you want to be an engineer? Aarti said.
My dad is not in the IAS. My grandfather was not a minister. We are from a
simple Indian family. We dont ask these questions. We want to make a living.
Engineering gives us that, I answered.
How old-fashioned!
Filling your stomach never goes out of fashion, Aarti, I said.
She smiled and placed a hand on my arm. I hugged her. As I held her, I brought my
mouth close to hers.
What are you doing? Aarti said, pushing me away.
I I just
Dont, Aarti said sternly. You will spoil our friendship.
I really like you, I said. I wanted to say love, but did not have the courage.
I like you too, she said.
Then why wont you kiss me? I said.
I dont want to. She faced me squarely. Dont get me wrong. You have been my
best friend for years. But Ive told you earlier She went silent.
What?
I dont see you that way, she finished.
I turned away from her.
Gopal, please understand. You are disturbed so I dont want to
You dont want to what, Aarti? Hurt my feelings? Well, you have.
I checked the time. My watch said 4:50 a.m. I had to return the boat. I picked up
the oars again. Go back to your place, I said. She complied. We remained silent till we
reached the ghats. Phoolchand gave us a smile, which evaporated fast when I glowered
at him.
We stepped off the boat.
You want to come home later today? Aarti said.
Dont talk to me, I said.
You are being an idiot.
I am an idiot, dont you know? Thats why I couldnt clear the AIEEE, I said and

walked away without looking at her.

Like AIEEE, I did not make it in the JEE either. Raghav did, with an all-India rank of

1123. It turned him into a mini-celebrity in Varanasi. Local papers carried big stories the
next day. Four students from Varanasi had cracked the JEE. Among those four, only
Raghav had cleared the exam as a resident of Varanasi. The other three had appeared
from Kota.
Why did they go to Kota? Baba mused, looking up from the newspaper.
Baba had resigned himself to my being a loser. He did not react to my not
obtaining a JEE rank at all.
Kota is the capital of IIT coaching classes. Tens of thousands go there, I
explained.
Every year, the tiny western Indian town of Kota accounted for a thousand, or a
third of the total IIT selections.
What? Baba said. How is that possible?
I shrugged my shoulders. I didnt want to discuss entrance exams any more. I had
secured seventy-nine per cent in class XII. I could do BSc at the Allahabad University.
The 120-kilometre commute would be difficult, but I could move there and visit Baba on
weekends.
Which IIT is Raghav joining?
I dont know, I said. Baba, can you give me two hundred rupees. I need to buy
college admission forms.
Baba looked like I had stabbed him. Arent you repeating AIEEE? he said.
I will join the Allahabad University and repeat from there, I said.
How will you prepare while doing another course?
I cant waste a year, I said and left the house.

I had to meet Raghav. I had not even congratulated him. True, I did not feel any
happiness about his JEE selection. I should have, but did not. After all, we had been
friends for ten years. One should be happy for pals. However, he would be an IIT
student and Id be a fucking nobody. Somehow, I could not feel thrilled about that. I
practised fake smiles while pressing his doorbell. Raghav opened the door and hugged

me straight off.
Hey, nice to see you, he said.
Congrats, boss, I said, my lips stretched into a smile and teeth sufficiently
visible.
Now I can say I know a celeb.
I came inside his house, a modest three-bedroom, BHEL-provided apartment.
Newspapers with articles about his selection lay on the dining table. Raghavs father sat
on a sofa with visiting relatives. They had come to congratulate the Kashyaps. An IIT
rank is a huge event akin to climbing the Mount Everest or being on a space mission.
Mr Kashyap smiled at me from a distance. Call it my over-imagination, but his greeting
seemed like the one you give to people well beneath your stature. I am sure if I had had a
rank, he would have stood up and shook hands with me. Anyway, it didnt matter.
Raghav and I went to his room. I sat on a chair and he on the bed.
So, how are you feeling? I said. I wanted to know how it felt to get one of those
stupid ranks that turned you from coal to diamond in a day.
Unbelievable, Raghav said. I had thought AIEEE maybe, but JEE, wow.
Which IIT? I said.
I will join IT-BHU. I will get a good branch and be in Varanasi too, Raghav
said.
IT-BHU, the Institute of Technology at the Banaras Hindu University, was the most
prestigious college in Varanasi. It conducted its admission process through the JEE.
However, it didnt have the same brand equity as an IIT.
Why BHU? I said.
I want to do journalism part-time. I have contacts in newspapers here, Raghav
said.
When people are offered something on a platter, they dont value it. Sure, Raghav
had a thing for writing. He had published some letters to the editor and a couple of
articles in some papers. However, this sounded insane.
You will give up an IIT for a hobby? I said.
It is not a hobby. Journalism is my passion.
Why are you doing engineering then?
Dad. Why else? Oh, I have told him I am taking BHU because I will get a better
branch like Computer Science. Dont tell him anything else.
Raghav, you still
Raghav! Mr Kashyap shouted from outside.
My relatives, sorry. I have to go, Raghav said. Lets catch up later. Call Aarti
also. I owe you guys a treat.
He got up to leave.
When people achieve something, they become self-obsessed.
Want to know what I am going to do? I said casually.
Raghav stopped. Oh, sorry. Sure, tell me, he said. I dont know if he cared, or if
he felt obligated.
Allahabad University. I will take a second attempt from there, I said.
Sounds good, Raghav said. I am sure you will crack something. At least

AIEEE.
When people clear JEE, they start using phrases like at least AIEEE.
I smiled. Baba wants me to drop a year to attempt again.
You could do that too, Raghav said. His father shouted out for him again.
Go, its okay, I said. Ill also leave.
See you, buddy. Raghav patted my shoulder.

No, Baba, I said. I am not going to Kota.

Without my knowledge, my father had spent one whole week researching on Kota.
Bansal and Resonance are the best, he said.
How do you know?
I am a retired teacher. I can find out.
Great, I said.
I am ready to send you. Tuition is thirty thousand a year. Living expenses around
three thousand a month. How much is that for twelve months? Thirty plus thirty-six
thousand Baba mumbled to himself.
Sixty-six thousand! I said. And a wasted year. Baba, who are we? Kings?
I have a forty-thousand fixed deposit I havent told you about, Baba said. I
saved whatever I could in the past three years. Enough to get you started. Well figure
out the rest.
So blow up whatever little money we have on tuitions? In some faraway place?
Where is Kota, anyway?
In Rajasthan. Its far, but there is a direct train. Takes twenty-two hours.
Baba, but why cant I join college? Give me the money for that. At least I will
have a degree.
Whats the point of a useless degree? And how will you do a repeat attempt
without better coaching? You just missed a good rank because of a few marks. Maybe
Kota will help you get those extra marks.
I was confused. I had never thought of a second attempt, let alone going so far for
a year.
You have to give it your best. Look at Raghav. Hes set for life, Baba said.
Look-at-Raghav, yes, the new medicine being shoved down every Varanasi
kids throat right now. We cant afford it, I said, collecting my thoughts. Besides, who
will take care of you here? Allahabad is nearby. I can come every week. You can visit

I can manage. Dont I do most of the housework? Baba said.

I thought of Aarti. Sure, she had said no to me in the boat, but I knew how much
she cared for me. Not a day went by without us talking. It was she who suggested I go to
a college here, and Id already found out the best course I could get with my percentage.
How could I tell her I am going to Kota?
Of course, I couldnt give Baba this reason to stay in Varanasi. I promise I will

work harder next time, I said.

We finished dinner and I began to clear the table.
You will keep doing domestic chores here, Baba shouted suddenly. You are
going.
You have forty thousand. What about the rest? What about expenses such as
travel, books, entrance exam fees? I said.
My father showed me his shrivelled index finger. It had a thick gold band around
it. I dont need this useless ring, he said. We also have some of your mothers
jewellery.
You want to sell Mas jewellery for coaching classes?
I had kept all that for your wife, but after you become an engineer, you can buy
them for her yourself.
What if you fall ill, Baba? Better to preserve all this for medical emergencies.
You join an engineering college and my age will reduce by ten years, Baba
laughed, trying to soften the situation.I saw his face, one front tooth missing. His laughter
meant everything to me.I thought about Kota. They did seem good at making students
clear entrance exams.I thought about the downside the money required, the uncertainty
and, of course, staying away from Aarti.
Do it for your old man, he said. Id move with you to Kota, but its hard for me
to travel so far. We have to maintain this little house too.
Its fine, Baba. If I go, Ill go by myself, I said.
Your mother too wanted you to become an engineer.
I looked at my mothers picture on the wall. She looked happy, beautiful and
young.
Take care of your father, she seemed to tell me.
Will you go? Baba said.
If it makes you happy, I will.
My son! Baba hugged me the first time since the AIEEE results.

Show us the black ones, Aarti said to the shopkeeper. She pointed to a set of twelve
clothes hangers.
We had come to a household items shop in Nadeshar Road to buy things Id need
in Kota.
Just because I am helping you shop doesnt mean I am happy about you leaving
Varanasi, Aarti said.
I wont. Say the word and I will cancel my ticket.
She placed a palm on my cheek. I hate it that my best friend is leaving. However,
it is the right thing for you to do.
She approved of the hangers. They cost fifty bucks a set. Uncle, I am buying
towels, soap dishes and so many other things. You better give a good discount.
The shopkeeper grimaced, but she ignored him.

Thank you for coming. I would not have known what to buy, I told her.
Have you taken cooking vessels? Forgot, no?
I am not going to cook. They have a tiffin system.
Aarti ignored me. She went to the utensils section and picked up a large steel
bowl and held it up.
For emergencies, Aarti said. If I came to Kota with you, Id cook for you
everyday.
Her fair hands held up the shiny vessel. The picture of her cooking in my kitchen
flashed in my head. Why does Aarti make statements like these? What am I supposed to
say? Ill manage fine, I said.
The shopkeeper made the bill. Aarti looked at me. She hypnotised me every time.
She was turning prettier every week.
A small girl who had come to the shop with her mother came up to Aarti. Do you
come on TV?
Aarti shook her head and smiled. She turned to the shopkeeper. Uncle, twenty per
cent discount. Aarti wasnt too conscious of her looks. She never checked herself out in
mirrors, never had make-up on, and even her hair often flopped all over her face. It
made her even more attractive.
Should we leave? she said.
Whatever.
What happened?
At the last minute you say random things like if I came to Kota.
I could. I will tell dad I also want to repeat a year. You never know. She winked.
I stared at her, seeking a hint of seriousness in her comment. Would that be
possible?
Really? I said, almost believing her.
Im joking, stupid. I told you. Ive enrolled for Psychology honours at the Agrasen
College.
I thought you
Why are you so gullible? She burst into peals of laughter.
Gulli what? I said. She pulled my cheek. Oh, I said and composed myself.
Of course, no way she could come to Kota. I am not a gulli-whatever person. I
understand things. Still, Aarti could defeat my logical faculties. I stopped thinking when
I was with her.
I collected the purchased items and noticed her paying the shopkeeper.
Wait, I said. I will pay.
Forget it. Lets go, she said. She tugged at my elbow and dragged me out of the
shop.
How much? I said as I fumbled with my wallet.
She took my wallet and placed it back in my shirt pocket. She placed a finger on
my lips.
Why do girls send confusing signals? She had rebuffed me on the boat the other
day. Yet she comes to shop with me for boring clothes hangers and doesnt let me pay.
She calls me three times a day to check if Ive had my meals. Does she care for me or

not?

You want to try the new Dominos at Sigra? she said.

Can we go to the ghats? I said.
Ghats? she said, surprised.
I want to soak in as much Varanasi as possible before I leave.
We walked to the steps of the Lalita Ghat, quieter than the busy Dashashwamedh
on our right. We sat next to each other and watched the Ganga change colours with the
evening sun. On our left, flames flickered from the never-ending funeral pyres in the
Manikarnika Ghat. The ghat, named after Shivas earring that he dropped here during a
dance, is considered the holiest place for cremation.
She held my elbow lightly. I looked around. Apart from some tourists and sadhus,
I spotted a few locals. I shook my elbow free.
What? she said.
Dont. Its not good. Especially for you.
Why?
Because you are a girl.
She smacked my elbow. So what?
People talk. They dont say good things about girls who sit on the ghats holding
elbows.
We are just really good friends, she said.
I hated that term. I wanted to talk about my place in her life, even though I did not
want to make things unpleasant. But now I am leaving, I said.
So? We will be in touch. We will call. We can chat on the net. There are cyber
cafs in Kota, right?
I nodded.
Dont look so glum, she said. We heard the temple bells ring in the distance. The
evening aarti was about to begin.
What is your problem? I said.
About what? she said.
About us. Us being more than friends.
Please, Gopal, not again.
I became quiet. We saw the evening aarti from a distance. A dozen priests, holding
giant lamps the size of flaming torches, prayed in synchronised moves as singers chanted
in the background. Hundreds of tourists gathered around the priests. No matter how many
times you see it, the aarti on Varanasi ghats manages to mesmerise each time. Much like
the Aarti next to me. She wore a peacock blue salwar-kameez and fish-shaped silver
earrings.
I dont feel that way, Gopal, she said.
About me?
About anyone. And I like what you and I share. Dont you?

I do. But I am leaving now. If we had a commitment, wouldnt it be better?

Commitment? Gopal, we are so young! She laughed. She stood up. Come, lets
float diyas. For your trip.
Girls are the best topic switchers in the world.
We walked down to the waters. She purchased a set of six lit diyas for five
rupees. She passed one to me. She set one diya afloat. Holding my hand, she said, Lets
pray together, for success.
May you get what you want in Kota, she said, eyes shut.
I looked at her. What I really want is not in Kota, I am leaving it behind in
Varanasi

Kota
... I Love you Rachu ...

It took me twenty-three hours in the hot and stuffy Dwarka Express to reach Kota.

I had emailed Vineet, a Varanasi boy whod spent the last year in Kota. I learnt
about the coaching classes; Bansal and Resonance had the best reputation. However,
they screened students with their own tests. If I did not get into Bansal or Resonance,
Kota had other, less selective coaching classes that catered to losers like me.
However, before I joined a coaching ghetto I had to find a place to live in. Vineet
had told me about some paying guest accommodations. I hailed an auto from the railway
station. Gayatri Society Building, I said, in Mahavir Nagar, near Bansal classes.
The auto drove down the dusty streets of Kota. It looked like any other small town
in India, with too much traffic and pollution and too many telecom, underwear and
coaching-class hoardings. I wondered what was so special about this place. How could
it make thousands of students clear the most competitive exam in the world?
IIT or Medical? asked the auto driver, who had gray hair and matching teeth.
I figured out what made Kota different. Every one was clued into the entrance
exams.
IIT, I said.
Bansal is the best. But their entrance exam is scheduled for next week.
You know all this? I said, baffled by the drivers knowledge.
He laughed and turned around. My whole family is into education. My wife runs a
tiffin business. You want food delivered?
I nodded.
Shankar, originally from Alwar, he said. He extended his grease-stained hand.
I shook it as little as possible. Gopal from Varanasi.
He gave me a business card for the tiffin service. Two meals a day for a monthly
cost of fifteen hundred bucks.
Let us take care of the food. You boys study, it is such a tough exam.
Which exam? I said.
For IIT it is JEE. Come on, Gopal bhai. We are not that uneducated.

We reached the Gayatri Society compound. A rusty iron gate protected a crumbling block

of apartments. A sweeper with a giant broom produced dust clouds in the air in an
attempt to clean the place. I went to the small guard post at the entrance of the building.
A watchman sat inside.
Who do you want to meet? the watchman said.
I want to rent a room, I said.
The watchman looked me over. He saw my two over-stuffed, over-aged and overrepaired suitcases. One held clothes, the other carried the books that had failed to get me
anywhere so far. My rucksack carried the stuff Aarti had bought me. I missed her. I
wondered if I should find an STD booth and call her.
IIT or Medical? the watchman asked, crushing tobacco in his hand. Kota locals
find it hard to place outsiders until they know what they are there for.
IIT, I said. I wished he would give me more attention than his nicotine fix.
First-timer or repeater? the watchman asked next, still without looking up.
Does it matter? I said, somewhat irritated.
Yes, he said and popped the tobacco into his mouth. If you are a first-timer, you
will join a school also. You will be out of the house more. Repeaters only go for
coaching classes. Many sleep all day. Some landlords dont like that. So, tell me and I
can show you the right place.
Repeater, I said. I dont know why I looked down as I said that. I guess when you
fail an entrance exam, even a tobacco-chewing watchman can make you feel small.
Oh God, another repeater, the watchman said. Anyway, I will try. Fix my fee
first.
What? I said.
I take half a months rent. Whats your budget?
Two thousand a month.
Thats it? the watchman said. Make it four thousand. I will get you a nice,
shared air-conditioned room.
I cant afford to pay so much, I said.
The watchman sneered, as if someone had asked for country liquor in a five-star
bar.
What? I said, wondering if Id be spending my first night in Kota on the streets.
Come, he beckoned. He opened the gate and kept my suitcases in his cabin. We
climbed up the steps of the first apartment block.
Will you share with other boys? Three to a room, the watchman said.
I could, I said, but how will I study? I want a private one, however small.
Studies or not, I wanted to be left alone.
Okay, fifth floor, the watchman said.
We climbed up three floors. I panted due to the exertion. The extreme heat did not
help. Kota is hot, get used to the weather, the watchman said. It is horrible outside.
That is why it is a good place to stay inside and study.
We reached the fourth floor. I struggled to catch my breath. He couldnt stop
talking. So you will study for real or you are just he paused mid-sentence.
Just what? I said.
Time-pass. Many students come here because their parents push them. They know

they wont get in. At least the parents stop harassing them for a year, he said.
I want to get in. I will get in, I said, more to myself than him.
Good. But if you need stuff like beer or cigarettes, tell me. This housing society
doesnt allow it.
So?
When Birju is your friend, you dont have to worry. He winked at me.
We rang the bell of the fifth-floor flat. An elderly lady opened the door.
Student, the watchman said.
The lady let us in. Her place smelt of medicines and damp. The watchman showed
me the room on rent. The lady had converted a storeroom into a study and bedroom. The
lady, watchman and I could barely stand in the tiny room together.
Its perfect for studying, said the watchman, who probably hadnt studied even
one day in his whole life. Take it, it is within your budget.
I shook my head. The room had no windows. The old lady seemed arrogant or
deaf or both. She kept a grumpy face throughout. I did not want to live here. Why
couldnt I study in my Varanasi? What was so special about this godforsaken place? I
wanted to get out of Kota ASAP.
I walked out of the flat. The watchman came running after me.
If you fuss so much, you wont get anything.
Ill go back to Varanasi then, I said.
I thought about how different my life would have been if I had answered six more
multiple-choice questions. I thought of Raghav, who would, at this moment, be attending
his orientation at the BHU campus. I thought of Aarti and our heart-to-heart
conversations. I thought of Babas ill health and his determination to kick me into this
dump. I fought back tears. I started to walk down the stairs.
Or increase your budget, the watchman said as he came up behind me.
I cant. I have to pay for food and the coaching classes, I said.
We walked down the steps and reached the ground floor. It happens the first time,
the watchman said, missing your mother?
Shes dead, I said.
Recently? the watchman said. Some people find it perfectly normal to crossexamine strangers.
She died fourteen years ago, I said.
I came to the guard post and picked up my bags. Thank you, Birju, I said.
Where are you going? Take a shared room, he pleaded.
Ill find a cheap hotel for now. I am used to being alone. Ill figure things out.
Birju took the suitcases from me and placed them down. I have a proper room,
he said, double the size of what you saw. It has windows, a big fan. A retired couple
stays there. Within your budget
Then why didnt you show it to me earlier?
Theres a catch.
What?
Someone died in the house.
Who? I said. Big deal, I could take death. Im from Varanasi, where the world

comes to die.
The student who rented it. He didnt get through, so he killed himself. Two years
ago. It has been empty since.
I did not respond.
Now you see why I didnt show it to you, Birju said.
Ill take it, I said.
Sure?
Ive seen dead bodies burning and floating all my life. I dont care if some loser
hanged himself.
The watchman picked up my suitcases. We went to the third floor in the next flat. A
couple in their sixties stayed there. They kept the place immaculately clean. The spartan
to-let room had a bed, table, cupboard and fan.
Fifteen hundred, I said to the couple. The watchman gave me a dirty look.
The couple looked at each other.
I know what happened here, I said, and its fine by me.
The old gentleman nodded. I am RL Soni, I used to work in the PWD. He
extended his hand.
I gave him a firm handshake. Im Gopal, an IIT repeater. I plan to get in this time,
I said.

I dumped the brochures on the bed, and took off my shoes and socks. I had spent the day

visiting various coaching schools. At three in the afternoon, my room felt at ignition
point.
Mr Soni gently knocked on the door of my room. Your lunch, he said and kept the
tiffin on my study table.
I nodded in gratitude. It felt too hot to exchange pleasantries. I had arranged for my
meals and a place to stay. However, my main challenge in Kota, apart from constantly
fighting off thoughts about Aarti, was to enrol in a good study programme. I had spent the
last three days doing the rounds of every coaching school. I took in their tall claims
about zapping any primate into an IITian. I went through their super-flexible (not to
mention super-expensive) fee structures. Bansal, Resonance and Career Path seemed to
be everyones top choices. Each of them had their own, rather difficult, entrance exams.
In fact, Kota now had small coaching shops to coach you to get into the top coaching
classes. From there, you would be coached to get into an engineering college. Once
there, you study to become an engineer. Of course, most engineers want to do an MBA.
Hence, the same coaching-class cycle would begin again. This complex vortex of tests,
classes, selections and preparations is something every insignificant Indian student like
me has to go through to have a shot at a decent life. Else, I could always take the job of
Birju the watchman or, if I wanted it simpler, hang myself like my erstwhile roomresident Manoj Dutta.
I switched on the same fan that helped Manoj check out of the entrance exam
called life. The moving blades re-circulated the hot air in the room.
Called home? Mr Soni said.
I did, I said. Mr Soni asked me this question at least twice a day. I guess Manoj
Dutta didnt call home often enough, leading to his loneliness and early demise.
Keep them informed, okay? Nobody loves you more than your parents, Mr Soni
said as he left the room.
I shut the door and removed my shirt. I hadnt rowed in ten days. My arms felt
flabby. I wanted to exercise, but I had to figure out the ten million brochures first.
I had indeed called Baba, twice. He seemed fine. I told him I had started
preparing for next year, even though I couldnt bear to open any textbook. I didnt care.
Whichever coaching class I joined would make me slog soon.
I wanted to talk to Aarti first. Id called her four times but could not speak to her
even once. Her mother had picked up the phone the first two times. She told me politely

that Aarti had gone out with friends once, and another time to submit her college
admission form. I called twice the next day and Aartis mother picked up again. I hung
up without saying anything. I did not want Aartis mother going why is this boy calling
you so many times from so far? It did not create a good impression. Aarti had mentioned
she would get a cellphone soon. I wished she would. Everyone seemed to be getting one
nowadays, at least the rich types.
Aarti did not have a number to reach me. I would have to try again tomorrow.
I picked up a green-coloured brochure. The cover had photographs of some of the
ugliest people on earth. The pictures belonged to the IIT toppers from that institute. They
had grins wider than models in toothpaste ads but not the same kind of teeth.
Since my favourite hobby was wasting time, I spent the afternoon comparing the
brochures. No, I didnt compare the course material, success rates or the fee structures.
In any case, everyone claimed to be the best in those areas. I compared the pictures of
their successful candidates; who had the ugliest boy, who had the cutest girl, if at all.
There was no point to this exercise, but there was no point to me being in Kota.
I saw the Bansal brochure, the holy grail of Kota-land. Bansal students had a chip
on their shoulder, even though they werent technically even in a college. The Bansalites
were Kotas cool. I had to crack their exam. However, I had little time to prepare for the
test scheduled in three days. In fact, many of the coaching classes had their exams within
a week. The next set of exams was a month away. I had to join something now. Staying
idle would make me go mad faster than the earlier occupant of this room.
Each institute asked for a thousand bucks for an application form. Whether they
selected you or not, whether you joined or not, the fee had to be paid. I had fifty thousand
rupees with me, and Baba had promised me more after six months. I had limited money, I
could only apply selectively.
I shortlisted five coaching institutes Bansal, Career Path, Resonance, and two
new, cheaper ones called AimIIT and CareerIgnite.
The brochure of AimIIT said: We believe in the democratic right of every student
to be coached, hence we dont conduct our own entrance tests. It meant they werent in
the same league as the top ones to be choosy. They might as well have written: If you
have the cash, you are welcome.
I spent the rest of the afternoon filling the tiresome and repetitive forms. I kept
myself motivated by saying I would call Aarti once more before dinner.

I went out for an evening walk at 7:00 p.m. The streets were filled with nerdy students
out for their daily dose of fresh air.
I found an STD booth.
Hello? Mr Pradhan said in a firm voice. I cut the phone on reflex.
The meter at the STD booth whirred.
You still have to pay, the shopkeeper said sourly. I nodded.
I needed to speak to someone. I had already called Baba in the morning. I called

Raghav.
Raghav, its me. Gopal. From Kota, I said, my last word soft.
Gopal! Oh, wow, we were just talking about you, Raghav said.
Me? Really? With who? I said.
Aartis here. How are you, man? Hows Kota? We miss you.
Aarti is at your place? I asked, puzzled.
Yeah, she wanted me to help her choose her course. She is not sure about
Psychology.
Aarti snatched the phone from Raghav mid-sentence.
Gopal! Where are you?
In Kota, of course. I called you, I said. I wanted to ask her why she had come to
Raghavs place. However, it didnt seem the best way to start a conversation.
Why didnt you call back? I dont even have a number to call you, she said.
Will ask my landlord if I can receive calls. Tell me when you will be home. I
will call you. I want to talk.
Talk now. Whats up?
How can I talk now?
Why?
You are with Raghav, I said.
So?
What are you doing at Raghavs place?
Nothing. Generally.
When girls use vague terms like generally, it is cause for specific concern. Or
maybe not. It could be my overactive mind.
I have to choose a course. Should I do Psychology or BSc Home Science? she
said.
What do you want to do? I said.
I have to finish my graduation before becoming an air hostess. Thats the only
reason I am doing it. I want an easy course.
Oh, so your air hostess plans are not dead, I said.
Well, Raghav says one should not give up ones dream so easily. Maybe BSc
Home Science is better, no? Sort of related to hospitality industry. Or should I leave
Agrasen and join hotel management?
I kept quiet. Raghavs advising her? Who is he? A career counsellor? Or does he
have the license to preach now because he has a fucking JEE rank?
Tell me no, Gopi, Aarti said. I am so confused. Then I heard her titter.
Whats so funny? I said.
Raghav is pretending to be an air hostess. He has a tray and everything, she said,
greatly amused.
Ill talk to you later, I said.
Okay, but tell me which course to take, she said, her tone finally serious.
Ask Raghav, he is the better student, I said.
Cmon, Gopi. Nonsense you talk.
Let us talk when you are alone, I said.

Call me this time tomorrow.

Okay, bye.
Bye, Aarti said.
I miss you, I said, a second too late. I only got a click in response.
I returned to my room where my dinner tiffin and the brochures awaited me. I
imagined Aarti at Raghavs place, in peals of laughter. My insides burnt.
I picked up a brochure in disgust. I took a blade from my shaving kit, cut out the
cover pictures of the IIT-selected students, and ripped them to shreds.

Bansal classes did not look like the small tuition centres run out of tiny apartments
inVaranasi.It resembled an institute or a large corporate office.I stood in the gigantic
lobby, wondering what to do next. Students and teachers strode about in a purposeful
manner, as if they were going to launch satellites in space.Like in many other coaching
classes in Kota, the students had uniforms to eliminate social inequality. You had rich
kids from Delhi, whose parents gave them more pocket money than my father earned in
an entire year.On the other hand, you had losers like me from Varanasi, who had neither
the cash nor the brains required to be here.
Equality in clothes didnt mean Bansal believed all students were equal. A class
system existed, based on your chances of cracking the entrance exam.
The person at the admissions office took my form. High performer? he quizzed.
I wondered how anyone could respond to such a question. Excuse me?
If you have more than 85 per cent aggregate in class XII, or if you have an AIEEE
rank up to 40,000, you get a thirty per cent discount, the bespectacled gentleman at the
counter explained to me.
I have 79 per cent. AIEEE rank 52,043, I said.
Oh. In that case you apply for full-rate programme, the admission officer said. I
didnt realise my AIEEE rank could directly translate into money.
Can I get a discount? I said, wondering if one could bargain here.
Depends on how you do in our entrance exam, the officer said and stamped my
form. He handed me a receipt-cum-admit card for the entrance exam.
Do I have to study for your entrance exam? I said.
What will you study in two days? Anyway, you dont look like such a bright
student going by your marks. My suggestion is to apply to other institutes, he replied.
Thanks, I will, I said.
The officer looked around to ensure nobody could hear us. My cousin has just
started an institute. I can get you a fifty per cent discount there, he whispered.
I kept quiet. He slipped me a visiting card: Dream IIT.
Why waste money? Course material is the same. My cousin is an ex-Bansal
faculty.
I examined the card.
Dont tell anyone, okay? he said.

I had similar experiences at other institutes. Walls covered with stamp-sized

pictures of successful JEE candidates, resembling wanted terrorists, greeted me
everywhere. I also realised that the reputed institutes kicked up a bigger fuss about
repeaters. After all, we had failed once, and institutes didnt want to spoil their
statistics. Top institutes claimed to send up to five hundred students a year to IIT. Of
course, the institutes never reveal that they enrol ten thousand students, out of which only
five hundred make it. This meant a low selection ratio of five per cent. However, the
JEE had an overall selection ratio of less than two per cent, and Kota institutes claimed
to beat it. The pre-screening of candidates could be the sole reason for the higher-thanaverage selection. However, students like me flocked from around the country anyway,
and queued up to submit the admission forms.
AimIIT and CareerIgnite had less people lining up. In fact, they gave me spot
offers. The latter even offered a twenty per cent discount.
The discount is applicable only if you sign up right now, not if you come again,
the aggressive salesman-cum-admissions in-charge told me.
But I have not decided yet, I protested.
You are appearing for Bansal, arent you? he said and gave me an all-knowing
look.
I kept quiet.
I am an ex-Bansalite, he said.
Is there anyone in Kota who is not? I said and left the institute.

Gopal! So nice to hear your voice, Aarti said. She recognised me in a second. It felt
good.

Go to hell, you dont care, I said.

Huh? How stupid. I do care. Firstly, do you have a number I can call?
Yes, I said and gave her my landlords number. But dont call a lot. He said no
more than twice a week.
So what? I will be the only one calling you, no? Aarti said.
Yeah. Anyway, hows life? I hate it here.
Is it that bad? Have you started studying? she asked.
No, I cant. It is hard to pick up the same books again. Maybe I will get motivated
after I join a coaching class.
I should have been there, I would have motivated you. She laughed.
Dont make such jokes.
You will be fine, Gopi. One more attempt. If you get through, your career will be
made.
I miss you, I said, less interested in useless things like my career.
Oh, she said, somewhat surprised by my shifting gears. I miss you too.
I have no one, Aarti, I said.
Dont say that. Baba is there. Raghav, me We talk about you a lot. Her voice
trailed off.
Why dont we become a couple?
Dont. Please dont start that again. We have discussed it enough, she said.
Why not? You say you miss me. You care for me. Then?
I care for you a lot. But not in that way. Anyway, we have to focus on our
respective careers. You are there, I am here.
If I had a girlfriend, at least I could talk to her. I feel so lonely, Aarti, I said.
Aww Gopal, you are homesick. Talk to me whenever you want. Or we can chat.
On the Internet? I had seen some cyber cafes around my house.
Yeah, make a Gmail ID. Mine is [email protected]. Invite me.
Flying Aarti. I laughed.
Shut up.
I laughed harder.
At least it cheered you up, she said.
Think about my proposal, I said.

There is no proposal. And now dont waste your money on calls. We can chat in
the evenings. Ill tell you about my life, and you about yours. Okay?
Okay. Hey, listen. Should I join a reputed but expensive institute or the upcoming
but cheaper ones?
The best you can get, always, Aarti said promptly. And now, bye. They are
calling me for dinner.

One week in Kota, andI had a few decisions made for me.One,I didnt clear the Bansal
exam.I could join their separate correspondence programme, which kind of defeated the
purpose of being in Kota. Resonance hiked its fees at the last minute.It became
unaffordable for me, soI didnt even write their entrance exam.I made it to the waitlist of
the Career Path programme.
Your chances are good. Many will join Bansal and Resonance, anyway, the
Career Path guy said.
Even the Career Path waitlist had value. AimIIT and CareerIgnite offered me a
thirty per cent discount.
You have calibre, the AimIIT person told me. You have cleared Career Path,
which shows your potential. Now study with us at a much cheaper price and clear the
exam.
You will be lost amongst the thousands at Career Path. At Ignite, you will be
special, said the ex-Bansalite running down another ex-Bansalites institute.
However, five days later Career Path told me I had made it. I handed the
accountant at Career Path a twenty-thousand-rupee draft with trembling hands.
This is the best investment you will make in your life, the accountant said.
I picked up the items required for the first term course material, ID card,
timetable, circulars and various worksheets required in the next three months. I also
collected three sets of the Career Path uniform. Wearing it made me look like a budget
hotel receptionist.
I walked out of the institute with the uniform in my hands.
Congratulations! A man in a black coat stopped me.
Hello, I said, not sure what else to say.
I am Sanjeev sir. They call me Mr Pulley here. I teach physics.
I shook his hand. Apparently, nobody could solve pulley problems in Kota quite
like Sanjeev sir. I soon realised there were subject experts across institutes in Kota.
Career Path had its own wizards. Mr Verma, who taught maths, had the moniker of
Trignometry-swamy. Mr Jadeja taught chemistry. Students affectionately addressed him
as Balance-ji. He had a unique method of balancing chemical equations. According to
rumours, he had tried to patent it.
I am Gopal, from Varanasi.
AIEEE programme? Mr Pulley said.
JEE also, sir.

Good. High potential? He referred to Career Paths internal classification of

students.
No, sir, I said and trained my gaze down. Once you get low marks, you learn to
lower your eyes rather quickly.
Its okay. Many non-high potential students make it. It all depends on hard work.
Ill do my best, sir, I said.
Good, Mr Pulley said and smacked my back.

I could call myself a true Kota-ite a month into moving there. Like thousands of other
students, my life now had a rhythm. Career Path resembled a school, but without the fun
bits. Nobody made noise in class, played pranks on one another or thought of bunking
classes. After all, everyone had come here by choice and had paid a big price to be here.
We had three to four classes a day, which started in the afternoon. In theory, this
allowed the current class XII students to attend school in the morning. In reality, the
class XII students never went to school. Career Path had an agreement with a
cooperative CBSE school, which had a flexible attendance policy. It was rumoured that
the CBSE school received a handsome kickback from Career Path for the cooperation
extended.
I hated the brutal Career Path schedule at first. Lectures started at two in the
afternoon and went on until nine in the evening. After that students rushed home to eat
dinner, and do the daily practice sheets, a set of ten problems based on the current
lesson. I usually finished by midnight. After a few hours of sleep I would wake up and
prepare for the next days classes. In between, I did household chores, such as washing
clothes and shopping for essentials. I went along with the madness, not so much because
of the zeal to prepare, but more because I wanted to keep myself busy. I didnt want
Kotas loneliness to kill me.
One night our classes ended late. I reached the cyber caf at nine-thirty, later than
my usual chat time with Aarti. To my surprise she was still online.
I typed in a message from my usual handle.
GopalKotaFactory: Hi!
FlyingAarti: Hey!! Guess what!
If girls got to set grammar rules in this world, there would only be exclamation marks.
GopalKotaFactory: What?
FlyingAarti: Im at the BHU campus. At their computer centre!!
GopalKotaFactory: How come?
FlyingAarti: Raghav joined college. He brought me here. He said I can

come and use the computer centre anytime.

GopalKotaFactory: Isnt it too late to be in his college? How will you get
back?
FlyingAarti: I have dads red-light car. Who will dare to mess with me?
GopalKotaFactory: How often do you visit Raghav?
I waited for her to type a message.
FlyingAarti: What sort of a question is that? Do you keep tabs on meeting
friends?
GopalKotaFactory: Just a friend, right?
FlyingAarti: Yes, dear. You should become a detective, not an engineer.
GopalKotaFactory: Hmmm.
FlyingAarti: I only came to see his campus. So, whats up with you?
GopalKotaFactory: I completed one month in Kota.
FlyingAarti: At least you dont refer to it as a godforsaken place anymore!
GopalKotaFactory: True. I am quite busy though. Mugging away. We even
had class tests.
FlyingAarti: You did okay?
GopalKotaFactory: In top fifty per cent. Not bad for such a competitive
class.
FlyingAarti: I am sure you will crack JEE this time.
GopalKotaFactory: Who knows? If I do, will you go out with me?
FlyingAarti: HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!!
GopalKotaFactory: ?
FlyingAarti: I like us how we are. And how is it linked to JEE? You are my
favourite!!!
GopalKotaFactory: Stop using so many exclamation marks.
FlyingAarti: Huh??!!!
GopalKotaFactory: Nothing. Anyway, I better go. Have to do my daily
worksheet.
FlyingAarti: Okay.
I expected her to ask me to chat for a few more minutes. Not just give me a bland okay.
She didnt even ask me if I had had my dinner
FlyingAarti: Did you eat dinner?
GopalKotaFactory: Not yet. Will do so when I get home.
FlyingAarti: Cool!

When girls are hiding something, they start speaking like boys and use expressions like
cool.
GopalKotaFactory: How about you?
FlyingAarti: Raghavs treating me. Only at his canteen though. Cheapo!
GopalKotaFactory: You still seem excited.
She did not respond. If someone stalls you on a chat, every minute seems like an hour.
She finally typed after five long minutes.
FlyingAarti: What?
I tried the waiting game on her. However, I could not last more than ten seconds.
GopalKotaFactory: Nothing.
FlyingAarti: Okay, anyway, Raghavs here. He says hi. I have to quickly eat
and head back home. Chat later then. Xoxo
I didnt know what xoxo implied. The xs were supposed to be hugs, and the os kisses.
I dont think Aarti meant them.
She logged out. I had twenty minutes of Internet time left. I spent them doing what
most guys who came here did surf the official IIT website or watch porn. I guess these
are the two things boys wanted most in Kota. At least the coaching centres could help
you get one of them.

On the eve of Aartis birthday I had finished three months in Kota. For the first time I

managed to reach the top twenty-five percentile in a class test. Balance-ji congratulated
me. My chemistry score had improved by twenty points. Mr Pulley didnt like my
average physics performance. Shishir sir, also known as Permutation guru, paused a few
extra seconds by my seat as my maths score had improved by ten per cent.
I kept my answer-sheet in my bag as I sat for the physics class. I looked around the
three-hundred-seat lecture room. Mr Pulley was speaking into a handheld mike, tapping
it every time he felt the class was not paying enough attention.
I still had a long way to go. One needed to reach at least the top-five percentile in
the Career Path class to feel confident about an IIT seat.
An IIT seat is not a joke, Mr Pulley said, even though nobody ever claimed it
was.
Increasing your percentile in a hyper-competitive class is not easy. You have to
live, breathe and sleep IIT.
The top twenty students in every class test received royal treatment. They were
called Gems, a title still elusive to me. Gems stood for Group of Extra Meritorious
Students. Gems comprised of ultra-geeks whod prefer solving physics problems to
having sex, and for whom fun meant memorising the periodic table. Career Path handled
Gems with care, as they had the potential to crack the top hundred ranks of JEE, and thus
adorn future advertisements. Gems were treated preciously, similar to how one would
imagine Lux soap officials treat their brand ambassador Katrina Kaif.
I had not come close to being one of the Gems. However, the top twenty-five
percentile felt good. I wanted to share this with Aarti. Also, I had told her Id be the first
one to wish her on her birthday.
I reached the STD booth close to midnight. I picked up the phone at 11:58 p.m. and
dialled her number. I got a busy signal. I tried again but couldnt get through. I made five
attempts but the line was still engaged.
Let other customers call, the shopkeeper said.
Fortunately, only one other person stood in line a student waiting to call his
mother in Guwahati to wish her a happy birthday. I waited patiently as he ended his call
at 12:05 a.m.
I rushed into the booth and called Aarti again. The line came busy. After several
attempts the shopkeeper gave me looks of sympathy. He told me he had to shut his shop
by 12:30 a.m. I tried calling many more times, at two-minute intervals, but to no avail.

I dont know why, but I decided to call Raghavs house. It being a Friday night I
knew Raghav would be home for the weekend. I hesitated for a second before I dialled
his number. Of course, if the phone rang so late the whole house would be startled.
However, my suspicions were right. The line was busy.
I tried Raghavs and Aartis numbers in quick succession. I could not get through
to either.
My good wishes for Aarti vanished as my excitement gave way to anger.
Why did Raghav have to wish her at midnight? And do birthday wishes take so
long?
The shopkeeper tapped my booth window. The police will harass me if I stay
open any longer.
Do you know where I can find an STD booth open? I said.
Railway station, the shopkeeper said. He switched off the lit sign.
No auto-rickshaw agreed to go to the railway station at a reasonable price at that
hour. If I ran I could cover the five-kilometre distance in half an hour.
I reached platform 1 of Kota station at 1:00 a.m., panting after my five-kilometre
jog. Even at this hour the station was bustling. A train arrived and the general-quota
passengers ran for seats.
I found an STD booth and called Aarti. This time the phone rang. I took a deep
breath. My temper was not something I was proud of. I wanted to keep it under check as
the birthday girl picked up the phone.
Hello? DM Pradhan spoke instead.
Hello, uncle? Uncle, Gopal, I blurted out, even though I should have probably
hung up. After so many attempts I had to talk to her.
Oh, yes. Hold on, he said and screamed for Aarti.
Aarti came close to the phone. I could hear her conversation with her father.
How much will you talk on the phone? Your friends keep calling, her father
grumbled.
Its my birthday, dad, Aarti said and picked up the phone.
Happy birthday, Aarti, I said, trying to sound excited.
Hey, Gopal! Thanks. Thats so sweet of you. You stayed up so late to wish me?
she said.
I also ran five kilometres and will walk back five more, I wanted to say but didnt.
Ive been trying to reach you for an hour.
Really? Aarti said.
Yeah, the line was busy. Who were you talking to? I wanted to be the first, I said.
Oh, my cousins, you know in the US? I have my aunt there, no?
Her voice sounded overtly casual. Aarti forgot I had known her for eight years. I
could sense it when she lied.
They spoke long-distance for an hour?
What one hour? I spoke to them for two minutes. Maybe I didnt place the phone
back properly. Leave it, no. How are you? Wish you were here.
Do you?
Yeah. Of course! I miss you, Aarti said, her tone so genuine that it was hard to

believe she had lied to me ten seconds ago.

If you had placed the phone incorrectly, who placed it back correctly now?
Gopal! Stop interrogating me. I hate this. It is my birthday.
And you lie on your birthday?
What?
Swear on our friendship that Raghav didnt call? I said.
What? Aarti said, her voice loud. Swear? How old are we, ten?
He called, no? You were speaking to him. Whats going on between you guys?
Its my birthday. Can you not make it so stressful?
You havent answered my question.
Its late. Dad is hovering around. Chat tomorrow on the net? After my college?
I have classes, I said.
Sunday. Lets chat on Sunday, around noon, okay?
Aarti, just be honest with me. I value honesty a lot, I said.
Of course. Okay, bye now. Dads giving me dirty looks. Honestly!
Bye, I said.
I walked back, trying not to cry.
Wait till Sunday, I consoled myself.

She never came online on Sunday. I spent two hours at the cyber caf. Noon became one,
and one became two. Theres only so much porn one can watch. I downloaded enough xrated clips to open a video library. I couldnt bear it anymore.
How hard was it to deliver on a simple promise? I had done nothing but wait for
Sunday to talk things out with her. She had suggested the time, not I. I wanted to vent my
anger, but had no outlet.
I kicked the CPU of the computer in frustration. The power went off.
What are you doing? The owner of the cyber caf came running.
Sorry, I have a temper problem. I am working on it, I said and rushed out.
I went to the STD booth. I called her home. Her mother picked up.
Good afternoon, aunty. Gopal here.
Hello, Gopal, Aartis mother said curtly. Her husband might be the DM, but she
had more attitude than him.
Aunty, is Aarti around?
She left early morning with Raghav for Kanpur.
Kanpur? I said, shocked. She had gone three hundred kilometres away from
Varanasi with Raghav.
Yes, some festival at IIT Kanpur. Raghav is in the debating team. Shes also
participating. Singing, I think.
Okay, I said, wondering what question to ask next to get more information.
Anything important? Aartis mother said.
Hell, it is important, aunty. I want to know if your daughter is having a scene.

Nothing urgent. Theyll come back tonight, right? The roads are not safe, I said.
Of course. Shes gone in the government car. With a security guard.
I wanted to post my own security guards next to Aarti.
Thanks, Aunty, I said.
Okay. You study. Then you can also be in a proper college and have fun like
Raghav.
Yes, Aunty, I said, reaffirming my commitment to join a proper college before I
hung up.
I checked my wallet. I had only hundred bucks left of my self-assigned monthly
allowance of a thousand bucks. The month of November still had ten days left. I scolded
myself for spending too much on calls.
One moment I told myself not to chase her. Let her call or mail back. However,
the next moment I could think of nothing but her. I had crazy mental conversations with
myself.
She couldnt be dating him. She said she is not ready for a relationship. If she
is, she will go out with me, Mr Optimist Gopal said.
However, Mr Pessimist Gopal did not buy it.
Okay, so Raghav has better looks. But Aarti is not so shallow. I have known her
for a decade, Mr Optimist-me argued.
Raghav also has better future prospects, Mr Pessimist-me said.
But would she choose a guy just on the basis of his JEE rank? She is a girl, not
a damn institute, said Mr Optimist-me.
She finds him funny, Mr Pessimist said.
She will even find jokers in the circus funny, Mr Optimist said.
My head hurt as the two morons inside would not stop arguing. Girls have no idea
what effect their wavering has on boys. I had to talk to Aarti. I wanted to shake her and
make her talk.
My temper flared again. I wanted to run to the Kota station and travel unreserved
to Varanasi. I couldnt think about Balance-ji or my percentile or the stupid Career Path.
If Raghav did anything with Aarti, I would fucking kill him.
I pressed the doorbell six times when I reached home.
Everything okay? uncle said.
Im not going to fucking kill myself, okay? Shouting helped release tension.
What? he said, shocked by my language.
Sorry, I said. You dont use f-words with your landlord.
I didnt sleep the whole night. I kicked myself for thinking about her so much.
She is a liar, ditcher and heartless person, I told myself fifty times.
She also happened to be someone I couldnt stop thinking about. Love, officially,
is nothing but a bitch.

10

We had a surprise test in class the next day which went badly. In the chemistry class

Balance-ji scolded me as I could not answer even a simple question. I didnt give a fuck.
I wanted to get hold of this girl.
I ran to a cyber caf after class. She wasnt online. I did not know what to do. It
would be way too desperate to call her again.
I had a horrible week at Career Path. My results slipped to the eightieth
percentile. Four-fifths of the class had done better than me. Career Path had a software
that picked out students with the maximum improvement or deterioration. I featured in
the latter.
This is not acceptable, Shishir sir, Permutation guru and partner in Career Path,
said.
Im sorry, sir, I said.
You are not in bad company, I hope.
I have no friends. There is no company, I said truthfully.
Get some then, Shishir sir said. You need some friends in Kota to cope.
I looked at Shishir sir. He seemed young and genuine. I know how hard it is. I am
a Kota product myself.
On Sunday I went to the cyber caf again. As usual, no email. However, she came
online in five minutes.
A part of me resisted. I initiated the chat anyway.
GopalKotaFactory: Hi.
She didnt respond for two minutes. I sent another hi.
FlyingAarti: Hi Gopal.
She had not called me Gopi. It did not seem normal.

GopalKotaFactory: Are you upset?

FlyingAarti: Im Fine.
A girls Im Fine, especially with capital F, is like an icebergs ahead sign for a ship.
GopalKotaFactory: Can we chat?
FlyingAarti: Only if you dont yell at me.
GopalKotaFactory: Im sorry I did that day.
I also wanted to add that she ditched me last Sunday on chat. I wanted to ask why she
went to IIT Kanpur with Raghav. However, if I came on too strongly she would give me
the silent treatment that could kill me. First and foremost, I had to get information out of
her.
GopalKotaFactory: You know my temper problem. I am working on it.
FlyingAarti: Its fine. Apology accepted.
I found it strange that I ended up saying sorry when she owed me an apology. Is it ever
the girls fault? The good thing about chatting on the internet is that you can control your
impulses. I took a couple of deep breaths and typed something neutral.
GopalKotaFactory: So, whats up?
When in doubt, stick to open-ended questions.
FlyingAarti: Not much. College is busy. Made some friends. Not many.
GopalKotaFactory: Any special friends?
I had placed a strategic smiley after the question. It hid my intense curiosity and anger.
FlyingAarti: Cmon, Gopi.
There, my nickname was back. Her mood had lightened.

GopalKotaFactory: Its okay. Tell me. You wont tell me? Your best friend.
FlyingAarti: I dont know. You get so upset.
My heart started to beat fast. I typed one character at a time.
GopalKotaFactory: Tell, tell. Lets hear it
I overdid the smileys just to make her feel comfortable enough to talk.
FlyingAarti: Well, there is someone special.
A rusted iron knife jabbed my chest. I fought the pain and typed.
GopalKotaFactory:
FlyingAarti: You know him.
GopalKotaFactory:
FlyingAarti: Very well, in fact.
GopalKotaFactory: Say who
FlyingAarti: Mr BHU, who else?
The knife was now slicing through my heart. I clenched my teeth hard.
GopalKotaFactory: Really?
Keep breathing, keep up the smileys.
FlyingAarti: Yeah. Hes mad. Mad stupid Raghav!!! He trapped me.
GopalKotaFactory: So you guys close?
FlyingAarti: Kinda.
I couldnt keep up the smileys anymore.
GopalKotaFactory: Kinda?

FlyingAarti: Shush. Dont ask all that.

GopalKotaFactory: Youve done it?
FlyingAarti: How cheap, Gopi. No, not yet.
GopalKotaFactory: Meaning?
FlyingAarti: Meaning almost Oh, dont embarrass me.
GopalKotaFactory: What the fuck?
FlyingAarti: Excuse me???
GopalKotaFactory: I thought you are not interested in that stuff.
FlyingAarti: What stuff?
GopalKotaFactory: You said friendship is all you wanted. With me. With
anyone.
FlyingAarti: Did I? I dont know. It just kinda happened.
GopalKotaFactory: How did it kinda happen? You just kinda removed your
clothes?
My temper had returned and taken over my remote control.
FlyingAarti: Watch your language.
GopalKotaFactory: Why? You someone pure or what? Behaving like a slut.
She didnt respond. I continued.
GopalKotaFactory: Can you tell me why? Because he has a JEE rank?
FlyingAarti: Shut up, Gopal. Its a very special bond between him and me.
GopalKotaFactory: Really? What makes it special? Did you give him a
blow job? Where? In his hostel or in Kanpur?
She didnt respond. I realised I had said too much. However, you cannot undo a line sent
on chat. And I did not want to fucking apologise again.
I kept waiting for an answer.
After three minutes a message flashed on my screen: FlyingAarti is offline.
I refreshed my screen. I had another notification: FlyingAarti is no longer a
contact.
She had removed me from her list.
You need to extend your time? the caf owner asked me.
No, that wont be necessary, not for a long time, I said.

The day Aarti cut off contact with me was the day I stopped doing my daily practice
sheets. I no longer went to the cyber caf either. Instead, I hung out every night at the
roadside Chaman chai shop near my house. Students, teacups in one hand and
worksheets in another, occupied the one dozen wooden benches. I didnt bring any
reading material to the shop. I sat there, killing hours, watching the crowd and nursing
cups of tea.
One day I ran out of money to pay for my order.
I am sorry, I said to Chaman, the shop-owner, I will bring the cash tomorrow.
Someone I didnt know stepped forward and handed the shopkeeper ten bucks.
Chill, the newcomer said to me.
Oh, thanks, I said.
Bansal? he said, as he collected the change.
Career Path, I said. Ill pay you tomorrow. I forgot my wallet at home.
Relax, he said and extended his hand. Im Prateek. From Raipur.
His stubbled face made him look more like an artist than an IIT aspirant.
Repeater? Prateek said.
I nodded.
Quitter, he said.
Whats that?
Tried Kota. Didnt work. Still hanging around here to get some peace.
I laughed. I had AIEEE 50,000. I think I may have a chance if I try again.
Do you want to? Prateek said.
I kept quiet. We sat down on the wooden stools outside the shop.
You look like you are on the verge of becoming a quitter, he said.
Im fine. A little low. The next installment at Career Path is due. My father
doesnt have much cash on him.
Go back, Prateek said. He lit a cigarette and offered it to me. I declined.
I cant. All his hopes are pinned on me. Hell borrow money and send it.
Prateek dropped his head back and blew smoke towards the sky.
I had reached the top twenty-five percentile, I said, to justify my existence in this
place.
Had reached? You are still doing the course, right?
I slipped in the past few weeks.
Why?
Nothing. I sipped my tea.
Prateek drained his cup and ordered another. Is it a girl? he said.
I dont even know you. Ill pay you your ten bucks. Stop probing, I said.
Chill, man, I am only making conversation. He laughed and patted my shoulder.
I kept quiet. Images of countless boat rides with Aarti passed through my mind.
How I rowed with my bare hands. How she used to massage my palms afterwards I
flexed my hands, remembering.
I hate her. But I miss her.
Prateek smoked two cigarettes without uttering a word.
It is a girl, I said grudgingly.

Left you? He grinned.

Never came to me.
Happens. We are losers. We dont get things easily. Marks, ranks, girls nothing
is easy for us.
Yeah, everyone takes us for a ride. From Kota classes to the bitch back home, I
said.
Bitch, eh? You seem like a fun guy. Prateek high-fived me.
I better go home.
We dont have a home. We are like people stuck in outer space. No home, no
school, no college, no job. Only Kota. He winked at me.
Prateek studied at Resonance, as a second-time repeater. He had become a quitter
the first time, and even now he had almost given up. We became friends, meeting at
Chamans every night.
One day the tea didnt seem enough. Mr Pulley had thrown me out of his class.
So what if he asked you to leave. Its not like a real college, Prateek said.
I fell asleep. Such a boring lecture, I said.
He laughed.
I gave them their bloody second installment today. Still they do this to me, I said.
Chill, we need more than tea today. Prateek stood up. We walked out of the
teashop.
Where are we going?
My place, he said.

Prateeks room didnt look like that of a hardworking repeater in Kota. Beer bottles
outnumbered books, cigarette butts exceeded pens. The walls had posters of scantilyclad women instead of Resonance circulars.
Youve really settled down here, I said.
I would if I could. My parents wont fund me here after this year, he said. He
took out a bottle of Old Monk from his cupboard. He poured the rum neat for me. It
tasted terrible.
What happens after this year? I said.
Nothing. Reality check for my parents. Both of them are teachers. Hopefully, the
passing of two years and half their life savings will make them realise that their son
cant crack any entrance exam.
You can if you work hard, I said and kept my drink aside.
No, I cant, Prateek said, his voice firm. The selection rate is less than three per
cent. Most of us cant crack these tests, basic probability. But who will drill it into our
parents heads? Anyway, finish your drink in one shot.
The rum tasted like some hot and bitter medicine. I forced it down my throat. I had
to get over Aarti. Sometimes the only way to get rid of an unpleasant feeling is to
replace it with another unpleasant feeling.

I asked for another drink, and then another. Soon, Aarti didnt seem so painful.
You loved her? Prateek said.
What is love?
Love is what your parents give you if you clear the IIT exam, he said.
We high-fived. I did I guess, I said after a while.
How long? He lit a cigarette.
Eight years.
Holy shit! Did you guys meet at birth in the hospital? Prateek said.
I shook my head. Over the next three hours I told him my entire one-sided love
story. From the day I had stolen her tiffin to the day she massaged my hand for the last
time, and until she finally logged out and removed me as a contact.
Prateek listened in silence.
So, what do you think? Say something, I said. To my surprise he was still awake.
You can talk a lot, man! He poured out the remaining rum for me.
Sorry, I said sheepishly. Did I bore you?
Its okay. Try to forget her. Wish her happiness with her JEE boy.
I cant forget her. I havent studied a day since she stopped talking to me.
Dont worry. You will get another girl. Everybody gets a girl. Even the last
rankers. How do you think India has such a large population?
Ill never marry, I said.
Then what? Marry your hand? Prateek burst out laughing.
Men are useless. They hide their inability to discuss relationships behind lame
jokes.
I better go, I said.
He didnt stop me. He lay on the floor, too tired to go to his bed. Dont lose your
grip, man, he shouted after me as I left his house.
Grip. Yes, thats the word. The trick to these entrance exams is that you have to get
a grip on them. You need a game plan. What are your strong subjects, which are your
weak ones? Are you working with the teachers on the weak areas? Are you tracking your
progress on the mock-tests? Are you thinking about nothing but the exam all day? Do you
eat your meals and take your bath as fast as possible so that you have more time to
study? If your answer is yes to all these questions, thats when you can say you have a
grip. Thats the only way to have a shot at a seat. Of course, you could be one of those
naturally talented students who never have to study much. But most of us are not,
courtesy our parents mediocre genes. Ironically, these same parents who donated these
dumb genes take the longest time to understand that their child is not Einsteins clone.
I had lost my grip. At least for the three months after Aarti cut me off. The spacedout Prateek became my new and only friend. I attended classes, though my hangover
made it difficult to understand Benzene structures or radioactive isotopes. I tried to do
my practice sheets, but could not focus. The teachers started to see me as a quitter and
stopped paying attention to me. I became a sucker-student, one of the no-hope kids who
are only kept around because they paid the coaching centre.
I had another problem to deal with. My expenses had increased, for I had to pay
for rum. Prateek treated me a few times, but after a while he asked me to pay my share. I

knew Baba had borrowed to pay the last installment and had no money. However, I had
little choice.
I dialled home from the STD booth one night.
Sorry, I didnt call last week, Baba, I said.
Its okay. You are studying hard, Baba said, his voice very weak.
Baba, there is a little problem, I said.
What?
I need some new books. They are supposed to be the best for maths.
Cant you borrow them from someone?
Hard to, I said. Everyone wants to keep theirs.
Baba paused. I kept quiet, trying to recuperate from uttering so many lies at once.
How much?
Two thousand. They are imported.
Okay.
Do you have the money, Baba?
Can I send it in a week?
How much loan did you take, Baba? I said.
Fifty thousand, he said. I sent you thirty, but needed some extra to repair the
roof.
What about your medical bills?
I owe twenty thousand to the hospital.
You will anyway borrow more, right?
Probably.
Send whatever you can. I will go now, it is an expensive call, I said, wanting to
end the ordeal as soon as possible.
You will get selected, no, Gopi?
Yes, yes, I will.
I kept the receiver down. I felt terrible. I resolved to study harder. I will get back
into the twenty-five percentile, and then the top five percentile. I decided to study the
entire night. However, I had a craving for rum first. My resolve weakened. I went to
Prateeks house and spent most of the night there. Nothing could motivate me to study.
Then came my birthday.

11

My birthday came five months after my arrival in Kota. I did not think of it as a

special day and planned to attend classes as usual. However, late night on my birthday
eve, Mr Soni knocked on my door.
Someone on the phone, asking for you. He sounded drowsy.
Who is it? I said, surprised. Baba?
A girl, Mr Soni said. And happy birthday, by the way.
Thanks, I said and picked up the phone. Who could it be? I thought. A teacher
from Career Path? Did I do something wrong?
Happy birthday, Gopal. Aartis wonderful words fell like raindrops on a hot
Kota afternoon. Emotions surged within me. I felt overwhelmed.
Aarti? I said. Uncontrollable tears ran down my cheeks.
So you still recognise my voice? I thought Ill play a guessing game. Can we talk?
Or am I disturbing you?
I had played out this scene of speaking with Aarti a million times in my head. I
thought I would be curt with her if she ever called me. Like I didnt care who she was.
Or I would pretend to be busy. Of course, all those mental dress rehearsals flew out of
the window. No, no, Aarti, I said. You are not disturbing me at all.
I had not felt better in months. Why did birthdays come only once a year?
So, doing anything special on your birthday? Aarti said.
Not really. Will go out for dinner with a friend.
Friend? Date, eh? she said in her trademark naughty voice.
Prateek. Its a guy, I said.
Oh, okay, Aarti said. Thats nice.
I am sorry about the chat the last time.
She kept quiet.
I shouldnt have said those things. But you cut off contact
Nobody has ever spoken to me like that.
Im sorry.
Its okay. Anyway, its your birthday. I dont want you to feel horrible.
Hows Raghav? I said, unable to control myself. More than anything, I wanted to
know their relationship status.
Hes great. Finished his first semester at BHU.
Must be mugging away.
No, not that much. In fact, he edits the campus magazine now. Keeps talking about

that.
Thats great, I said. She still hadnt told me about both of them. I did not want to
pry too much like the last time.
Hes a great guy, Gopal. You should see him, how much he wants to do for the
world.
I did not mind Raghav doing whatever he wanted for the world, as long as he left
one person in the world alone. I never said he is a bad person, I said.
Good. And I am happy with him. If you care for me as a friend, you should accept
that.
Are we friends? I asked.
I wouldnt be talking to you otherwise, right? she said.
I wanted to tell her she hadnt spoken to me for three months. However, girls get
extremely upset if you give them evidence contrary to their belief.
Yes, I guess, I said, and paused before I spoke again. So we can talk?
Yeah, as long as you dont make me feel uncomfortable. And
And what?
Accept Raghav and me.
Do I have a choice? I said.
Thats the point. I want you to accept it happily. I will be happy for you if you
find the girl of your dreams.
So thats it, Raghav is the man of her dreams.
The rusty knife returned to my gut. I wondered what to say. I do accept, I said
after a while. More than anything, I didnt want to lose touch with her again. My life in
Kota had become hell after she disappeared.
Cool. Because I miss you, she said, as a friend. She emphasised the last
qualifier.
Girls always leave subtle phrases as qualifiers, so you cant put them in a spot
later. Like if I told her, but you said you missed me, she would jump and say, but I
also said as a friend! as if we were in a court of justice. It is so hard to figure girls out. I
could bet even the Career Path Gems could not do it.
You there? she said, interrupting my chain of thought.
Yeah, I said.
Okay, I have to go. Happy birthday again!
Thank you, bye. Will speak to you or chat I said and paused.
I will add you back on chat, she laughed.
Sorry again, I said.
Dont be stupid, birthday boy. If you were here Id pull your cheeks, she said.
Thats it. She had done it again confuse me with a throwaway affectionate line.
Did she like me or not? Oh well, Raghav is her man, I reminded myself.
Chat soon, she said and hung up.
I felt so good that even the physics solutions guide on my desk looked kissable. I
wanted to study. I wanted to live.

Career Path would never know why I made it to the most-improved list once again. Aarti
had me go back to studies in a big way. Maybe it was her simple how was your day? in
our chats. I also liked to be accountable to her, and report back to her on how productive
the day had been. I told her about the equations taught in class, the feedback the teacher
gave me (especially the praise), and how I planned to study late into the night.
Deep down, I still wanted to impress her. I never gave up the idea of her having a
change of heart. Mr Optimist-me never gave up.
Maybe she will tell me on chat today how things arent working out with
Raghav, or how she connects with me so much better than with her boyfriend.
However, she never said such things, even though sometimes she came close.Once
she told me Raghav was a stubborn pest. She said it after Raghav had ditched her for a
movie date twice, because of a publication deadline for his college magazine.I couldnt
imagine any man skipping a chance to be with Aarti.I could skip my Career Path mocktest, let alone a stupid deadline for a stupid magazine. However,I didnt tell her this.I
knew my place;I, who could never compare myself to Raghav.
I chatted with her one evening and talked about my class performance.
GopalKotaFactory: So I reached 20th.
FlyingAarti: 20th what?
GopalKotaFactory: My percentile in class. This means 80% of the class did
worse than me. My best performance ever!
FlyingAarti: Wow! Cool!
GopalKotaFactory: Long way to go still.
FlyingAarti: You will get there, theres time.
GopalKotaFactory: Hardly. JEE and AIEEE are less than two months away.
FlyingAarti: Youll be fine.
GopalKotaFactory: I hope so. I had slipped in the middle of the course.
FlyingAarti: How come?
GopalKotaFactory: No reason as such. Lack of focus. Anyway, cant wait to
get out of Kota.
FlyingAarti: I know its been so long since I saw you. Miss you.
GopalKotaFactory: You do?
FlyingAarti: Of course. See, Raghav has ditched me for Chak de India all
week. If you were here, I could have seen it with you.
GopalKotaFactory: You will come for movies with me?
She didnt respond. I waited for five minutes.
GopalKotaFactory: ??
GopalKotaFactory: You there?

She didnt answer. I wondered if I had asked something inappropriate. My heart began to
beat fast. I wrote after five minutes.
GopalKotaFactory: Hey, you upset? I am sorry if I said something wrong
You dont have to
FlyingAarti: Hey, sorry
FlyingAarti: Boyfriend called to apologise. Hes finished his work. We are
going for the movie!!
GopalKotaFactory: Oh, thats great.
FlyingAarti: What were you saying wait. Of course, we can see movies
when you are back. Why are you sorry?
GopalKotaFactory: Nothing, I just felt
FlyingAarti: Relax. Okay, I have to go get ready.
GopalKotaFactory: Fine.
FlyingAarti: I better look smashing to get his attention. Else, hell be proofreading his articles on our date.
GopalKotaFactory: Okay. I better study too.
FlyingAarti: Two more months. Then we can all have lots of fun.
GopalKotaFactory: Yeah. Thanks.
FlyingAarti: Bye. Xoxoxo.
And FlyingAarti logged out.
I walked back home as slowly as possible. After all, I had nothing to look forward
to but books. I tried not to imagine both of them in a theatre, hand in hand. I debated if I
should be in touch with Aarti at all. However, I remembered the abyss I had fallen into
the last time. A few jabs at the heart are better than a complete nervous breakdown.

The Career Path instructors told us to go to sleep at 8:00 p.m. the night before the JEE
exam. In our last class we had motivational speeches. Balance-ji gave examples of
people ranging from Mahatma Gandhi to Muhammad Ali, people who never gave up and
won against all odds. I pumped my fist like Ali, and charged out of the institute like
Gandhi, to crack one of the toughest entrance exams in the world. On my way home, I
called the two people who I thought may want to wish me luck.
My best wishes are always with you, my Gopi. Tomorrow is your chance to make
your family name famous, Baba said.
Thank you, Baba, I said, keeping the call short.
I dialled Aartis number next.
Hello? a male voice surprised me. It did not sound like her father.
May I speak to Aarti, please, I said.

Sure, whos this? the voice asked.

Gopal.
Hi, Gopal. Its Raghav, the voice said.
I almost dropped the phone. Raghav? I said. I had not spoken to him in almost a
year.
You dont keep in touch, Gopal. Though its my fault too, Raghav said.
I didnt know how much Raghav knew about Aarti and me, in particular about our
showdown and the subsequent resumption of communication. I kept to a neutral tone and
topic. Hows BHU?
So far so good. Its like any other college. Just better facilities. How are you?
JEE tomorrow. You can guess.
I know. My college is a centre too. You didnt come here to take it?
I have classes until the last minute. Plus, my AIEEE final refresher starts
tomorrow.
Glad I am done with all that, man, Raghav laughed. Not unkindly, but I winced.
When someone refers to your weak spot even indirectly, it hurts.
Me too, hopefully soon, I said.
Youll crack it. Aarti tells me you are doing well.
So they do talk about me, I thought. Who knows? Depends on the paper. So much
of it is luck.
True, Raghav said.
We had an awkward nothing-to-say moment. It was his fault, as he forgot I had
called for Aarti.
So, is Aarti around?
Oh yes, hold on a second.
I heard her giggle. I wondered if Raghav had joked about me.
Hey! Best of luck, JEE boy, Aarti said.
Thank you. Need it.
I went to the Vishwanath Temple, Aarti said, to pray for you.
You did?
Yes. I dragged this lazy Raghav to take a bath and come along too, she said and
laughed again. We just came back Hey, Raghav stop stop Hold on, Gopal.
I paid long-distance to hear their private banter. I heard Aarti tell Raghav to stop
imitating her. But Raghav didnt seem to have anything better to do.
Hello? I said after sixty seconds.
Hey, sorry, Aarti said as she composed herself. Okay, now I have managed to
turn away from him. Gopi, you will go into the exam centre super-confident, promise?
Yes, I said, like an obedient child. I liked her maternal instinct with me.
I want you to feel that you can get whatever you want in life. Because I know you
can, Aarti said.
I cannot get you, I wanted to tell her. Still, I appreciated her boosting me up for the
big test. AIEEE ends, and I am on a train in the next four hours.
Yes, we are waiting too. Come back soon. When the results come out, we will
celebrate your victory together.

Only if I get in, I said.

Do not think like that. Believe you have already made it, Aarti said, for my
sake.
Her last phrase meant the world to me. Yes, I wanted to make it for her sake.

The city had changed, but the JEE exam centre in Kota gave me the same feeling as last
year. Parents came by taxi-loads and auto-loads. Some rich kids came in air-conditioned
cars. Mothers performed little pujas and rituals for their children, ironically, right before
they went in to show their mastery of science. I did not have anyone from my family
fussing over me. I didnt care. Tilaks on the heads and curd in the mouth didnt matter.
Once you went inside, you had to beat the hell out of the ninety-nine per cent of the half a
million students sitting for the exam across the country.
I had a good start. I solved the first few problems with relative ease. The middle
became tough. Some questions belonged to chapters taught during my drunken and
depressed phase in Kota. I got stuck on one problem. I thought I could solve it, became
possessed, and wasted ten minutes. I suppose I have a problem letting go. Ten minutes
are crucial in the JEE. I mentally kicked myself and moved on to the next problem. I
went on solving as many problems as I could before the dreaded bell rang.
The examiner snatched my paper away even as I begged him to let me write one
last answer. Leaving that one question could cost me five hundred ranks, but the JEE
had ended!
How did it go? Baba asked me in the evening.
I tried to be as honest as possible. Better than last time.
Good. But dont relax. Give your full attention to AIEEE.
I will, I said.
Aarti and I chatted briefly. She, predictably, reassured me about things. She had
term break in her college. Her parents had planned a family trip to the USA, to visit her
aunt.
Even if I cannot call or chat, I will email you from Chicago, she said. She did
send me a couple of mails wishing me luck for the AIEEE exam.
Aarti also wrote to me that Raghav had his vacation, and was interning at a local
newspaper.
So Raghavs dad is not too happy about his engineer-to-be son at the newspaper. I
say what is wrong with it? Aarti wrote in one of her emails.
As people took international holidays and indulged their passions, I took the
AIEEE. It went off smoothly, much better than the previous time. However, it is a speedbased test. You cant really tell if you did well as compared to others. One is lucky to be
able to attempt seventy per cent of the questions. I felt I had a much better shot than last
time. In any case, I submitted my answer-sheet and ran home to pack. I had a train to
catch. I had served my Kota sentence.
Prateek came to drop me at the station. He helped me place my heavy bags in the

compartment.
When are you going back to Raipur? I said.
Whenever they come fetch me, Prateek said cheekily and waved goodbye.

Varanasi
... I Love you Rachu ...

12

Only the sights and smells of Varanasi came to receive me at the station. I hadnt told

anyone about my arrival, hadnt wanted Baba to waste money on an auto-rickshaw to the
station. Hed told me that the loans and interest we owed totalled one and a half lakhs.
Loan sharks continued to charge interest at three per cent a month.
You join a good college, and the State Bank of India will give us a cheaper loan,
Baba had told me.
Even the filthy and crowded streets of Gadholia seemed beautiful to me. No place
like your hometown. More than anything, I wanted to meet Aarti. Every inch of Varanasi
reminded me of her. People come to my city to feel the presence of god, but I could feel
her presence everywhere. However, I had to go to Baba first.
I rang the doorbell at home.
Gopal! Baba exclaimed, hugging me with his weak arms.
I missed Varanasi, Baba. I missed home. I missed you.
The house appeared messier than before. I suppose Baba could only clean it so
much. I picked up a broom to sweep the floor.
Stop it, you have come after a year. What are you doing? Baba snatched the
broom from me.
We ate runny yellow dal and dry chapatis for lunch. Home-cooked food felt
delicious. My father had not spoken to anyone in a long time, so he talked with his mouth
full.
The case is going nowhere. Ghanshyam wont even show up for the hearing. I
think he feels I will die soon. It will be easier to resolve afterwards, anyway, he said.
What are you talking about, Baba?
Hes right. How much can my lungs take? He had a coughing fit even as he said
this.
Nothing will happen to you. Let me speak to the lawyer.
No use. I have no money to pay him. He doesnt take my calls anymore. Forget
about all this. When is your entrance result?
In one month, I said absent-mindedly, trying to decide if I should call Aarti first
or wash my hands.
I dialled her number with dal-smeared fingers.
Hello? she said.
Boat ride this evening, madam? I said.
Gopal! You are back? When did you come?

An hour ago. When do we meet? I said. This evening at the ghats?

Yes, sure, oh wait. No, I have to go to Raghavs college. You are welcome to
come along.
No, thanks.
Why not? He is your friend too.
I want to catch up with you first.
We will catch up on the way. Ill send dads car. Come, okay?
I had little choice. I didnt want to wait another day to see her.
Raghav wont mind?
He will be thrilled. Its his big event.
Event?
I will tell you when we meet. Wow, almost a year, right?
Three hundred and five days, I said.
Someones returned a geek. See you.

Theres a sense of power when you sit in a white government Ambassador car with a
red light on top. Traffic eases, policemen salute you for no reason, and you start to
wonder if civil services are where you should be.
The car took me to the DMs bungalow. Located in the posh Cantonment area, the
two-acre property had a serpentine driveway.
Tell Aarti madam I am waiting in the car, I told the driver.
I did not want to discuss Kota and the upcoming entrance exam results with her
parents.
Her pink salwar-kameez became visible at a distance. As she came closer, I saw
her face no make-up apart from the lip-gloss. I had not seen anything more beautiful in
three hundred and five days. I controlled my excitement as she opened the car door.
Hi, Aarti, I said.
Why so formal? Come here, Aarti said and hugged me. Her sequined dupatta
poked me in the chest while her scent went to my head. Raghavs college, she said to
the driver, and he understood.
So, hows life? Arent you glad to be back? she said.
Its my happiest day ever. I hope I never leave Varanasi again, I said fervently.
Unless it is for IIT, she said and winked at me.
I couldnt respond.
What? You will leave for an IIT, right?
I collected myself. Its not like I have anything in hand. Anyway, whats Raghavs
event?
Hes revamped the college magazine. Today is the launch of the new issue.
Is he even doing his BTech? I only hear about his magazine.
Aarti laughed. God, I had missed that laugh. I wanted to record it and play it on a
loop.

He is, she said and grinned again. Though I also call him the fake engineer.
How did his newspaper internship go?
Not bad. They didnt let him write much though. They found his articles she
searched for the right words, too radical and different.
We drove into the sprawling BHU campus. Manicured lawns and well-kept
buildings made it look like another country compared to the rest of Varanasi.
G-14 hall, Aarti instructed her driver.
We entered the five-hundred-seater auditorium, packed to capacity. A huge banner
of the new magazine cover flapped across the stage. Raghav had changed everything;
layout, look, content and even the title. The cover read BHUkamp, or earthquake. I
noticed the smart utilisation of the university acronym. The magazines tagline said:
Shake the world.
Aarti and I sat in the second row. The lights dimmed and music filled the hall. The
crowd roared in anticipation.
Raghavs backstage, Aarti told me. Too many loose threads to tie up. Hell meet
us later.
A group of ten students took the stage. They were covered head to toe in black
tights with skeletons painted on them. Ultra-violet lights came on and the skeletons
glowed.
Michael Jacksons Man in the Mirror filled the auditorium.
Im gonna make a change
For once in my life
The crowd roared in excitement as the skeletons performed an acrobatic dance.
The song continued.
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Is this a magazine launch or a dance show? I sniggered.
Entertain them first, grab their attention and then say what you want to say, Aarti
said.
Huh? I looked at her. Her face was bathed in the ultra-violet light.
Thats what Raghav says entertain and change.
I shrugged my shoulders. I turned around to look at the crowd. I wondered how
many of them had spent time in Kota. Statistically speaking, a third of them had come
from the city Id just left behind.
I couldnt help thinking: of all these seats in the hall, could I not get just one?
The skeletons finished their act. The crowd broke into applause. A tall man in a
black suit came on stage. Good evening, BHU, his familiar voice filled the hall.

Its Raghav, I said, stunned by the transformation. I had never seen him in a suit.
He looked like a rockstar. His toned body meant he made good use of the college sports
facilities. In comparison, I felt fat and old after a year in Kota.
Raghav began his speech.
This is not an ordinary college. You are not ordinary students. We cannot have an
ordinary magazine. Ladies and gentlemen, I present BHUkamp!
The spotlight fell on the magazine cover. The crowd cheered. Aarti clapped
loudly, her eyes fixed unblinkingly on the stage.
The world has changed. Our college, our city, our country need to change too,
Raghav continued. Who is going to change them? We are. It starts here. We will shake
the world.
The crowd cheered again, more at the enthusiasm in Raghavs voice than his
words.
Raghavs editorial team of students started to chant Bhukamp, Bhukamp on the
stage. The crowd picked up the chant.
We will print what nobody has the guts to print. Issues that affect us. No bullshit,
Raghav said.
The editorial team stepped off the stage and started distributing copies of the
magazine.
Raghav continued his speech. Our first cover story is about the state of our hostel
kitchens. Our secret team went and took pictures. Have a look at how your food is
prepared.
I flipped the pages of BHUkamp. There were pictures of cockroaches on the
kitchen floor, flies feasting on mithai and mess workers kneading dough with their feet. A
collective wave of disgust ran through the crowd.
Eww, Aarti said as she saw the pictures. I am never eating in BHU again.
BHUkamp will change our college for the better. These pictures have been sent to
the director, Raghav said. But dont think BHUkamp is only serious stuff. We have
loads of jokes, stories and poetry. We even have tips from dating to making of resumes.
Happy reading. Long live BHU!
The crowds applause continued for a minute after he left the stage.

Raghav pushed a stainless steel plate with two slices of bread towards Aarti. Butter
toast. It is clean, I promise, he said to her.
We had come to the BHU college canteen post-event. Aarti held the sandwich
gingerly.
Canteen is fine. Its the hostel kitchens that had a problem, Raghav said. And
they will clean it up after the issue. Eat, Gopal.
I had ordered a plain paratha. I nibbled at it. Raghav picked up Aartis sandwich
and fed her. She smiled. I burned.
What did you think of Kota? Raghav asked me. We have tons of people from

there.
If I get into a good college, Kota is great. If not, the worst place in the world.
You will be fine. You almost made it last year. Raghav tore his masala dosa with
his right hand. In his left hand was a copy of BHUkamp.
Youve changed, Raghav, I said.
How? He looked up.
This magazine and stuff. Why?
Why? I like it, thats why, he said.
Aarti didnt speak. She merely watched us talk. I wondered what went through her
head. Did she compare us? Well, I did not match up to Raghav. Except in the amount I
loved her. No man could love her like I did.
You dont come to a professional engineering college to edit magazines. People
work their ass off here to get a good job, I said.
Thats such a narrow-minded view. And what about the things around us? The
food being cooked in an unhygienic manner. Labs with outdated machines. Look at our
city. Why is Varanasi so dirty? Who is going to clean our rivers? Raghavs black eyes
were feverish.
Not us, I retorted. Sorting out our own life is hard enough.
Raghav picked up his spoon and pointed it at me. Thats the attitude, he said,
that Im here to change.
Oh, fuck off, I said. Nobody can change anything. Hostel workers are not going
to cook like your mother. And Varanasi has been the worlds dumping ground for
thousands of years. Everyone comes here to dump their sins. Does anyone give a fuck
about us residents, the people who deal with all the crap left behind?
Boys, can we not be so serious? Im bored, said Aarti.
I am just I said.
He wont listen. He is Mr Stubborn, Aarti said and tweaked Raghavs nose. A
shiver ran through me.
Raghav extended his hand and Aarti held it. She stood up and went to sit on his
lap.
Raghav became self-conscious as heads turned towards us. Engineering colleges
dont witness public displays of affection. People in love sometimes dont realise how
stupid they look to the world.
Stop it, Aarti, Raghav said, shifting her off his lap. What are you doing?
Pouting, she went back to her seat. Mr Editor, dont edit me out of your life,
okay? she said.
I felt like a voyeur sitting there. This was not how I wanted to meet Aarti. I wanted
to run away. Should we leave? I said to Aarti.
Sure, I have to be home before ten.
We finished our dinner and Raghav settled the bill.
Hows Baba? Raghav asked me.
Sick, I said. Worse since I left. I suspect hes hiding something.
What? Aarti said.
He needs an operation, but will not admit it. Hes trying to avoid more expense.

Thats ridiculous, Raghav said.

Yes, we had an offer to sell the disputed land years ago. Even at the throwaway
price we would have covered expenses.
Its your land. Why should you sell it cheap? Raghav said.
Baba will be happy to hear you, I said.
The driver started the car as he saw us approach. The headlights lit up the parking
lot.
Get into the car, Gopal. Ill be back in a second, Aarti said.
I waited in the car. Though I vowed not to look out, I couldnt help but take a peek.
Through the tinted glass I saw both of them walk behind a tree. They embraced. Raghav
lowered his head as he brought his face close to hers. I thought I would vomit.
She was back in five minutes. Did I take too long? she asked gaily.
I kept quiet. I didnt make eye contact. She signalled the driver to leave.
Nice evening, no? Aarti said.
I nodded.
Isnt the campus beautiful? she said as we left the BHU gates.
We sat in silence. The car stereo played music. A Kailash Kher song about a bird
with broken wings that would never fly again played in the car. The song talked about
dreams being broken to pieces, and yet urged the listener to smile in gods name.
I glanced at her face sideways a couple of times. Her lip-gloss had vanished.
Despite my best efforts not to, I couldnt but imagine them in more intimate situations.
You okay? Aarti said.
Huh? Yeah, why? I said.
Why so quiet?
Thinking about Baba.
She gave me an understanding nod. But she could never understand that losers,
even if they do not have a brain, have a heart.

13

Weeks passed, and the day of the results came closer. Baba seemed even more

anxious than me. One night when I went to give him his medicines, he asked, When are
the results?
Next week, I said.
IIT?
A week after that, I said.
If IIT happens it will be amazing, no? Baba said, his eyes bright.
I covered him with a blanket. Baba, did the doctor say you need an operation?
Doctors want more business these days, what else? he said.
Should we ask Ghanshyam taya-ji to give us whatever he wants for the land? I
said.
No use. He wont listen. Anyway, what will I do with an operation at this age?
You never listen, Baba. I shook my head and switched off the light.

It isnt the end of the world, Gopal. It isnt. She reached out for my hand. Say
something.
Aarti had invited me home on the day of the AIEEE results. She had an Internet
connection and, despite my insisting otherwise, didnt want me to see the results all on
my own.
I remember everything about that moment. The red and black embroidered
tablecloth on the computer table, the noisy fan above, the various government trophies
that belonged to her father, the black colour of the laptop, and the screen that showed my
rank.
44,342, it said irrevocably next to my roll number.
After one whole year of cramming courses that I hated, staying in a dusty city all
alone, and putting my father irretrievably in debt, I had only reconfirmed I am a
failure.
I didnt react. I didnt cry, I didnt feel anger, fear, frustration, anything. I
remember Aarti hovering around, talking to me. However, I couldnt really comprehend
her words.

I stood up like a zombie.

Are you okay? Aarti shook me. She, me, the PC, the world, everything seemed to
be in slow motion. What about JEE? she was saying.
Will be worse. My paper did not go well.
She fell silent. What could she have said, anyway?
I have to go, I said.
Where will you go? she said, asking me the most important question. Yes, where
could I go? Home? And tell Baba he had wasted all his borrowed money on me.
Ill come home with you. I can talk to Baba.
I shook my head.
Are you sure? she said.
I didnt respond. I couldnt. I hurried out of her house.

Where had you gone? Baba said as he opened the door.

I went straight to my room. Baba followed me.
You dont want to see your AIEEE result? he said.
I kept quiet.
You said it comes out today.
I didnt respond.
Why arent you speaking?
I looked into Babas anxious eyes.
I have bad news, I said.
Baba spoke in a hushed voice. What?
The worst has happened.
What?
I shrugged my shoulders.
When are the AIEEE results out?
They are out, I said and walked into the living room.
And? Baba followed me and stood right in front of me.
I turned my gaze down. Baba waited for a few seconds.
Slap! I felt my right cheek sting. For his age and strength, my father could strike
quite a blow. He had hit me for the first time in more than ten years. I deserved it.
How? Baba said. You did nothing in Kota, right? Nothing.
Tears filled my eyes and my ears buzzed. I wanted to tell him that I spent nights
doing assignments, sat through classes all day, improved my percentile. I had had a
decent chance to make it. A few marks are all it takes to fall behind ten thousand ranks.
I didnt say anything. I cried like a child, as if my remorse would make him feel
better.
How do we return the money? Baba said, turning to practical matters faster than I
thought.
I had improved my rank,I wanted to tell him. The teachers at Career Path had told

meI had potential. Yes,I did get distracted for a little while, and maybe that was whyI
hadnt made it. Anyway, not everyone in Kota had made it. Most students of Career Path
had not made it.In fact,Vineet, the boy fromVaranasi who went before me to Kota, hadnt
made it either. But allI showed Baba was my sullen face.
What are you thinking? Do you have any shame? he said and went into a
coughing fit. His body shook, he found it hard to balance.
Sit down, Baba, I said as I moved forward to hold him. His body felt warm.
Dont come near me. He pushed me away.
You have fever, I said.
Guess who gave it? he said.
I didnt know what to say or do. I didnt even find myself worthy enough to fetch
his medicines from the other room. I had to let him be. When you screw up someones
life, the least you can do is leave the person alone.

I have gone through it all. You must be so fucked, Vineet said to me.
We sat on the steps of Assi Ghat, close to the pier. I had arranged a secret meeting
with Vineet. I did not know him too well. I had only exchanged some emails with him
before I left for Kota. But he seemed an ideal companion right now. Yes, Aarti kept in
touch, asking me about my well-being and even going on boat rides with me. Yet, I had
nothing to say to her. I thought about jumping into the Ganga and ending my life. Raghav
was someone I avoided automatically now. I did not want reassurance from an IT-BHU
guy, especially someone who did not even seem to care about his degree.
Vineet, an ordinary guy like me, was someone I felt comfortable with. He had
joined a private engineering college. So I can tell people I am doing BTech, Vineet
said and laughed. Just avoid the college name. Anyway, it is unknown to most people.
I collected a few pebbles from the ghat steps and sent them skipping on the holy
river.
You will be fine, dude, Vineet said. Never completely fine, but at least better
than right now.
How did you choose among the private colleges? I said. There were dozens of
them, with new ones opening every week.
I went to a career fair. I asked around. RSTC seemed slightly better than others. I
dont think theres much difference.
Whats RSTC? I said.
Riddhi Siddhi Technical College. The owners have a sari business with the same
name.
Oh, I said, trying to make a connection between saris and education.
Quite a backward name, no? So we say RSTC, sounds cooler. Vineet grinned.
Do you get a job afterwards?
If you are lucky. Sixty per cent placements. Not bad.
Forty per cent students dont get placed? I said, shocked. This could be worse

than Kota, to finish your degree and get nothing at the end of it.
The stats are improving every year. Plus, you can manage some job. There are
call centres, credit card sales. Be open-minded and things work out.
Finish engineering and join a call centre?
Dude, dont be so shocked. We, like millions of other students, are the losers in
the Great Indian Education Race. Be happy with whatever you get. Of course, if your
parents are rich, do an MBA after BTech. Another shot at a job.
And if not? I said.
Vineet said nothing. Exasperated, I threw all the pebbles into the Ganga. Like lowranked students, the stones sank and disappeared without a trace.
Hey, dont be mad at me. I didnt make the system. Vineet patted my shoulder.
The longer you sit idle, the worse you will feel. The dream is over. Join a college, any
college, at least you will be with other students.
Other losers, I said.
Dont look down upon your own kind, Vineet said.
He had a point. I am sorry, I said. How much does your BTech cost?
One lakh a year for four years, including hostel.
Fuck, I said. Thats many years of salary a job would pay, if there is a job at the
end of it.
I know. But your parents pay the fee. And they get to brag to everyone their son is
becoming an engineer. You are free for the next four years. Think about it, not a bad
trade.
We have no money, I said flatly.
Vineet stood up. That, my friend, is going to be an issue.
Leaving? I said.
Yeah, campus is twenty kilometres out of Varanasi. Cheer up. You have seen life
at its most fucked-up stage. It only gets better from here.
I stood up and brushed the dust off my trousers. I dreaded going home. Baba had
not spoken to me for three days.
We walked through the narrow Vishwanath Gali to reach the Gadholia main road.
Theres a career fair at Dr Sampooranand Sports Stadium in two weeks, Vineet
said. Go, maybe you will find cheaper colleges.
There is no money. We are neck-deep in debt, I said.
Well, no harm in paying a visit. You can get a discount, especially from the new
ones, if you have a decent AIEEE rank.

I walked back home. The one-hour walk in the fresh air made me feel better temporarily.
I should not talk to Baba about expensive private colleges, I thought. Maybe I should talk
to him about me making money in a job rather than spending more. First, I would have to
end his sulking though.
I went to his room. He was lying in bed.

I want to get a job, Baba. Let me make some money before I decide about
college.
He didnt say a word. I continued, I understand you are upset. It is justified.
There is a Caf Coffee Day opening in Sigra. It is a high-class coffee chain. They want
staff. Class XII-pass can apply.
I only heard the slow whirr of the fan in response.
Ive applied. I wont be working in a coffee shop forever. But they pay five
thousand a month. Not bad, right?
Baba kept quiet.
If you remain quiet, I will assume you are okay with it.
Baba continued to mope silently despite my provocative comment. I wanted him to
scold, yell, anything, and end this silence.
I leaned over him. Baba, dont punish me like this, I said. I held his arm to shake
him. It felt limp and cold. Baba? I said again. His body felt stiff.
Baba? I said again. It finally dawned on me: I had become an orphan.

14

Ease of cremation is one solid advantage of being in Varanasi. The death industry
drives the city. The electric crematorium at Harishchandra Ghat and the original, and
still revered, Manikarnika Ghat burn nearly forty-five thousand bodies a year, or more
than a hundred corpses a day. Only little children and people bitten by cobras are not
cremated; their bodies are often dumped straight into the river. Kasyam maranam
mukti, goes the Sanskrit saying, which means dying in Kashi leads to liberation. Hindus
believe that if they die here, there is an automatic upgrade to heaven, no matter what the
sin committed on earth. It is amazing how god provides this wild-card entry at death,
which in turn allows my city to earn a living.
Specialist one-stop shops provide you everything from firewood to priests and
urns to ensure that the dead person departs with dignity. Touts on Manikarnika Ghat lure
foreigners to come watch the funeral pyres and take pictures for a fee, thereby creating
an additional source of revenue. Varanasi is probably the only city on earth where Death
is a tourist attraction.
But for all my citys expertise in death, I had personally never dealt with a dead
body in my entire life, let alone that of my father. I did not know how to react to Babas
still body. I did not, or rather could not, cry. I dont know why. Perhaps because I was
too stunned, and emotionally drained out. Perhaps I had few emotions left after mourning
my second entrance-exam disaster. Perhaps I had too much work related to the funeral.
Or perhaps it was because I thought I had killed him.
I had to organise a cremation, then a couple of pujas. I didnt know who to invite.
My father had very few friends. I called some of his old students who had kept in touch.
I informed Dubey uncle, our lawyer, more for practical reasons than anything else. The
lawyer told Ghanshyam taya-ji. My uncle had sucked my fathers blood all his life.
However, his family now offered unlimited sympathy. I found his wife, Neeta tayi-ji, at
my doorstep. She saw me, extended her arms and broke down.
Its okay, tayi-ji, I said, extracting myself from the bosom hug. You need not
have come.
What are you saying? Husbands younger brother is like a son, she said.
Of course, she did not mention the land she stole from her son.
When is the puja? she asked me.
I have no idea, I said. I have to get the cremation done first.
Who is doing that? she said.
I shrugged my shoulders.

Do you have the money to do a cremation at Manikarnika? she said.

I shook my head. The electric one at Harishchandra Ghat is cheaper, I said.
What electric? It is broken most of the time, anyway. We have to do a proper one.
What are we here for?
Soon, Ghanshyam taya-ji arrived with the rest of his brood. He had two sons and
two daughters, all dressed in rich clothes. I didnt look like their relative at all. After my
uncle arrived, they took over the cremation. They called more kith and kin. They
arranged for a priest, who offered a ten-thousand-rupee package for the cremation. My
uncle bargained him down to seven. It felt macabre to bargain for a funeral, but someone
had to do it. My uncle paid the priest in crisp five-hundred-rupee notes.
Twenty-four hours later I lit my fathers firewood-covered body at Manikarnika
Ghat. Even though he had died, I felt the fire must hurt him. I remembered how he would
dress me up for school when I was a child, comb my hair Smoke rose from the pyre
and tears finally welled up in my eyes. I began to sob. Aarti and Raghav had come to the
funeral. They stood with me, condoling in silence.
Half an hour later most of the relatives had left. I watched as the flames ate up the
wood.
I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around. Two muscular men with paan-stained
lips stood behind me. One of them had a thick moustache curved upwards.
Yes? I said.
The moustached man pointed his finger at the pyre. Are you his son?
I am.
Come aside, he said.
Why? I said.
He owed us two lakhs.

Ghanshyam taya-ji wants to offer three lakhs? I said to Dubey uncle, shocked.
He flipped through the document he had prepared for me. You sign here, you get
three lakhs. Loan sharks are after you. They are dangerous. I am trying to help you.
I examined the document. I didnt really understand it. Three lakhs is too low.
They offered ten lakhs ages ago, I said.
Thats right, ages ago. When your father didnt take it. Now they know you cant
do anything. And you need the money.
I kept quiet. Dubey uncle stood up. I wondered whose side my lawyer represented
anyway.
I realise it isnt an easy time for you. Think about it, he said.

I attended the career fair held in a giant tent put up in the Dr Sampooranand Sports

Stadium.
Vineet had urged me to go. Meet my friend Sunil there. He is the event manager of
the fair and knows all the participants.
I entered the main tent. Hundreds of stalls made it resemble a trade expo. Private
colleges around the country were trying to woo the students of Varanasi. Members of
managing bodies of colleges stood with smiling faces. Banners inside the stalls
displayed campus pictures like real estate projects. In cases where parts of the college
building were under construction, the pictures were an artists rendition.
Once complete, this will be the best campus in Uttar Pradesh, I heard one stallowner tell a set of anxious parents. He skipped the part about how during construction
students would have to study in makeshift classrooms surrounded by concrete mixers.
Loud posters proclaimed college names along with emblems. Names varied, but
were often inspired by gods or grandfathers of rich promoters.
Select faculty and students from each college greeted us with glossy brochures of
their institute in these stalls. Everyone wore suits and grinned like a well-trained flight
crew. Hundreds of loser students like me moved restlessly from one stall to the next.
Seventy per cent of the stalls comprised of engineering colleges. Medical, hotel
management, aviation academies and a few other courses like BBA made up the rest.
I reached the Sri Ganesh Vinayak College, or SGVC, stall at noon the designated
place and time to meet Sunil.
I picked up the SGVC brochure, with its smiling students on the cover. The boys
seemed happier and the girls prettier than the JEE toppers in the Kota brochures. The
back cover of the brochure carried praise for the facilities and faculty of the institute,
enough to make an IIT director blush. Inside the booklet I found a list of the programmes
offered. From computer science to metallurgy, SGVC offered every engineering course.
I read through the entire brochure. I read the vision and mission statements of the
founders. I read the colleges philosophy on education, and how they were different.
Other career fair veterans grinned as they walked past me. I seemed to be the only
person actually reading the document.
Sunil found me at the stall for the Sri Ganesh Vinayak College, deep in study.
Gopal? he said tentatively.
Huh? I turned around. Sunil?
Sunil gave me a firm handshake. Stubble and sunglasses covered most of his face.
He wore a purple shirt and tight black jeans with a giant silver buckle. What the hell
are you doing? he asked straight off.
Reading the brochure, I said.
Are you stupid? Go to the fees and placements page. See the average salary,
check the fee. If two years income pays the cost, shortlist it, else move on.
What about teaching methods? Learning
Fuck learning, Sunil said and snatched the brochure from my hand. I found his
mannerisms and language rather rough. He borrowed a calculator from one of the
students at the stall. See, tuition fifty thousand, hostel thirty thousand, lets say twenty
thousand more for the useless things they will make you buy. So you pay a lakh a year for
four years. Average placement is one and a half lakhs. Fuck it. Lets go.

But I was still doing the calculations.

Move on. There are a hundred stalls here.
We went to the next stall. The red and white banner said Shri Chintumal Group of
Institutes, NH2, Allahabad. A small map showed the college location, thirty kilometres
from Allahabad city.
I cant go to a college called Chintumal, I said.
Shut up. You never have to say your colleges name, anyway. Sunil picked up a
brochure. Within seconds he found the relevant page. Okay, this is seventy thousand a
year. Final placement one lakh forty thousand. See, this makes more sense.
A fat man in his forties came to us.
Our placement will be even better this year, he said. I am Jyoti Verma, dean of
students.
I had never expected a dean to sell the college to me. He extended his hand. Sunil
shook it purposefully.
Yes, your fees are also lower than theirs, I said and pointed to the Sri Ganesh
stall.
Their placement numbers are fake. Ours are real, ask any of our students, Jyoti
said.
He pointed to his students, three boys and two girls, who had worn suits for the
first time in their life. They smiled timidly. I browsed through the campus pictures in the
Chintumal stall.
A man from the Sri Ganesh stall came to me. He tapped my shoulder.
Yes, I said.
Mahesh Verma from Sri Ganesh. Did Chintumal say anything negative about us?
I looked at him. Mahesh, in his forties and fat, looked a lot like Jyoti Verma.
Did they? Mahesh said again.
I shook my head.
You are considering Chintumal? he said.
I nodded.
Why not Sri Ganesh?
Its expensive, I said.
Whats your budget? Maybe we can help you, he said.
What? I said. I couldnt believe one could bargain down college fees.
Tell me your budget. I will give you a ten per cent discount if you sign up right
now.
I turned to Sunil, unsure of what to say or do next. Sunil took charge of the
situation.
We want thirty per cent off. Chintumal is that much cheaper, Sunil said.
They dont even have a building, Mahesh said.
How do you know? I said.
Hes my brother. He broke off and started his own college. But it has got bad
reports, Mahesh said.
Jyoti kept an eye on us from a distance. Yes, the brothers did resemble each other.
We dont care. Tell us your maximum discount, Sunil said.

Come to my stall, Mahesh signalled us to follow him.

Stop, Jyoti barred our way.
What? I said.
Why are you going to Sri Ganesh?
He is giving me a discount, I said.
Did you ask me for a discount? Did I say no? Jyoti said, his expression serious. I
had never seen a businessman-cum-dean before. Mahesh bhai, please leave my stall,
Jyoti said in a threatening tone.
Hes my student. We have spoken, Mahesh bhai said and held my wrist. Come,
son, whats your name?
Gopal, I said as Jyoti grabbed my other wrist. But please stop pulling me.
The brothers ignored my request.
I will give you the best discount. Dont go to Sri Ganesh and ruin your life. They
dont even have labs. Those pictures in the brochure are of another college, Jyoti said.
Sir, I dont even know I said and looked at Sunil. He seemed as baffled as
me.
Shut up, Jyoti! a hitherto soft-spoken Mahesh screamed.
Dont shout at me in my own stall. Get out, Jyoti said.
Mahesh gave all of us a dirty look. In one swift move he ripped off the Chintumal
banner.
Jyotis face went as red as his college emblem. He went to the Sri Ganesh stall
and threw the box of brochures down.
I tried to run out of the stall. Jyoti held me by my collar.
Wait, I will give you a seat for fifty thousand a year.
Let me go, I panted.
Mahesh returned with three people who resembled Bollywood thugs. Apparently,
they were faculty. They started to rip out all the hoardings of the Chintumal stall. Jyoti
ordered his own security men to fight them.
As I tried to escape, one of Sri Ganeshs goons pushed me. I fell face-down and
landed on a wooden table covered in a white sheet. It had a protruding nail that cut my
cheek. Blood covered one side of my face. Sweat drops appeared on my forehead. I had
finally given my blood and sweat to studies.
Sunil helped me up. I saw the blood on the white sheet and felt nauseous. A crowd
had gathered around us. I did not say anything and ran out. I left the stadium and
continued to sprint down the main road for two hundred metres.
I stopped to catch my breath and heard footsteps as Sunil jogged towards me.
Both of us held our sides and panted.
Fuck, Sunil said. Lucky escape.
We went to a chemists where I applied some dressing on my cheek.
Come, I will take you to CCD. It opened last week, Sunil said.

We walked to Caf Coffee Day at IP Mall, Sigra. Sunil bought us two cold coffees with
a crisp new hundred-rupee note. I could live on that cash for a week.
What was that? They own a college? I said.
It is the Verma family from Allahabad. They are into country liquor. Now they
have opened a college.
Why? I said.
Money. Theres huge money in private colleges. Plus, it enhances their name in
society. Now they are noble people in education, not liquor barons.
They behaved like goons.
They are goons. Brothers had a fight, college split and now they try to bring each
other down.
I cant do this, I said.
Dont worry, we will get you another college. We will bargain hard. They have
seats to fill.
It scares me to even think of studying at these places. Liquor barons running
colleges?
Yeah, politicians, builders, beedi-makers. Anybody with experience in a shady
business does really well in education, Sunil said. He picked his straw to lick the cream
off.
Really? I said. Shouldnt academicians be opening colleges? Like exprofessors?
Are you crazy? Education is not for wusses. Theres a food chain of people at
every step, Sunil said. He jiggled his leg as he spoke to me. He took out his mobile
phone. Cellphones had started to become common, but they still counted as a status
symbol.
Sunil called someone who seemed to be in a crisis. Calm down, Chowbey-ji.
MLA Shukla-ji has blessed the fair. Yes, it is closing time. Give us two more hours
Hold on. Sunil turned to me. Events business, always on my toes, he said to me in an
undertone. Mind if I step out? Ill be back.
Sure, I said.
I sat alone with my drink. I scanned the crowd. Rich kids bought overpriced
doughnuts and cookies to go with their whipped-cream coffee.
Two men in leather jackets came inside CCD. I recognised them from the funeral.
I shifted sideways on my seat to avoid them. However, they had already seen me. They
walked up to my table.
Celebrating your fathers death? said one. His muscular arm kept a cup of chai
on the table.
I dont have the money right now, I said in a soft voice.
Then we will take your balls, said the person with the moustache. He gripped a
can of Coke in his right hand.
Except they are not worth a lakh each, the teacup goon said. They laughed.
Sunil returned after his call. He was surprised to see the new guests.
Your friends? he said.
I shook my head.

His fathers, said the teacup guy.

I have seen you Sunil said.
This is our town. We are everywhere, the Coke guy said.
You work for MLA Shukla-ji, dont you? Sunil said.
None of your business, the teacup guy said, his voice a tad nervous.
I saw you at his house. Hi, Im Sunil. I am a manager at Sunshine Events. We
work with MLA Shukla-ji a lot. Sunil extended his hand.
After a few seconds of hesitation, they shook Sunils hand.
Your friend owes us money. Hed better pay up soon. Or else. The teacup guy
paused after or else, partly for effect but mostly because he didnt know what to say
next.
Sunil and I kept quiet. The moustache goon tapped the table three times with his
bike key. After a few more glares they left.
I let out a huge sigh. Fear had flushed my face red. I dont need college. Id be
dead soon anyway, I said.
You okay? Sunil said. Let me get some more coffee.
Id have preferred he gave the extra money to me instead of more coffee, but kept
silent. Over my second cup, I gave Sunil a summary of the story so far my childhood,
Kota, my failure, Babas death.
Sunil placed his empty cup on the table with a clink. So now you have loans. And
no source to pay them? he summarised.
My home, maybe. But it is not worth much. And I wont have a place to live in
after that.
And the property dispute?
I had mentioned the property dispute to Sunil in brief. I had not given him specific
details. Thats an old dispute, I said, surprised Sunil caught on to it.
What property is this?
Agricultural land, I said dully.
Where? he said.
Ten kilometres outside the city.
Sunils eyes opened wide. Thats quite close. How big is the land?
Thirty acres. Our share is fifteen acres.
And what does your uncle say?
Nothing. He wants the full thing. It is a mess. Many papers are forged. The case
has been going on for twelve years. I finished my beverage. So yes, Im fucked. Maybe
they can sell my house and recover the money. Thanks for the coffee.
I stood up to leave.
What will you do? Sunil said, still in his seat and pensive.
I will join a shady part-time college and take whatever job I can get.
Wait, sit down, Sunil said.
What? I sat down.
Ill suggest something to you. And I will help you with it as well. But I need a cut.
A big cut.
Cut? I said. Cut of what, my fucked-up life?

So, ten per cent. Done? Sunil said.

Of what?
Of whatever you make. Ten per cent equity in your venture.
What venture? I said, exasperated.
You will open a college.
What?!
Relax, Sunil said.
Do you take bhang like the sadhus on the ghat? I said. How else could I account
for his hallucinations?
See, you have the land. Thats the most important part. Land close to the city, he
said.
I dont have it. The case has been dragging with no end in sight.
We can fix that.
We? Who? And it is agricultural land. You can only grow crops there. Its the
law, I said.
There are people in our country who are above the law, Sunil said.
Who? I said.
MLA Shukla-ji, he said.
Shukla who?
Our MLA, Raman Lal Shukla. Youve never heard of him? Sunil said.
You mentioned him earlier on the phone, I said.
Yes. I have done twenty events with his blessings. How else could I get city
authority approvals? I personally take his cut to him. I will take you too. For my own
cut, he said and winked at me.
Cut?
Yes, cut. Ten per cent. Forgot already?
What exactly are you saying?
Let us meet Shukla-ji. Bring whatever property papers you have.
You serious?
Do I look like someone who is not serious? Sunil said.
I saw his gelled hair and the flashy sunglasses perched on his head. I reserved my
opinion.
You want me to open a college? I havent even been to college, I said.
Most people who own colleges in India havent. Stupid people go to college.
Smart people own them, said Sunil. Ill set it up for next week. And remember.
What?
He snapped his fingers. My ten per cent.

15

Aarti and I went for a long boat ride. Her green dupatta flew backward in the early

morning breeze. Decided what to do next? she asked.

I am exploring private engineering colleges.
And?
Too expensive and too shady, I said.
I paused to rest. The boat stood still in the middle of the river. I wondered if Aarti
would come and sit next to me to massage my palms. She didnt.
So? What next? Aarti said.
A correspondence degree and a job.
What about the loans?
Manageable. Baba settled most of them, I lied. I did not want to burden her with
my woes and spoil my time with her.
Good. Dont worry, it will work out. She got up to sit next to me. She took my
hand in hers and, as if thinking of something else, began to crack my knuckles.
You are happy with Raghav, right? I asked.
I hoped she wouldnt be, but was pretending like I wanted her to be.
Oh yes. She looked at me with shining eyes. Raghav is a good person.
I withdrew my hand. She sensed my disappointment.
I never said hes not. I looked away.
You cool?
Yeah, I said and managed a fake smile. How is he, anyway?
Told his parents he wont take up engineering as a profession. They arent too
happy with that.
Hes an idiot. What will he do?
Journalism, she said. He loves it. Thats what he is meant to do. He wants to
change things. Hes also joined university politics.
Totally stupid, I said. I picked up the oars again. Aarti went back to her seat.
We kept silent on the ride back. The splash of oars in the water was the only sound
breaking the silence. Aartis hair had grown, and now reached her waist.I saw her
eyelashes move every time she blinked. The dawn sun seemed to light up her skin from
the inside.I avoided looking at her lips.IfI looked at themI wanted to kiss them.
She belongs to someone else now, even your limited brain should know that. My
head knew this, but my heart didnt.
Why did we grow up, Gopal? Aarti said. Things were so much simpler earlier.

I had never been to an MLAs house before. We reached Shukla-jis sprawling bungalow
in the Kachehri locality at three in the afternoon. Police jeeps were parked outside and
security guards surrounded the entire property. Sunil introduced himself at the gate, and
later we were let in.
Several villagers sat in the front lawn, awaiting their turn to meet the MLA. Sunil
had said MLA Shukla stayed alone. His family mostly stayed abroad as his two sons
went to college there. Filled with party workers, MLA Shuklas home resembled a party
office more than a residence.
Sunil had brought along Girish Bedi, an experienced education consultant. I had
a rucksack full of property documents and court-related papers. Guards checked my bag
three times before we reached the MLAs office.
A middle-aged man in a crisp white kurta-pyjama sat behind an ornate, polished
wooden desk. Despite a slight potbelly, for a politician Shukla-ji could be considered
handsome. He gestured at us to sit as he continued to speak on his cellphone.
Tell the scientist that Shukla wants to see the report first. Yes, I have to see it. Its
my Ganga too. Yes, okay, I have a meeting now, bye.
The MLA sifted through the files on his desk as he spoke to us.
Sunil, sir. Sunshine Events. W we do career fairs, Sunil said, the stammer in
his voice in sharp contrast to his confidence in the outside world.
Tell me the work, Shukla-ji said.
Land, sir, Sunil said.
Where? How much? Shukla-ji said. His eyes stayed on his files as his ears tuned
in. Politicians can multitask better than most people.
Thirty acres, ten kilometres outside the city on the Lucknow Highway, Sunil said.
The MLA stopped his pen midway. He looked up at us.
Whose? he said. He closed his files to give us his full attention.
Mine, sir, I said. No idea why I called him sir. I am Gopal Mishra. I opened my
rucksack and placed the property documents on the table.
And you? Shukla-ji said, turning to Bedi.
Education consultant. He helps design and open new colleges. Our own person,
Sunil said.
New college? Shukla-ji said.
It is agricultural land, sir, Sunil said.
You can obtain permission to convert agricultural land to educational use, Bedi
spoke for the first time.
You look young, Shukla-ji said to me. Who are your parents?
They died, sir, I said.
Hmmm. Whats the problem? Shukla-ji said. His finger traced the location of the
land to the centre of the city.
My uncle, I said.

This is right near the upcoming airport, Shukla-ji said, as he made sense of the
map.
Is it? I said.
Shukla-ji picked up his intercom. He told his staff not to disturb him until this
meeting was over.
Gopal, tell me everything about the land dispute, Shukla-ji said.
Over the next hour I told him my entire story. And the fact is I even owe your men
two lakhs, I said as I ended my monologue.
Would you like tea? Soft drink? Shukla-ji said.
I shook my head.
You owe money to my men? Shukla-ji said.
No sir, not your men, Sunil said and stamped my foot. Bedi sir, tell him your
view.
I did not realise that the loan sharks operate with the MLAs blessings, but denied
any overt links with him.
Ideal engineering college site, sir, Bedi said. His share of fifteen acres is
enough.
Why fifteen? When there is thirty, why would we take fifteen? Shukla-ji said.
I felt overwhelmed with emotion. For the first time in my life a powerful person
had shown support for me. I missed out that he said we.
Sunil gave me a smug smile. He had brought me to the right place.
Fifteen is enough, sir, I said, not sure how we would get even that.
Thirty. Keep the remaining for later. It is close to the city Once the college
opens and the airport is built, we may even get residential or commercial zoning,
Shukla-ji said.
I didnt really understand what he said but I figured he knew more than me.
Besides, he seemed to be on my side.
But how will we get this? I said. My uncle had been sitting on the property for
years.
You leave that to us, Shukla-ji said. You tell me this, can you run a college?
Me?
Yes, because you will be the face and name of the college. I will be a silent
partner, he said.
But how? I said. I have no experience. I have no money.
Mr Bedi will give you the experience. I will give you the money for construction
and everything else.
I am missing something here. Why had the world suddenly decided to help me?
Whats the catch?
Sunil understood my dilemma.
Shukla-ji sir, if you could tell him your terms. And of course, whatever you feel
is good for me, Sunil said and gave an obsequious grin.
I dont want anything. Open a college, it is good for my city, Shukla-ji said.
Nobody believed him. Yet, we had to indulge him. Sir, please, Sunil said, that
wont be fair.

Ill think about my terms. But tell me, boy, are you up to it? Shukla-ji looked at
me. I think I grew older by ten years under that gaze.
I hid my hesitation as much as possible. How about we get the land and just sell
it? I said.
It is tough to sell the land with all the past cases, Shukla-ji said. It is one thing
to get possession for you, quite another to find a new buyer.
Exactly. The cases, how do we fix them? I said.
Shukla-ji laughed. We dont fix cases. We fix the people in the cases.
The MLA had laughed, but his eyes showed a firm resolve. He seemed like the
kind of guy who could fix people. And more than acquiring the land, I wanted to teach
my relatives a lesson.
If you can fix them, you can take whatever share you want, I said.
Fifteen acres for me, Shukla-ji said. I will keep it until the area gets re-zoned to
commercial or residential. We will make the college in the other fifteen.
How much ownership in the college do you want? I said.
Whatever you want. College is a trust, no profit there, Shukla-ji said with no
particular expression.
Really? I said, surprised.
It is true, Bedi spoke after a long time. Every college must be incorporated as a
non-profit trust. There are no shareholders, only trustees.
Why would a private player open a non-profit college? I said.
Bedi took a deep breath before he proceeded to explain. Well, you take a profit.
The trustees can take out cash from the trust, showing it as an expense. Or take some fee
in cash, and not account for it. Or ask a contractor to pay you back a portion of what you
pay them. There are many more ways
Bedi continued speaking till I interrupted him. Wait a minute, arent these illegal
methods?
Everyone fell silent.
Shukla-ji spoke after a while. I dont think this boy can do it. You have wasted
my time.
Bedi and Sunil hung their heads in shame. I had let them down with my curiosity
about propriety.
I am sorry, I am only trying to understand, I said.
What? Bedi said, his tone irritated.
Are you telling me that the only way to make money from a college is through
illegal methods? Sorry, I am not being moral, only questioning.
Well, Bedi said, you are not actually supposed to make money.
So why would anybody open one? I said.
For the benefit of society, like us politicians, Shukla-ji said.
Everyone but me broke into laughter. I guess the joke was on stupid, nave me.
Listen, Gopal, Sunil said, that is how the rules are. They are stupid. Now you
can either figure out a way around them, or remain clueless. There has to be a trust, you
and Shukla-ji sir will be trustees. Bedi will explain everything.
Bedi gave me a reassuring nod. Yes, the man knew the system, and how to bend it.

Mr Bedi, also explain to the boy not to question legality much. Education is not
the business for him then, Shukla-ji said.
Of course, Bedi smiled. Shukla sir, taking money out of the trust is the least of
the problems. What about all the permissions and approvals required? Every step
requires special management.
So thats what the boy has to do. I am not visible in this. I am only the trustee, to
benefit society, Shukla-ji said.
Do what? I said.
Dont worry, I will explain it, Bedi said. You need Varanasi Nagar Nigams
approval for the building plans, AICTE approval for the college. There are inspections.
Everyone has to be taken care of. It is standard.
Bribes? I said.
Shh! Shukla-ji reprimanded. Dont mention all this here. You do your
discussions outside. Leave now.
We stood up to go.
Stay for a minute, Gopal, the MLA said.
Yes? I said after Sunil and Bedi had left the room.
Will you do what it takes? Shukla-ji said, I dont want to waste my time
otherwise. Tell me now if you want to quit.
I paused to think. Its not easy, I admitted.
It is never easy to become a big man in life, Shukla-ji said.
I kept quiet.
You want to be a big man, Gopal?
I continued to look down. I examined the black and white patterns on the Italian
marble floor.
Or you want to remain an average kid while your friends race ahead of you.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. I looked up to make eye contact with him.
You have a girlfriend, Gopal?
I shook my head.
You know why? Because you are a nobody.
I nodded. The memory of Aarti and Raghav kissing each other passionately in the
BHU car park flashed through my mind. If I had made it to BHU and Raghav had gone to
Kota, would her decision have been different? I saw Shukla-ji. Every inch of him felt
wrong. But he offered me a chance. A job, an admission, a fucking chance, that is all one
needs in life sometimes.
Ill do it. It isnt like I am the only guy in India paying bribes, I said. But I want
to be big.
Shukla-ji stood up. He came around his desk and patted my back. You are already
a big man, he said, because you have me behind you. Now go, and leave your harami
uncles details with my secretary outside.
What about the money I owe your people, I said.
Two lakhs? Its a joke for me, forget it, Shukla-ji said. He went back to his desk
and opened a drawer. He took out two bundles of ten-thousand rupees and tossed them at
me. One for Sunil, the other for you, he said.

Why for me? I asked.

For running my college, Director sir. He grinned.

16

I accepted Shukla-jis ten thousand bucks, if only to pay for basic necessities. I allowed

myself one indulgence I took Aarti out for dinner to Taj Ganga, the most expensive
restaurant in town.
Are you sure? Aarti asked again, as we entered the coffee shop at the Taj. We
could always eat chaat at the ghats.
She wore a new full length, dark blue dress her relatives had sent from the US.
She had matched it with fake, understated gold jewellery purchased from Vishwanath
Gali.
My treat, I said.
The waiter pulled out a chair for Aarti. She thanked him as we sat down. Aarti
wanted to watch her weight but eat chocolate cake too. We decided to have soup and
salad for dinner so we could save calories for dessert.
She stirred the hot soup with a spoon. Sorry, but how did you get the money for
this? Baba left you a huge will?
I laughed. No, he left me loans.
Then?
I am starting a new business.
Smuggling? Aarti inclined her head to one side.
Shut up. I am opening a college.
What? Aarti said, loud enough for the entire place to hear.
Sorry, she whispered. Did you say you are opening a college?
Yeah, on my disputed land.
How? Isnt the land stuck? And how will you make the college?
I have partners. Good partners.
Who? Aarti said.
Ill tell you. We are finalising plans.
Really? Aarti said. Oh, so you are serious?
Yeah, it is fifteen acres right outside the city. If we settle the dispute and get rezoning done, it is ideal for a college, I repeated Bedis words.
Wow, Aarti said and chuckled. You are hitting the big time, Gopal.
She meant it as a joke, but it hurt a little. Why? You didnt think I could?
No, I didnt mean that, Aarti said. I am just surprised.
I have to do something in life.
Sure. You will do more than something. What about your uncle?

We are trying to reach an amicable settlement with him, I said.

Shuklas men, who handled the loan-shark business, had initiated the settlement
process with Ghanshyam taya-ji. Amicable is not the word one could use to describe
their methods.
They had visited my uncles house thrice. The first time they emptied a bottle of
goats blood in his front balcony. The second time they stabbed all the sofas and beds in
the house with an assortment of knives. The third time, when they finally spoke, they
brought out guns and proposed to buy off my uncles share of disputed land for eight lakh
rupees.
I did not want to give Aarti all these extra details.
What kind of college? she said.
Engineering.
Cool, Aarti said.
If I want to be a big man, I have to do big things, I said.
You were always a big man to me, Gopal. You know why?
Why?
Because you have a big heart. Aarti lightly stroked my hand on the table.
My heart, big or small, skipped a beat at her touch. I quickly launched into small
talk. How are things with you? Hows college?
B-o-r-ing. But I am joining an aviation academy.
Whats that?
They train you to become a flight attendant. The classrooms look like the interiors
of a plane.
Really? I mused, There is so much happening in education.
Yeah, most of us only get to be students. Not everyone can open a college, she
teased.
I smiled. Long way to go. Its difficult, I said.
You have faced more difficult things in life before. You will make it, Aarti said
confidently.
You think so? I said.
She nodded. Her nod meant the world to me. I wanted to ask her to date me again.
Somehow I thought with my new college plan she might be inclined to say yes. Of
course, only my brain comes up with such flimsy theories.
Hows Raghav? I asked, to bring myself back to reality.
A bit low, actually, she said.
I felt a warm glow. Really? Why? I expressed fake concern.
He lost university elections for general secretary.
Oh, I said. Does it matter?
It did to him. He lost because he wouldnt horse-trade with other hostels. He
wanted to fight fair.
Im not surprised he lost, I said, spearing a carrot.
He believes one has to be fair and win. Else, what is the point of winning? Aarti
said.
Life doesnt work like that, does it? I said, chewing slowly.

I dont know. That is how it should work, Aarti said. Hes going to contest again
next year.
Doesnt he do too much? I said.
Oh yeah, between his BTech course, magazine and elections, he hardly has any
time for me.
And you like that?
No, but I have no choice. If it makes him happy, so be it.
We finished our dinner. The chocolate cake arrived. Her eyes lit up. She pulled the
plate towards herself. Dont steal my cake, she said and grinned.
Raghav is such a lucky guy to have you, Aarti, I said.
Thanks, she said and gave a shy smile.
Aarti, can I ask you something?
Yeah? She looked at me, her spoon poised above the cake.
Nothing, leave some cake for me if you can, I said and signalled for the bill.

The doorbell woke me at midnight. I rubbed my eyes and reached for the door, still half
asleep. My uncle, aunt and their son, my thirty-year-old cousin Ajay, stood outside.
Ghanshyam taya-ji? I said. What happened? Please come in.
My relatives sat on the torn sofa in the front room. They didnt speak for five
minutes.
You have not come so late because you missed me, right? I said.
Why are you doing this to us? Ajay exploded.
Doing what? I said. Do you want water? Tea?
No, my uncle said. Gopal, pay attention to your karma. God is watching. You
will have to pay one day. Do not do this to us.
Do what? I said. And why had they come at this time of the night?
Bittoo hasnt come home from nursery school, my aunt said and burst into tears.
This time they seemed real, unlike the crocodile ones at Babas funeral.
They had come home because Bittoo, Ajays four-year-old son whom I had seen
only once (in his mothers lap, at my fathers funeral), was missing.
Oh, that is terrible, I said. And this is about my karma?
Its those people, who want to buy the land, my uncle said. We know they are
with you.
What are you talking about? I said.
My uncle folded his hands. Dont do this to us, he said.
I am not doing anything. Some people came to me to buy the land too. But I told
them I cannot sell it, I said.
Really? Ajay said.
How can I? Its disputed, right? I said.
But the people who came to us dont want to buy. They want us to settle the bank
cases, settle the dispute and give it all to you, uncle said.

Thats strange. So now the question is do you value the land more or Bittoo?
Correct?
Shut up, Ajay said. We know it is you who wants to buy it.
I dont have money to buy food. How can I buy land? I scratched my head.
Who are these people? my uncle said.
I dont know. You can go to the police, I said, but they sound like crooks.
Avoid the police, my aunt said.
They can do anything. Bittoo is a little, young thing, it wont be difficult to hide
his body. Anyway, it is Varanasi, dead bodies are easy to dispose of, I said.
Ajay jumped up from the sofa and grabbed my collar. I know you are involved.
Your father was straight, you are not, he said, his eyes wild.
Leave my collar, brother, right now, I said in a calm but firm tone.
Ajays mother tugged at her sons hand. Ajay released me.
What are they offering? I said.
Eight lakhs, my uncle said.
Thats not bad, I said.
Thats a fraction of the market price.
But more than double of what you offered me, I said.
You are involved. Ajay glared at me.
Go home, taya-ji, and think it over. We all love Bittoo more than the land.
Why is this happening to us? my aunt exclaimed at the door.
Its all karma. Taya-ji will explain it to you. I smiled as I shut the door.

It took three nights without Bittoo to make my relatives realise the value of the eight-lakh
offer. I received a call from the MLAs office when Mr Ghanshyam Mishra and Mr Ajay
Mishra signed the papers.
Sharma here, PA to Shukla-ji, the caller said. MLA sahib has invited you for
dinner tonight.
Cheers, Shukla-ji said as we clinked our whisky glasses together.
Bedi, Sunil and I sat with him in his huge living room. It had three separate seating
areas with plush velvet sofas, coffee tables and elaborate lamps and chandeliers. Three
waiters served kebabs, nuts and mini-samosas in napkin-lined china plates. I noticed
pictures of Shukla-jis family on the wall.
Nikhil and Akhil, my sons, Shukla-ji said. Both are studying in the US. Will
keep them away for a while.
Some said Shukla-ji was divorced. Others said he had another family in Lucknow.
I didnt feel the need to know.
Land is a big step, Bedi said grimly. But theres a long way to go. We are
meeting the VNN people next week. Meanwhile, we should take care of the trust
formalities.
Bedi explained how VNN, or the municipality, would give us the crucial

agricultural-to-educational land re-zoning permit and clear plans so we can commence

construction.
Get the re-zoning done soon. Ive not paid eight lakhs for the land to grow rice,
Shukla-ji said.
We will, Bedi said. They know who is behind this. You are not a small entity,
sir.
That is true, Shukla-ji said in a dismissive tone to Bedi for stating the obvious.
But we have to take care of VNN, no?
Yes, of course, Bedi said. Its re-zoning. The land value multiplies five times.
Not cheap.
How much? Shukla-ji said.
Of course, the rate is different for you. Id imagine ten lakhs.
What? Shukla-ji said, shocked.
Bedi finished his drink in a large sip. Its thirty acres, sir. For a normal person it
would be forty.
See, that is why people like me have to come to education. What is happening in
this country? Shukla-ji said.
DM has to bless it too. But Pradhan is honest. However, if it is for a college, and
VNN recommends, he will approve it, Bedi said.
How honest? Shukla-ji said.
Honest enough to not take money. But not so honest that he will stop others from
taking it.
Thats good. If you are honest, keep it to yourself, Sunil said, speaking for the
first time that evening.
Sunil, Shukla-ji said.
What, sir?
You leave now. I will send something for you. But we will take care of this
project from now, Shukla-ji said.
Sir, but Sunil said.
You have done your job, Shukla-ji said and handed him a bottle of Johnnie
Walker Black Label.
Sunil took the cue. He thanked him for the bottle, bowed as much as the human
spine allowed and left.
I know DM Pradhan, his daughter is a friend, I told Shukla-ji.
Not much of an issue there. Still, good to have his blessings, Shukla-ji said.
Sure, I said.
Shukla-ji went inside his bedroom. He returned with a heavy plastic bag. He gave
it to me.
Whats this? I said.
Ten lakhs, he said, for VNN.
Ten lakhs? I said. My hands trembled as I held the heavy bag. I had never seen,
or lifted that much money.
Its just a number, the MLA said. Bedi-ji, help the boy. And help yourself too. I
dont like empty glasses.

Sure, Shukla-ji, Bedi said and called for the waiter.

Are people in education happy with money or they want other stuff too? Shuklaji asked Bedi.
Like what? Bedi asked.
Girls, if they want to have a good time. I have a man, Vinod, who can arrange
that, MLA Shukla said.
Oh, will let you know. Money usually does the job though, Bedi said.
Good. He changed track. Can Gopal work from your office for a while? Until he
has his own?
Of course, Shukla-ji.
The waiters ran to refill our glasses.
The trust papers are ready. We can sign them this week. But one question, Gopal,
Bedi said.
What? I said.
Whats the name of the college? Bedi said.
I hadnt thought about it.
I have no idea. Maybe something that signifies technology.
And our city, Shukla-ji said. Let me tell people I did this for them when the time
comes.
GangaTech? I said.
Shukla-ji patted my shoulder. Well done. I like you, Gopal. You will go very far.
Shukla-ji personally filled my glass to the brim with whisky.

17

I flipped through the documents Bedi had plonked on my desk. I sat in an extra room at

his education consultancy office.

Pay to incorporate a trust? I said.
Yes, to the Registrar of Companies. Every trust has to be registered there, Bedi
said.
But why pay a bribe? We are opening a non-profit trust, I said.
We are paying a bribe because if we dont the Registrar will stall our approval.
He was irritated.
I sighed in disbelief.
Anyway, forty thousand maximum. Now, can you please sign here? Bedi said.
Over the next two hours I signed on every page of the six copies of the forty-page
GangaTech Education Trust incorporation document. I cracked my knuckles while Bedi
hunted up some more stuff for me to sign.
Whats this? I said when he handed me a stack of letters. Each letter had a thick
set of files attached to it.
Your application to the University Grants Commission, or the UGC, to open a
college. The files contain details about the proposed college.
I went through the files. It had sections such as course descriptions, facilities
offered and faculty hiring plan.
It is standard stuff, taken from earlier applications, Bedi said.
I signed the letters. So, they send an approval or what? I said.
They will send a date for inspection of the site. Once they inspect, they will give
you an in-principle approval to start construction.
I imagine we have to pay somebody to clear the inspection? I said.
Bedi laughed. You learn fast. Of course, we pay. A thick packet to every
inspector. However, right now we pay to obtain an inspection date. First things first.
My eyebrows went up. Joking, right? I said.
No, any government work, especially in education, requires a fee. Get used to it.
He then listed out the palms we had to grease in order to open a place to teach kids in
our country. Apart from the UGC, we had to apply to AICTE, or the All India Council
for Technical Education. They clear the engineering colleges. Also, every private
college requires a government university affiliation. For that, we had to get approvals
from the vice-chancellor of a state university. Shukla-jis connections and a generous
envelope would do the trick.

Otherwise the vice-chancellor can create a lot of hassle, Bedi said, speaking
from past experience.
So, who are these UGC and AICTE inspectors, anyway? I said.
University lecturers from government colleges are appointed as inspectors. Of
course, since it is such a lucrative job, the lecturers have to bribe to become one, Bedi
said.
Whom?
Senior management at UGC, or someone in the education ministry. Anyway, that
is their business. We have to focus on ours. Please inform Shukla-ji we will need funds
for all this.
I nodded.
Dont forget the VNN meeting, Bedi said. And definitely dont forget the bag.
I cant wait to get rid of it, I said. It is scary to keep so much cash in the house.
Dont worry, Bedi said. One VNN visit and it will all be gone.

We reached the Varanasi Nagar Nigam office, opposite Shaheed Udyaan, at six in the
evening. The official had told us to come after working hours. If you are willing to pay,
government offices can do more overtime than MNCs.
Welcome, welcome. I am Sinha, a man greeted us in the empty reception area.
He led us upstairs. We climbed up two floors of the dilapidated building. Sinha, deputycorporator, had known Shukla-ji for over a decade and referred to him as his brother.
If my big brother wants it, consider it done, Sinha said. He didnt mention that
big brother would need to give little brother a gift.
I took out the maps, property documents and our formal application. Sinha pored
over them with a sonorous hmmm.
We can only start when we have the land re-zoned, I said.
Re-zoning is tough, Sinha said. Higher-ups have to approve.
How long will it take? I said.
You look young, Sinha said.
Excuse me? I said.
Impatience, the first folly of youth. You are opening a college, what is the hurry?
Its still going to take years. But I want to get all the approvals done, I said.
Bedi signalled me to be quiet. Sinha laughed.
Dont you have to get the building plan approval too? the deputy-corporator said.
Yes, Bedi said. Can your junior officers handle that?
Send the documents to me, send everything home. Everything, Sinha said,
stressing the last word.
I got the drift. I patted the plastic bag I had kept on the floor.
I have brought something here, I said.
In the office? Sinha stood up hurriedly. Are you crazy?
I had brought the money to show how serious we were about getting the job done.

Obviously, I didnt expect him to take cash over the counter.

Bedi sir, teach him how it is done. He will be a disaster, Sinha said, as he led us
out of the office.
I hugged the heavy, red plastic bag closer.
How much, by the way? Sinha enquired as we came outside.
Ten, I said.
Not for re-zoning and building plan, Sinha said.
Its a college, please be reasonable, I said.
I am being reasonable. But ten is too less. Fifteen, Sinha said.
No concession for Shukla-ji? I said.
This is already half of what I take, Sinha said.
Eleven? I said. I was bargaining with him as if I was buying a T-shirt. Of course,
the thought of the amount involved numbed me.
Twelve and a half. Done! Do not embarrass me before my big brother, Sinha
said.
I didnt argue further. I had to make arrangements for the remaining cash.
You are a good bargainer, Bedi said to me while dropping me off at Shukla-jis
residence.

You smash it, said Shukla-ji, handing me a coconut at the entrance of the college site. A
crowd of his sycophants surrounded us.
The bhoomi pujan ceremony marked the beginning of construction. I had run
around for three months to obtain the two dozen approvals to make this day possible.
The UGC and AICTE in-principle approvals had finally arrived. The final inspections
would be conducted when the college was ready to open. For now, we had permission
to begin construction.
The only other thing we needed were gods blessings. Fortunately, that didnt
require a bundle of cash.
I held the coconut in my hand and looked around. Aarti hadnt arrived.
Do it, son, Shukla-ji said.
I couldnt wait for her any longer. I guess the day did not mean as much to her as it
did to me.
I smashed the fruit, imagining it to be Raghavs head. As it cracked, a sliver of the
shell cut my finger. People clapped around me. I took the cut finger to my mouth and
sucked the bruise.
GangaTech Engineering College two labourers fixed a metal hoarding in the
muddy ground. I should have felt more emotion. After all, I had slogged for months.
However, I felt nothing. Maybe because I knew the exact amount of bribes it took to
reach this day. Seventy-two lakhs, twenty-three thousand and four hundred rupees to
obtain everything from electricity connections to construction site labour approvals.
Shukla-ji had invited over a hundred guests, including members of the press. We

had a caterer who served hot samosas and jalebis in little white boxes.
Shukla-ji addressed everyone from a makeshift dais.
Three more years, and this dream will be a reality. This is a gift to my city, which
deserves the best, he said.
I sat in the front row. I kept turning around to see if Aarti had arrived. After
Shukla-jis speech the press asked questions. Most were simple, relating to the courses
that would be on offer and the upcoming college facilities. However, a few tough
journalists did not spare him.
Shukla sir, are you the owner of this college? How much is your stake? one
reporter asked.
I am a trustee. I have no stake. It is a non-profit entity, Shukla-ji said.
Who is funding the land and construction?
Mr Gopal Mishra here owns this land. I want to encourage young talent so I
helped him raise some funds, Shukla-ji said and wiped his forehead with a
handkerchief.
Funds from where? the reporter continued.
From various benefactors. Dont worry, somebody has given money, not taken it.
Media is so suspicious these days, Shukla-ji said.
Sir, what is happening in the Ganga Action Plan scam? You are named in that, a
reporter from the last row asked.
It is an old and dead story. There is no scam. We spent the money to clean the
river, Shukla-ji said.
This new topic galvanised all the reporters. Everyone raised their hand as they
scrambled to ask questions.
No more questions, thank you very much, Shukla-ji said.
The reporters ran behind him as he left the site. I stayed back, ensuring that the
guests were served the refreshments.
A truck arrived with bricks, iron rods and other construction materials. Behind it, I
saw a white Ambassador car with a red light on top.
Aarti got out of the car upon spotting me. I am so so so sorry, she said. Are the
prayers over?
Can the prayers ever be over without Aarti? I said.

Varanasi
Three More Years Later
... I Love you Rachu ...

18

My arrival went unnoticed amidst loud music and the chatter of people. High-class

parties make me nervous and I would have happily skipped Raghavs graduation bash
that day if I could. I only went because I didnt want to come across as envious.
I felt no envy. My college, GangaTech, was to open in three months. After three
years of working day and night, I had my building ready. I even had faculty recruitment
interviews lined up and had obtained a date for the AICTE inspection. A stupid BHU
degree meant little when Id be issuing my own degrees soon.
Hey! Raghav said in a slightly tipsy voice. Buddy, where were you?
Negotiating with a computer supplier, I said.
Raghav didnt seem to hear.
For my college. We are setting up a computer centre, I said.
Raghav raised his hand. Good show. Give me a high-five!
He clapped my hand with his so hard that it hurt.
You need a drink, Raghav said. Theres the bar.
He gestured towards the dining table, on which were beer, rum and coke. People
made their own drinks in plastic glasses. Raghavs parents had agreed to spend the night
at some relatives house so that Raghav and his college-mates could have a night of
debauchery.
I looked around at Raghavs pals. Thirty boys, most of them wearing glasses and
old T-shirts and jabbering about job offers, and only three girls, who given their lack
of fashion sense had to be from an engineering college.
I got myself a rum and coke. I looked for ice. There was none on the dining table,
so I headed for the kitchen. A girl with long tresses, her back to me, was arranging
candles on a huge chocolate cake. The cake had a gear-shaped design on it and said
Happy Graduation in perky white marzipan letters.
Gopal! Aarti said as she saw me struggle with the ice-tray Id removed from the
fridge.
Her voice startled me.
Its been like, Aarti said, a year?
I had not kept in touch with her. Hi, I said.
Its not like I wanted to evade her. But I saw no upside to remaining in touch
either. I found it more productive to scream at construction workers than hear stories
about her dates with her boyfriend. I started avoiding her calls and soon she too drifted
away.

Yeah, I am sorry, my fault, I said. I got very busy at the site.

She took the ice-tray from me, twisted it to release the ice-cubes and put two of
them in my glass.
I am not asking for an explanation. I understand I am not that important to you
now.
That is not true. I had my site, you had Raghav, I said. We have our own lives
and
I have a boyfriend. Doesnt mean it is my entire life, okay? Aarti said.
Well, he kind of is, isnt he? I said.
I offered her my drink. She declined. She went back to decorating the cake.
Nothing like that. No one person can be that important.
Why? I said. Something wrong?
No, no, she said, too quickly I thought. Its great. Raghavs graduated. He has a
job offer from Infosys. My aviation course finishes soon. It is still as strong as ever.
What? I said.
Us.
Us?
Me and Raghav, she said.
Of course, I said.
She lifted the cake to take it to Raghav.
Ill keep in touch, I said.
That would be nice. I havent sat in a boat for a year, she said and smiled.
The confusing, confounding Aarti had returned. What did she mean? Did she miss
the boat rides? Did she miss being with me? Was she tossing a bone at me or was she
just being witty? I came out of the kitchen, lost in my thoughts.
Everyone gathered around Raghav. He held a knife in his hand. Aarti stood next to
him. Raghav cut the cake. Everyone clapped and hooted. I guess graduating from college
is a big deal. Raghav fed the first piece to Aarti. Aarti offered a piece to Raghav.
As he opened his mouth, Aarti smeared the cake on his face. Everyone guffawed
and clapped hard. I felt out of place. What the fuck was I doing here? Why did these
guys even invite me?
Speech! Speech! the crowd began to demand of Raghav. Aarti took a tissue and
wiped his face.
Well, friends, congrats to all of you on your graduation, Raghav said. We have
spent four fabulous years together. As we get ahead with our lives, I am sure we will
always have a special place for our campus in our hearts.
We will still be together, dude, a bespectacled boy interrupted him, at Infosys.
Seven people raised their glasses high in the air. They all had offers from the
software company.
Cheers! they said.
Raghav kept quiet. Actually, I have an announcement, he said. I wont be taking
up the job offer.
What?! people exclaimed in unison.
Yes, I have decided to stay here, Raghav said and draped his arm around Aartis

waist, to be near my love.

Yeah, right, Aarti said, wiping a blob of icing from Raghavs cheek. Tell them
the real reason.
That is the real reason, he chuckled.
No, Aarti said, turning to the crowd. Mr Raghav Kashyap is staying back to join
Dainik as a reporter.
Murmurs of surprise ran through the crowd. Raghav had edited the college
magazine, and even done a newspaper internship. However, few knew he had the
courage to chuck Infosys to become a newspaper reporter.
Raghav chatted with his friends. Aarti sliced the cake for everyone. The music
became loud again. I made another drink and leaned against the wall, wondering if I
should leave.
Aarti offered me cake on a paper plate. I declined.
So, when does your college open? she said.
In three months GangaTech starts admissions, I said.
Really? Can I apply? She laughed.
Ill print you a degree if you want, you do not even have to attend classes, I said.
Really? she said, wagging a finger. Yeah, give me an Electronics Engineer
degree like Raghavs. But better marks than him.
Sure, I said.
She laughed even more. I had tried so hard the last four years to get over Aarti.
Yet, one laugh of hers had set back years of effort. Suddenly it felt like we had never
been apart.
I had to leave. I better go, I muttered.
Why? she said, You just came.
I dont fit in here.
Its okay. I hardly know these people either. All nerdy engineers. Come, lets go
to the balcony.

We sat in Raghavs balcony. I took little sips of my drink. The breeze blew Aartis hair
in my face. I moved away a bit.
You finished your course at the aviation academy? I said.
Yes, Frankfinn ended two months ago. I am applying to all the airlines. Lets see
if they call me for interviews, she said.
Theres no airline in Varanasi.
Yeah, Ill have to move to Delhi or Mumbai. Theres even a new low-cost airline
in Bangalore. It depends.
On what? I said.
Where I get a job. Of course, now it is complicated as Raghavs here.
He can be a journalist in other cities too, I said.
I guess, she said as she tucked her hair behind her ear. But he likes Varanasi. He

knows this place and the issues here. How is your drink? Can I take a sip?
I gave her my glass. How much does he get paid for this Dainik job? I said. I had
to know how much Raghav made.
She took a few sips and kept the glass for herself. A third of what Infosys would
give him, she said.
Wow. And his parents are okay with it?
No way! They went ballistic when he told them. It isnt just about the money, he
isnt using his engineering degree. They are still upset.
So?
So what? He doesnt care. He feels the revolution begins at home. Society
changes only when individual family norms are challenged.
Revolution? I said.
Oh yeah, he is quite into that. The Great Indian Revolution. Oops, I finished your
drink. I am so sorry, she said and touched my arm in apology.
Its fine. Ill make another one. And you are cool with his career choice?
Of course, I believe one should follow their passion. Am I not working towards
mine? So an air hostess isnt the same as a revolution, but still, thats me.
What exactly is this revolution? I said, irritated.
Well, Raghav believes there will be a real peoples revolution in India one day,
thats his thing.
Why?
Ask him, he will explain it to you. Wait, I will get us more drinks.
She went back in. I waited in the balcony. I did not want to be with the smug
software types inside. I imagined a day when students from my college would get jobs. I
wondered if big software companies would ever visit GangaTech. Of course, we had to
open for admissions first.
She came back with a tray. It had two drinks, and a plate with sandwiches, cake
and potato chips.
I thought you might be hungry, she said. Aarti cannot help but be the caring
mother types.
Thanks, I said, taking my glass.
Now tell me, why did you forget me? Aarti said.
Who said I had forgotten you? I said. Our eyes met. It felt awkward after about
three seconds. I blinked first.
I have a mobile phone now. Do you want my number? she said.
Sure, I said. Shukla-ji had given me a cellphone too. We exchanged numbers.
Id like to see your college sometime, she said.
Let it open. Ill do an inauguration, I said.
Is the college your passion? she said.
I dont know. Its the best opportunity life gave me.
Have you felt passionate about anything, Gopal? Its an amazing feeling, Aarti
said.
I remained silent as I stared at her, my passion.
Anything? she said.

Money, I want to make lots of money, I said.

She threw up her hands in the air. Oh, come on, Aarti said, Thats not passion.
Thats ambition.
I dont know, lets go in. I stood up. I didnt want Raghav to see us alone.
Stay here, she said cajolingly and pulled me down by my hand. We havent met
for ages. What are you up to? Do you have a girlfriend?
I shook my head.
You should get one. It is amazing to be in love. A feeling even better than
passion, she said.
Its amazing to be in love only when the other person loves you back, I said. I
regretted my statement instantly.
Ouch! Below the belt.
I am sorry, I said.
That was so long ago. And Raghav and I are happy. So happy.
Should we go back in? I said.
If you are willing to open up, Aarti said, you can find someone nice, Gopal.
I dont need anyone, I said and looked away.
She held my chin and turned my face towards her. You will own a college. I will
be just a flight attendant selling chips, if I am lucky. You can get someone better.
Someone better than you? I said.
Totally, she said.
That is not possible, Aarti, I said. Before she could answer, I stood up again and
returned to the party.
I went up to Raghav and told him I had to leave to meet a contractor. He didnt
seem to mind it much. I came outside his apartment and took the stairs down. Aarti came
after me. Gopal!
I looked back at her from the steps. What? I said.
Dont tell me you still have feelings for me?
I swallowed hard. Not at all, I said and sprinted out.

19

How long is your break? I shouted. A group of labourers sat under the banyan tree

near the main campus building. Its two-thirty, lunch ended an hour ago.
We had only a week left for the final AICTE inspection. The classrooms needed a
last lick of paint. The workers didnt care.
Your work will be done, sahib, said one of the workers, folding the newspaper
he had been sitting on. He wore a tattered vest and dark trousers with cream paint all
over it.
My college wont open if the inspector is unhappy with us, I said.
Who is going to say no to your college? the worker stood up.
The other workers tightened their turbans. They picked up their brushes and
moved to the classrooms. I remained under the banyan tree, exhausted by my daily ritual
of hauling up the men every two hours. I glanced down at the newspaper left behind by
the workers. A headline caught my attention: Varanasi needs more colleges.
I picked up the newspaper. Under the headline was the writers name Raghav
Kashyap.
The article talked about how the youth population of Varanasi had grown
significantly in the last ten years. At the same time, the number of colleges had not kept
pace with the demand. It made recommendations on how the government could make
education a priority. He even argued that the government should allow colleges to make
a legitimate profit, so that corporate bodies could enter the sector and improve quality.
Even though it came from Raghav, I liked the article. It augured well for my business.
The article had a separate box with a list of colleges about to open in Varanasi. It
had five names, and I saw GangaTech in the list.
Wow, I said to myself, excited. I had never seen GangaTechs name in print. I
dialled Shukla-jis number.
Well done! Shukla-ji said. Wait and see how much press we get when we open.
I wanted to call Raghav and ask if he could do a detailed piece on my college. A
reputed newspaper talking well about GangaTech could do wonders for our opening.
I didnt have his mobile number. I could easily obtain it from Aarti. However, I
didnt want to call her. I took the newspaper to the campus building. My office still
didnt have furniture. I sat on a plastic chair and reminded myself to call the carpenter.
I looked at my phone contacts. Aarti always came first, given that her name begins
with Aa.
I am only calling her to get Raghavs number, I told myself many times before I

felt courageous enough to call.

She picked up after four rings. Hey, what a surprise, she said.
Hi, how are you? I said. I did not want to exchange pleasantries. However, to
jump directly to my query seemed abrupt.
Im a little low, but thats okay, she said. How are you? It was nice chatting with
you at the party.
I guess I should have enquired why she felt low. However, I side-stepped it.
Yeah, listen, do you have Raghavs number? I said.
Of course. How come you want it?
Theres an article of his I read in the paper today, on education. I liked it, wanted
to tell him.
Oh, sure, she said. He will be so happy. She read out the number to me.
Thanks, Aarti, I said. Speak later then?
You dont want to know why I am low? she said.
When a girl asks you that, youd better say yes. I do. Why? I said.
Mom and dad wont let me leave Varanasi, she said.
Really? How will you fly for an airline then? I said.
Exactly. What am I supposed to become here? A boat hostess?
Convince them, I said, for lack of better advice.
They wont listen. I may have to run away.
Are you crazy? They will come around, I said.
Will you talk to them? she said.
Me?
Yeah, why not?
Who am I? Raghav will be better, no? I said.
Raghav? He doesnt even want me to go. Plus, he is so busy at the newspaper, he
wont meet me, let alone my parents.
You have no other friend? Somebody from the aviation academy? I said. Or
maybe even your faculty?
You dont want to do it, is it? she said.
No, I just I just dont think I am the best person to talk to them about this.
Fine, she said. Fine means somewhere between whatever and go to hell in
Girlese.
Okay, the site engineer is calling me, I lied. I will speak to you later.
I hung up.I checked the duration of the call.I had spoken to her for seven minutes
and twenty-two seconds.I felt like calling her again, and advising her on how to deal
with her parents. Maybe I should have agreed to meet her parents; after all, she had
chosen me from all the people she knew.I almost pressed re-dial whenI checked myself.
Only pain will come from being close to her. She belongs to Raghav, and there is
no place for me in her life, I scolded myself.
I called Raghav. He picked up the phone immediately.
Hi, its Gopal, I said.
Oh, hi, he said. Whats up, buddy? Thanks for coming to the party that day.
You are welcome. Hows the new job?

They are letting me write, even though tame stuff.

I read your article today. Pretty good.
You read it? Wow. Thanks.
You mentioned GangaTech, thanks for that too.
Oh, our research team made that table. You are about to open, right?
Yes, almost ready. Would you like to visit? Maybe you can do a story specific to
GangaTech.
Yeah, I could, Raghav said, his voice hesitant. Though the policy might be to not
talk about specific institutions.
Oh, in that case, forget it, I said. I didnt want to take a favour from him, anyway.
But I could do a story on you.
Me?
Yeah, a young boy from Varanasi opens a college. It is something. And in that
interview we can talk about GangaTech.
I am more of an employee, I said.
MLA Shukla is the real person, right? Raghav said.
He is a trustee, yes.
And he paid to build the college?
Well, he arranged for the funds, I said.
From where? Raghav said.
I didnt like his interrogative tone. He knows lots of charitable people, I said.
Anyway, do you want to interview me? Either way is fine.
Of course, I do. When do you want to do it?
I have an inspection next Friday. After that? Maybe the weekend, I said.
Sure, I will see you. Where? Dainik office?
No. Come to my office, I said. I stressed the last two words. I have a huge office
now, buddy, I wanted to tell him.
Oh, sure. Wheres your campus?
Ten kilometres outside the city on the Lucknow Highway. You will see the board
on your right.
I came out of the campus building. I examined the three-storey structure. We had to
paint it gray in the coming week.
My phone rang. It was Bedi.
Yes, Bedi sir, I said.
Ive lined up seven solid faculty members for interviews tomorrow. Are you
free?
I have no choice but to be free. I am on the site all day, can you bring them here?
No way. We have to go to their houses. Three other colleges are opening in the
area. They all have offers. We have to lure them, he said.
I sighed. Every day brought a new challenge.
Fine, I will arrange a car from Shukla-jis office, I said.

We reached Prof MC Shrivastavas house in Ashok Nagar at eight a.m. sharp, as

instructed by the retired electrical engineering professor from NIT Allahabad. We had to
get someone from NIT, if not an IIT, to be the dean. We had almost struck a deal with a
retired NIT Bhopal professor. However, he found a better offer closer home in Indore.
Prof Shrivastava was AICTE gold standard, with over thirty years experience. Like all
things golden, he didnt come cheap.
Two lakhs a month? I asked. But we have just started.
Mrs Shrivastava, the professors wife, served us tea and poha for breakfast. She
joined the negotiations. Sri Amma College has made an offer. One and a half lakhs, plus
a car with a driver, she said.
Madam, the university we are affiliated to controls our fee, I said. Plus, we are
new. I dont know how admissions will go.
Is that our problem? Mrs Shrivastava asked, quite correctly.
Bedi jumped into the fray. Whatever reasonable requirements you have, tell us.
We will accommodate, he said.
But we have a budget, I said.
Shrivastava put his spoon down. Who are you, he said to me, the owners son?
I am the owner, Gopal Mishra. The college is on my land, I said.
And Shukla-ji? Doesnt he decide on this?
He is a silent trustee, I said. I decide.
The professor looked at me for a few seconds, surprised at my defiance.
Mr Mishra, the dean is most important. I know the AICTE people. With me,
consider the inspection done, Shrivastava said.
We have a setting in the AICTE too, I said, please understand. If I give you a
high package, all other members of the faculty will demand similar levels.
You dont have to disclose my salary, he said.
How will we keep it hidden? The accounts department will have the details, I
said.
Pay part of it in cash, Shrivastava said. Silence descended over the table. He had
already provided a solution. A more practical dean would be hard to find.
How much? I said.
Fifty per cent? Maybe more, he suggested. It only saves me taxes. And nobody
feels jealous of me. In fact, my on-paper salary will be lower than that of the teachers.
We knew we had come to the right place, Bedi said.
Fine, I said.
We settled for a one-lakh-cash-seventy-thousand-cheque package per month. The
new dean came on board immediately. He offered to help us hire other faculty, for
salaries ranging from thirty to eighty thousand a month, depending on experience and the
degrees they possessed.
Ill charge ten thousand per hire as search fee, apart from my salary.
Thats fine. When can you start? I said.
Anytime, he said. I will come to campus three days a week.
Three days? I said. You are the dean of the institute. How can the college work
without you?

I am the dean, that is why three days. Else, once a week is enough, he said.
What? I said.
Which faculty goes to teach every day in private colleges? Dont worry, I will
tell the AICTE inspectors I am there every day.
But who will manage the faculty? Who will ensure that classes are held on time
and the students are taught properly? I said, my heart beating fast. I didnt know if this
was how a college dean should be.
Its a private college. We will manage. Tell him, Bedi-ji, how it works,
Shrivastava grinned.
Bedi finished his cup of tea and nodded. Of course. We will figure out the
teaching arrangements and all later. Right now our focus is the inspection, and then the
admissions. Later on, senior students can teach first-year students. Happens in many
colleges.
Mrs Shrivastava cleared the table. We moved to the drawing room.
Whats your admission strategy? Shrivastava said.
We are advertising in all newspapers. Participating in career fairs, also
approaching schools and coaching classes, I said.
Approaching schools for what? he asked.
Well go to schools and make a presentation on our college, I said.
Who cares about the presentation? Did you fix the principals? Shrivastava said.
We will, dont worry, Bedi said.
We will what? I said. I hated it when Bedi didnt tell me things beforehand.
I will explain to you. Lets go, we have other meetings, Bedi said and stood up.
Thanks, sir, will see you on Friday.
Shrivastava came to see us off at the door. When do I get my first salary? he said.
I will send the cash home, I said.
We had five more faculty prospects to meet. Shukla-ji had given us an Innova car
for exclusive use of the college. We proceeded to Mughal Sarai to meet a retired
chemical engineering professor.
I am so relieved the dean is done, Bedi said as the car reached the highway.
He seemed more Mr Deal than Mr Dean to me, I quipped.
He has worked in private colleges before. He knows he is in demand. Dont take
his tantrums personally, Bedi said.
What did he mean by fix the school principals? I said.
The schools have a big influence on where the child goes next. Many try for an
IIT and NIT, most dont make it. Where do they go?
Where? I said.
Thats where we come in. Private colleges can fulfil your dream of becoming an
engineer, even if you didnt clear the entrance exam. The problem is, there are so many
private colleges now. How does the student choose?
I asked the driver to decrease the temperature of the air-conditioner, to beat the
forty degrees outside. How? I said.
They go with the school teachers and principals advice. Who else can they
trust?

True, I said. So, we ask the principal to recommend our college?

Exactly! You are smart, Bedi said, probably in sarcasm.
Do we bribe them too? I said.
Yes. But never say that word, especially to school principals. Anyway, it is a
straightforward calculation. We give them ten per cent of the fee we take for every
admission.
A defined sum doesnt sound like a bribe.
We give ten per cent to anyone coaching classes, career fair organisers or
whoever helps us fill up the college.
Ten per cent it is, I said.
You are working on the media plan, right? he said.
My thoughts went to our media strategy, then to Raghav, and from there to Aarti. It
is amazing how the brain will connect one thought to another until it gets to where it
wants to be.
Bedi continued to talk about how we will fill two hundred students for the first
batch. I tuned out, looking at the fields outside and remembering Aartis flowing hair as
she took a sip from my drink in Raghavs balcony. Life is a bitch when the only woman
you can think of belongs to someone else.

20

I saw Raghav enter the campus from the window of my office. I had screamed at the

carpenters to get my office desk and chairs finished in time. Apart from the missing
visitors sofa, my office had become functional. The air-conditioner worked. I increased
the cooling to maximum to ensure Raghav noticed it. I surrounded myself with files. He
came and knocked on the half-open door.
Yes? I said and looked up.
We did say two o clock, right? Raghav said. He wore a white shirt and blue
jeans.
Hi, Raghav. Sorry, I keep so busy, I lose track of time sometimes, I said.
He sat across me. I sat on the directors chair. I wondered if he noticed how I had
a far more plush chair than his.
He took out his notepad, pen and a few printouts. I did some research, whatever I
could find on the college.
You wont find much. We are new, I said.
Yes, but I found a lot on one of the trustees, Shukla.
Of course, he is a popular politician. But he isnt really involved in the
functioning of the college.
Hes involved in many other things though. Raghav smoothed out the printout
with the questions.
Tea? I said.
He nodded. I rang the bell. I had asked the peon to bring tea in the bone china cups
we kept for special guests. Not that Raghav counted as special. However, I wanted him
to know we had tea in fancy cups.
He looked around the huge twenty-by-eighteen-feet office. I wanted to ask him if
anyone in his newspaper had such a big office, but controlled myself.
He noticed an architects model of the campus behind me. Can I take a look? he
said.
Sure, I said and jumped up. Let me show you all the facilities.
I explained the campus layout to him. The hostels are here. We will keep adding
more rooms with successive batches. The classrooms and faculty offices are here, in the
main building we are in right now. The labs are in a separate building. All imported
equipment.
What will be the faculty ratio? Raghav said, taking frantic notes.
We are targeting no more than one teacher per fifteen students, I said, which is

better than the AICTE norms. One day we want to be better than BHU.
He looked at me.
Just as a goal. Who else is there to compare with? I said.
He shrugged his shoulders in support.
The tea arrived. I had instructed the peon to serve at least five snacks. He brought
nuts, biscuits, samosas, potato chips and cut fruits.
Thats not tea. Thats a meal, Raghav said.
Please have. We can continue the interview later, I said as the peon served us.
We ate in silence. I didnt want to discuss anything other than the college with him.
He picked up his notepad as he ate.
What kind of investment went into this college? he said.
Lots. Engineering colleges arent cheap, I said and laughed, avoiding any real
figures.
How much exactly? he said.
Hard to say. I had the land, but if you had to buy it, you can imagine the prices, I
said.
Isnt this agricultural land? he said.
Yes, you know that, Raghav. Remember Babas court case?
You managed to get it from your relatives? he said.
Yes, but thats not going into the interview, right? I said.
No. But tell me, how did this agricultural land get re-zoned?
We applied, the VNN approved, I said.
He continued to take notes.
Everything is approved, I repeated, perhaps too defensively.
Because of Shukla? he asked.
No, I said, somewhat irritated. Because we followed procedures.
Fine. How much did the college cost apart from the land? he said.
I am not sure if I can reveal that. It is, after all, competitive information. But
anyone who visits our campus can see it is state of the art, I said.
More than five crores? he persisted. I shouldnt have entered his guessing game.
Yes, I said.
More than ten? he said.
How is the actual number relevant? I said.
Where did the money come from? he said.
From the trustees and their associates.
Whose associates? Yours or Shuklas? he said.
I gave the land. Shukla-ji arranged for the funds, for the benefit of this town. We
are a non-profit trust, I said.
Do you know where the MLA arranged the funds from? Raghav asked, without
looking up from his diary.
No. And I dont see why I should know. It is his and his friends private wealth.
Are you aware of Shuklas involvement in the Ganga Action Plan scam? he said.
No, Raghav. I dont want to comment on anything other than GangaTech. If you
have all the information, we can end the interview.

Raghav put away his pen. Im sorry. Yes, I am done. Dont worry, I will do a
balanced piece.
Thanks, I will see you out.
We walked together to the campus gate. He had come on an old scooter that
belonged to his dad.
I could have sent my car to pick you up, I said. It is too hot.
Its fine. I have to go to many places, he said and put his helmet on.
Do you miss engineering? I said, my first general question to him.
Not really. Never became one, I guess, he said.
I felt the time was right to deliver my final punch. You are from BHU. Youd look
great on our faculty list. Want to join? I said. Yes, I could hire him. BHU may not have
taken me, but I could take their graduates.
Me? Faculty? No way. Besides, I have a job, he said and sat on the scooter.
You dont have to come much. Help me with the inspections, and maybe come
once a week, I said.
He was about to start his scooter, but stopped midway. He mulled over my words.
We pay well. Maybe more than your newspaper, I added.
He smiled and shook his head.
Why not? I said, irked by his easy rejection.
I cant be part of a corrupt enterprise, he said.
What?
It is Shuklas college.
It is mine, I protested.
I know you will run it, but he is behind it, right?
So? How can you call us corrupt? We havent even opened yet.
Its built with money made by corrupt practices.
I have worked my ass off for three years, Raghav. Three years, Sundays included.
How can you make a statement like that?
He is accused of stealing twenty crores from the Ganga Action Plan. Government
money meant to clean our river.
It is an accusation. Not proven, I said.
Right after that he made many property investments, including this college. Cant
believe you didnt see through it. How can a politician have so much money? He comes
from a humble background.
Can you prove wrongdoing? I said.
Not yet. But are you sure he didnt do anything? he queried.
I couldnt control myself anymore. You are jealous, I said.
What?
You are jealous that I am doing well. I am not supposed to do well, right? After
all, my AIEEE rank was lower than yours. Isnt it, Mr JEE?
Easy, buddy. This is not personal, he said and kick-started his scooter.
Then what is it, Mr Reporter?
Its my job to figure out the truth, thats all.
Before I could respond, he zoomed off. He left behind a cloud of dust that stung

my eyes more than anything ever had in the past year.

The day of the AICTE inspection felt like an exam day. Our faculty of twenty reached the
campus at 8:00 a.m. Sweepers scrubbed the floors till the last minute. The IT specialist
ensured that the desktops in the computer room worked. We had arranged a dinner at Taj
Ganga for the inspection committee. Shukla-ji had promised me hed come, but backed
out at the last minute due to an urgent rural visit. Sweat beads formed on my forehead. I
made the fifth trip to the campus gate to check if the inspectors had arrived yet.
Stand straight, I hollered at the security guard, and salute all guests.
Relax, Director Gopal, Dean Shrivastava said, I will handle them.
They arrived only at eleven. Ashok Sharma, our junior-most faculty member,
waited with bouquets at the main building entrance.
The head of the inspection committee shook my hand. I am Jhule Yadav, exprofessor from NIT Delhi.
I am Gopal Mishra, promoter and director of the college. Meet Dean Shrivastava,
ex-director of NIT Allahabad, I said.
Yadav and Shrivastava exchanged glances, sizing each other up like boxers in a
ring. We walked to my office and sat down on the new sofas that smelt of varnish.
NIT Allahabad? Yadav asked. You had a Barua in Electrical? He went to
Stanford later.
Yes, Shrivastava said, I hired him.
Barua was my student, Yadav said and slapped his thigh.
Suddenly the lights went out. Everyone sighed as darkness engulfed us. We had
power supply issues in the nearby villages. We had no electricity for six hours every
afternoon.
We have a generator, I said, and went to tell the peon to switch it on.
The office was turning stuffy.
Should we go outside? said one middle-aged member of the inspection team.
Any minute now, sir, I said. The tube-light in my office blinked as power came
back on.
How many lathe machines are there in your machining lab? asked an inspector.
Eight, Shrivastava said. We will take a round later.
Shrivastava sir, why walk around in the heat? Yadav said.
Your team member asked a question, sir, Shrivastava said.
Everyone turned to the inspector who had asked the lathe machine question. You
are? Shrivastava said.
Mr Bhansali, said the inspector.
Mr Bhansali, why dont we all move to my office for course-related questions?
Unless you need the promoter.
You look young, Bhansali said to me.
I am young, I said.

What are your qualifications? he said.

I have built this college, I said, and I have hired the best faculty.
But Bhansali said as Shrivastava cut him.
Lets go, sir. I will answer everything, Shrivastava said and escorted them out.
When everyone was out, Shrivastava came back into my office. Bhansali is new.
The other six wont say a word. Lunch is coming, right?
Yes, the caterer is already here, I said.
Good. And the packets?
Packets?
Gopal, do I have to explain it? This is AICTE.
Oh, I said. You mean the envelopes. Of course, I have them ready.
Good. Give it to them after dessert. How much?
Two for Yadav, and twenty-five each for the rest? I said.
Make it fifty for Bhansali, Shrivastava said. Whats for dessert?
Moong daal halwa, I said.
My favourite! Prof Shrivastava said and left.

We had booked a private room in Taj Ganga for the AICTE inspection dinner. We had
also invited our entire faculty and senior government officials who had helped us in the
past. They came with families. This party of a hundred people burnt another hole in
GangaTechs pocket.
We hadnt earned a rupee of revenue yet. We had spent six crores already on
construction, equipment, faculty, and of course, fixing government officials.
However, Shukla-ji didnt seem to care.
Relax, we will recover the money, Shukla-ji said. He handed me a whisky with
soda.
I scanned the room. We have paid bribes to at least thirty people in this room, I
said.
Shukla-ji laughed.
What have we done wrong? We only wanted to open a college, I said.
Its okay, Shukla-ji said. If we had a straightforward and clean system, these
professors would open their own colleges. Blue-chip companies and software firms
could open colleges. The system is twisted, they dont want to touch it. That is where we
come in.
When will we make money? I paid five lakhs today for the inspection.
Pay them some more, Shukla-ji said.
Who?
The inspectors.
Why? I said. Shrivastava sir said it is enough. We will get the approval in a
week.
I want them to not only clear the college, but also say great things about

GangaTech, Shukla-ji said.

In writing? I said.
Yes, which we will use for marketing. Ten thousand more to the minions, fifty
more to the main guy. Ill arrange the cash.
He took out his phone and made a call.
Shukla-ji and I went to the dinner buffet. We filled our plates with food, and came
to one corner of the room. The cash will arrive in an hour, he told me.
Why do you trust me so much, Shukla-ji. I could steal your money.
You dont have a family. Whom would you steal for? he said.

21

The AICTE approval came on time, as promised by Prof Shrivastava. We had one final

step before we opened for admissions. We needed the state university affiliation.
Mangesh Tiwari, the vice-chancellor, had sat on our application for months.
We were at Shukla-jis place. Affiliation is a simple job. We are offering him
double the market rate. Mangesh is turning senile, Bedi said.
How much does he want? Shukla-ji asked.
Its not about the money. He doesnt like us. Doesnt even take our calls, Bedi
said.
What is the solution? I said.
Use some contacts. Non-political if possible, he is a college batchmate of our
DM, Bedi said.
I know the DMs daughter. Old school friend, I said.
Well, do whatever it takes. I want admissions to open next week. Full-page ads in
every paper, Shukla-ji said.
Dont worry, next Sunday Varanasi will talk only about GangaTech, I said.

I had promised myself not to call Aarti. However, I had no choice.

Look whos calling today! Aarti chirped.
You sound happy, I said.
Do I? Maybe because you called. I dont really have another reason.
Why? What happened? I said.
Nothing. I have to find a job in Varanasi.
Thats not so bad.
Will your college have its own plane? she said.
Not yet, I said. But if we do, we will make you cabin supervisor.
She laughed. How are you? When will your college actually have students?
When we manage to please every Indian government official on this earth, I said.
Actually, I had called for some work.
What? she said.
I wanted to meet your dad.

Really? How come?

We need some help in getting through to the state university.
You want to speak to him now?
No, Id prefer to meet him face to face, I said.
Would you like to meet me face to face? she said. Or am I still on the blacklist?
To be called only in work emergencies.
Nothing like that. We can catch up after I meet your dad.
Of course, work first, she said in a sarcastic tone.
My admissions are stuck, Aarti. Its urgent, I said.
Okay, okay, fine. Hold on a second, let me check with him, she said.
She spoke to her father and picked up the phone again. Tomorrow morning at
eight?
Sure, I said. I will see you then.

You never come home now. Not friends with Aarti anymore? DM Pradhan said.
We sat in his study. A lifesize portrait of Aartis grandfather, ex-CM Brij Pradhan,
stared at me from the wall. DM Pradhan broad faced with chiselled features, fit and
proud sipped coffee with me.
Nothing like that, Uncle. Work keeps me busy, I said.
I have heard about your college. Shukla-jis involed in it, right? DM Pradhan
said.
Yes, and now we are one step away from admissions, I said and explained the
problem with VC Tiwari.
He heard me out and then said, Let me see. He took out his cellphone and called
the VC.
Tiwari sir? Hello, Pratap Pradhan here Yes, long time. How are you?
Aartis father fixed a meeting between us and Tiwari in the afternoon.
Thank you so much, I said, preparing to leave.
You are welcome. Listen, have you paid Tiwari?
I felt awkward discussing such issues with Aartis dad, so I kept quiet.
I know how the education business works. Tiwari talks intellectual, but he wants
his share. I hope you guys wont get me involved with that.
Not at all, sir, I said. Even I dont deal with that stuff. I only look after the
college.
So all such work is done by Shukla-jis men? Aartis father asked.
Yes, I said as I gazed at the floor.
Good, you are like me then, he said. Practical enough to leave the people who
do the funny stuff alone.
I nodded and bowed to him before I left his room.

One chocolate milk shake with ice cream, please, Aarti said. We had come to the same
CCD in Sigra where Sunil had brought me after the career fair debacle.
Black tea, I said.
She wore a mauve chikan salwar-kameez. Her father had bought it for her from
Lucknow. She removed her white dupatta and kept it aside.
The waiter placed her milk shake on the table. She put her lips to the straw,
without touching the overflowing glass with her hands. I often spill this. I better be
careful, she said.
Wisps of her hair brushed the table as she sipped her drink. The entire caf
checked her out.
We should totally do this more often, she said, coffee meetings. Even though
neither of us is having coffee.
I dont think so, I said.
Why? You dont like meeting me? she said. So much for being my best friend for
over ten years!
Raghav wont appreciate it, I said.
What is wrong in meeting for coffee? Besides, Raghav is too busy to be bothered
by such things.
Of course, big reporter now. I met him, I said as I lifted my cup.
You did, she said, still sipping her milk shake as her eyebrows shot up.
He interviewed me, for his paper.
What for? she said.
Local boy starts college.
Its true. Quite an achievement.
Yeah, for a loser like me.
I didnt say that, she said. Hey, youd like something to eat?
Before I could answer she ordered two chocolate chip muffins. If Aarti had a
choice, there would be nothing but chocolate to eat in the world.
Hows your job-hunt going? I said.
I have an offer. I am not sure I want to take it.
Really? What is the offer?
Guest relations trainee, Ramada Hotel. They are opening up in Cantonment.
Five-star, isnt it?
Yeah, they came to meet dad for some work. Dad found out about the vacancy, I
applied and now they want me to start next month.
Go for it. I know you, you cant sit at home, I said.
You know me better than most people, Gopal, she said, but
What? I said.
The muffins arrived but she didnt touch them. I noticed her eyes. They had turned
moist. A tear trickled down her cheek.
Aarti, are you okay? I passed her a tissue.
She wiped her eyes and returned the eyeliner-stained tissue to me. Once I join,
my parents will say this is a good job, close to home, stay here. If I sulk at home,
maybe they will let me try for some airline.

I scoffed at her. What is the need to cry for this? Youve got a good job. You have
done a course in hospitality
Aviation, not hospitality.
Fine, but a flight attendant also serves guests, like hotel staff. And a guest
relations trainee has better scope for growth. Trainee today, officer tomorrow, maybe
GM of the hotel some day. You are smart. You will rise.
She sniffed a few times to control herself.
You think so? she said, her eyes even more beautiful when glistening with tears.
I couldnt respond, so lost was I in the details of her face.
What? Did the eyeliner spread? she laughed. I am so stupid, crying away like a
baby.
No, you are not. You wouldnt have got the job otherwise, I said.
Should I take it?
Why not? Quit if you dont like it. What does Raghav say?
Nothing.
Meaning?
I havent met him since the offer. I called him, but he said I should do whatever I
want. He is in some village this week for a story.
Its good for both of you if you stay here, I said.
Well, he didnt say that at all.
I am sure he realises it.
I dont think he cares so much about my issues, unless I am involved in a
corruption scandal, she said.
I smiled like she had intended me to. I asked for the bill.
So, coffee friends?
We are friends, I said.
Cool. Its not officially open, but I will show you the hotel sometime. Its pretty
grand.
Sure, I said.
When can I see GangaTech? she said.
Two more weeks, I said, I promise. Its almost done.
We walked to her car.
I laughed, I cried. It is so nice to meet you, Aarti said.
Same here, I didnt cry though, I said.
She laughed again. She hugged me and held me slightly longer than usual.
Old friends are old friends, Gopal. Boyfriends and all are fine, but they never
understand you like old friends can.
I hated the word friends but didnt say anything, just waved goodbye.
My phone rang. Bedi.
The VC has called us for a meeting. The phone call from the DM worked. They
know each other from childhood, he said.
Old friends are old friends, I said.

22

For GangaTechs opening I wore a suit for the first time in my life. I supervised the

decorations. We slept in my office the night before. We had turned three classrooms into
admission centres. I stayed up to ensure we had forms, pens and information booklets.
Shukla-ji had gone all out too. He had managed to convince the Chief Minister to
come and inaugurate the college. Two state ministers would accompany him. The
security officials of the politicians had already visited us the day before. Since we
didnt have an auditorium yet, we had erected a makeshift podium inside a tent for the
speeches.
Two thousand invites sent, sir, to all prominent families in Varanasi, Ajay, from
the chemical engineering faculty, told me.
We had promised lunch. Hence, we expected at least half of the invitees to turn up.
Given the distance, we had arranged four buses for the general public, and a dozen cars
to ferry the media to and fro.
I had spent ten lakhs on full-page ads in leading city newspapers, three days in a
row. You only get one shot at a launch. Shukla-ji wanted the city to know he had built an
institution.
Work ended at 5:30 a.m. I lay down on the office sofa for a power nap before the
function. Shukla-jis call woke me up at six-thirty. I rubbed my eyes, disoriented.
Good morning, Shukla-ji, I said.
Did you see the newspaper?
I realised he must have seen the full-page ads and called in excitement. After years
of waiting, finally the day had come. No, I am in campus. The paper hasnt arrived yet,
I said.
How did this happen? Shukla-ji said.
I wondered why he didnt sound happy. Maybe he is not a morning person, I
thought. The ads look nice, dont they?
Not the ads, you idiot. I am talking about the article in Dainik.
Shukla-ji had never called me names before. Sure, I worked for him. But he had
never raised his voice at me until now.
What article? I said, my hand going to my sleep-deprived, throbbing temples.
Read the paper and call me.
Okay. How do the ads look?
I only heard a click in response.
I shouted for the peon and asked him to fetch all the newspapers. In an hour I had

them on my desk.
Every paper had our full-page colour ad. The campus photograph looked
beautiful. I saw my name at the bottom of the ad. Shukla-jis harsh words rang in my
head.
I flipped through Dainik. On page six I found the article.
The headline said: New engineering college opens in city with corruption
money?
What the fuck! I said to myself as I read further.
Raghav Kashyap, Staff Reporter
I couldnt believe he had done this. The first few lines seemed harmless.
The city of Varanasi, also called the City of Learning, can boast of another
engineering college of its own. The GangaTech College of Engineering, set
in a fifteen-acre campus on the Lucknow Highway, opens its gates for
admissions this weekend.
Raghav had indeed mentioned the facilities we offered, the faculty profile, the branches
of engineering available and the selection process. The half-page article also carried a
picture of Shukla-ji and me. I had never seen my picture in a newspaper. However, I
couldnt savour the moment as I continued to read the article.
Interestingly, MLA Raman Lal Shukla is one of the trustees of GangaTech.
He has helped fund the college. Shukla also owns land around the
GangaTech campus, estimated to cost between five and ten crores. Where
did Shukla obtain these funds from? Incidentally, he floated the college three
years ago, around the same time that his name came up in the Ganga Action
Plan scam. Is this college an attempt to clean up his reputation? People
come to the Ganga to clean their sins. Is Shukla trying to clean away his sins
against Ganga?
Fuck you, I said as I finished the article.
I crumpled the newspaper. This could not be happening to us. Not on the day of
admissions. Not on any day. Shukla-ji called again. I hesitated but picked up.
I saw it, I said.
How the hell did this happen? Who is this behenchod reporter Raghav? He really
interviewed you?
He is my f friend from school, I said, stammering. He had promised a

balanced piece.
This is balanced? He has shoved it up my ass.
I am really sorry, Shukla-ji. Dont worry, other papers dont have this story.
Dainik is the biggest and most influential. The CM has already cancelled his
visit.
What? I said, shocked. Who will inaugurate the college? We have a stone
plaque in his name.
I dont know. The peon can inaugurate it for all I care, Shukla-ji said.
Please be calm, Shukla-ji, I said. Really, we have to find someone in the next
three hours.
The MLA took a deep breath. The state minister for education is still coming. He
can inaugurate it.
And the plaque?
Put a sticker on it, Gopal. Do I have to tell you everything?
Sorry, Shukla-ji. I will fix it, I said.
I began a round of follow-ups. Most of the invitees confirmed their presence. A
free lunch beats corruption allegations any day.
May I come in, sir? I heard a female voice as I finished a call.
I looked up. Aarti!
Am I disturbing you? she said. I am early.
She had come at nine, an hour before the scheduled inauguration. Even in my
stressed state, I noticed she had dressed up for the occasion. She wore a bottle green
salwar-kameez with a purple and gold border.
I continued to stare at her, my mouth half open. May I come in, Director sir? she
said.
Huh? Yeah, of course, I said. Wow, you look
What? she said.
You look so formal, I said. Stunning, is what I wanted to say.
Oh, I thought you might say I look nice.
Thats obvious, Aarti.
Whats obvious?
You always look good, I said.
Yeah? I dont hear that so much these days.
Why? Your boyfriend doesnt say it? I asked with a sting in my voice, thoughts of
Raghavs article not leaving my head.
She sighed. Unless I dress up in newsprint I dont think he would notice.
I smiled. And started to check the list of school principals to see if I had missed
anyone.
You seem busy, Aarti said. Should I wait outside?
I would have never let Aarti go, but I had tons of calls to make.
Will you be okay outside? I said.
Yes, mom is here. Dad couldnt come. He is on tour.
Oh, I said. Let me wish her at least.
We walked outside. Her mother was sitting in the front row, one of the first guests

in the tent.
Hello, aunty, I said, my hands folded.
Congratulations, Gopal. What a lovely campus, she said.
Its still under construction, I said, gesturing at a waiter to bring tea and snacks.
Dont worry about us, Aarti said. You do your function. Attend to all the highprofile guests.
She hugged me before I left. I noticed her mothers eyes on me.
I folded my hands once more and excused myself.

The inauguration ceremony went off smoothly, though without the CM the event lost
some of its sheen. The state education minister unveiled the college plaque, his name
stuck over the CMs on the black granite stone. There were murmurs among the media
members regarding the CMs absence.
The CM had to cancel in the last minute due to a crisis, Shukla-ji said as he came
on stage. He kept his speech to less than a minute. The press scrambled to ask questions.
They all wanted to talk about the Dainik article. However, the MLA dodged them all
from podium to gate.
My apologies, no questions today. I have to visit villages. The farmers need me.
Mr Gopal Mishra will take it from here.
Within minutes, he had left the campus in his car. He called me from the highway.
I want to speak to the bloody editor of Dainik, he said.
Sure, I will set it up, I said. By the way, the admission forms are going well.
Do the bastards know how many ads we give them? he went on.
Shukla-ji, on the admissions I said.
But he had already cut the call.

We hoped to fill the remaining seats with an ad campaign.

We want to advertise all year, I told the marketing head of Varanasi Times. We
expect a bigger discount.
I had spent the whole day doing the rounds of newspapers to book more ads. I sat
in the office of Amar Trivedi, marketing head of Varanasi Times.
Why dont you make us your media partner? he said.
Whats that? I said.
For a little extra fee we publish positive articles about your college. We get
news, you get an image. It is a win-win partnership, he said.
How do I know they will be positive? I said. Once bitten, twice shy.
You send us the articles, Amar said.
I asked him to send me a formal proposal.

After Varanasi Times, I went to Bansphatak to visit the Dainik office.

Welcome Gopal-ji, Sailesh Gupta, the sales manager at Dainik, greeted me at the
building entrance.
I flashed him a curt smile. We went to his office.
What will you have, sir? he said.
I shook my head.
Tea? Coffee??
Articles full of lies? I said.
What? he said.
Sailesh, I signed you the biggest cheque among all the places we advertised in.
And what did you do? On the day of our launch?
Sailesh understood my context and shifted his gaze.
I have five lakhs more to spend next week. Tell me why I should not make
Varanasi Times happy and give them this? I waved the trusts chequebook at him.
Gopal bhai, Sailesh said in a low voice, what are you saying? We are the
number one newspaper.
So? You fuck us?
Gopal bhai, I didnt do it.
College made with corrupt money! You have made money from us too.
It is the editorial. They are stupid, impractical people, Sailesh said.
I banged my fist on the table.
I want to meet your editor-in-chief. If you want me to book any ads after this, I
said.
Sailesh glanced at my chequebook. He stood up.
Lets go, he said. I followed him to the editorial floor.
In his glass cabin, Ashok Kumar, the editor-in-chief, was in a meeting with some
sub-editors. Sailesh went in, the sub-editors came out. Sailesh signalled for me to enter.
Ashok scanned me from tip to toe. You are from MLA Shuklas office? he said.
I am the director of GangaTech College, I said and offered my hand. He shook it
in a cursory manner and asked me to sit down.
I saw the full-page ads, Ashok began, looking a bit puzzled about my presence in
his cabin.
Did you see the article you did on us? I said.
I am sure I must have. Who did it? Ashok said. He put on his spectacles and
turned to his computer to search.
Sir may not remember the reporter, Sailesh told me. Should we search by date?
Raghav Kashyap wrote it, I said.
The new hire? Ashok said, upbeat for the first time. He quickly located the
article on his computer. He turned the monitor towards us. This one?
I nodded.
I must congratulate the reporter. Hes new, yet his stories are getting noticed.
If you write nonsense you will get noticed, I said.
What happened Sailesh-ji. Why is your client so upset? We have done a half-page
profile on their college, Ashok said.

Why the last two paras? And the headline? I butted in.
What? Ashok said and skimmed the article again. Oh, the corruption stuff. What
is the big deal in that?
It affects our image, I said, bringing down both my palms forcefully on the table.
Ashok didnt appreciate my display of emotion. He stared at me. I removed my
hands from the table.
If you are so concerned about image, why did you open a college with MLA
Shukla? Ashok said.
Sailesh realised this wasnt going well.
Sir, GangaTech is expected to be our biggest account, Sailesh said.
So, we should stop reporting news in a fair manner? Ashok said.
The allegations have not been proved, I said. A three-year-old dead issue is
brought out on the day of the opening. Is that fair?
Ashok sir, lets talk in private for two minutes, Sailesh said.
I stood outside the office as they spoke. I looked around. I asked a peon where
Raghav Kashyap sat. I saw his tiny cubicle. It occupied less space than the sofa in my
office. I saw Raghav. He was typing furiously on his computer, unaware of the world
around him.
Sailesh called me back in. Dont worry, it is all settled. Ashok sir will speak to
the MLA directly. We will sort it out. Please, lets continue our association, Sailesh
said.
Okay, I said. What about the reporter?
What about him? Sailesh said. He is a trainee.
I want him to apologise to me, I said.
Sailesh looked at Ashok.
Thats up to him, Ashok said. He picked up the phone and asked his secretary to
send Raghav in.
Five minutes later, Raghav knocked on the door.
Sir, you called me? Raghav said, then saw me. Hey, Gopal. You here?
You guys know each other? Ashok said, one eyebrow raised.
He interviewed me, I said.
Raghav seemed surprised by my terse statement. He realised I didnt want to
establish any prior connection.
Whats the matter? Raghav said, as he noticed the serious mood in the room.
Sailesh recounted our earlier discussion.
Apologise? Raghav said. Gopal, you want me to apologise to you?
Do you guys know each other from before? Ashok said, catching on to the
undercurrents.
We went to the same school, I said.
And sat at the same desk. Close friends, Raghav said. Why dont you tell them
that?
Why dont I tell them you took my girl, you asshole, I wanted to say. Or that you
are so jealous of my success that you planted a stinker article?
These corruption allegations are unfounded. And there is no need to mention them

in a college profile, I said.

I had to be balanced, Raghav said. Shukla is a known crook.
Nonsense, I said, my voice loud.
Mr Gopal, lets not raise our voice. Raghav, you dont have to be an activist in
every story, Ashok said.
Sir, I hardly wrote anything. I didnt probe the building violations in the college.
There are no violations. All our plans are approved, I said.
And how did Shukla get these approvals? Anyway, I didnt mention any of that.
Even the Ganga Action Plan is old news, Raghav, Ashok said. Unless you have
new, solid evidence, no point repeating it. We cant keep spoiling someones name.
Raghav ran his fingers through his hair distractedly. Fine, I wont do it until I find
something solid. May I leave now?
You havent apologised to Gopal sir, Sailesh said. GangaTechs our client.
Editorial only apologises for genuine errors, Raghav said.
Or if your chief editor tells you to, Sailesh said, his voice firm.
Raghav looked at Ashok. Ashok kept quiet.
Sir, how can you Raghav began.
Raghav, lets get it over with. I have to sign off the next edition in one hour,
Ashok said, turning back to his computer screen.
Silence for ten seconds or so.
Im sorry, Raghav said on a sigh.
Its okay, I said, but Raghav had already stomped out of the room.

23

You and Raghav had an argument? Aarti said. She had called me late at night, her

preferred time.
He told you? I said.
I suggested that the three of us meet up and he almost bit my head off, she said.
No way! I like your head, I said.
The hotel opens next week. I thought I would take permission and show you guys
the place beforehand. It is so beautiful, she said.
You can show him separately, I said.
What happened? Aarti said. You met him, right? Why doesnt anybody tell me
anything?
It was work-related, dont worry. All settled now.
If you say so. Can you come around tomorrow?
Of course.
Good night, Director saheb!

I waited for Aarti at the Ramada Hotel entrance. The security wouldnt let me in. Aarti
arrived and flashed her staff card and I followed her in. She wore a maroon Banarasi
sari, her uniform. Aarti Pratap Pradhan Guest Relations Trainee, her badge said.
Wow, you look so different, I said.
Different? Formal? Is that all you say? she mocked.
No You look great. But I didnt expect to see you in a sari, I said.
Didnt expect what? That your stupid classmate from school could get a real
job? she wiggled her eyebrows, hands on hips.
Yeah. You are quite stupid, I pretended to agree, which made her punch my arm
playfully.
We entered the hotel lobby. Construction workers were using noisy polishing
machines on the already shiny Italian marble. Smell of paint pervaded the air. She took
me to a restaurant with plush velvet chairs.
This will be our bar Toxic.
The hotel would ensure that even as people visited the city to wash their sins,

theyd commit new ones. We walked around the hotel to see the rest of the facilities.
So, why wont people tell me anything? she said.
What? I said.
What happened between Raghav and you?
The college didnt like a story the newspaper did. He apologised. End of story.
I gave her a two-minute summary of what had happened, making her swear that she
would never tell Raghav I told her. She told me she hadnt even told Raghav she was
meeting me, so there was no question of telling him anything. Thats what human
relationships are about selective sharing and hiding of information to the point of crazy
confusion.
We found ourselves in an ethnic-theme restaurant. Aangan, for Indian cuisine, she
explained. She took me to the gym next. I saw the treadmills with TVs attached to them.
Imported? I said.
She nodded. Sometimes I feel so guilty, she said. Girls can handle simultaneous
multi-topic conversations with ease.
Why?
I spoilt your friendship with Raghav, she said.
Thats not true, I said.
She sat down on a bench-press. I took a balancing ball and used it as a stool.
All three of us used to be friends in our childhood. What happened? she said, her
eyes filling up.
Life, I said. Life happened.
Without me, things wouldnt be so bad between the two of you, she said.
No, thats not true. I didnt deserve you. Raghav had nothing to do with it, I said.
Never say that, Aarti said, her voice echoing in the empty gym. Its not that you
dont deserve me. You are a great guy, Gopal. And we click so well.
But you dont feel that way about me, I know, I know. I am hungry. Where are we
having lunch?
Its not that, she said.
What?
Its not like that with girls. Its sometimes about timing, and sometimes about how
much you push.
I didnt push enough for a relationship? I said.
You pushed too much, she said and wiped her eye.
I didnt know if I should console her. One, she belonged to someone else. Two,
we sat at her workplace.
I picked up a 20-pound dumbbell instead. I found it heavy. However, I pretended
to lift it easily in front of Aarti. Raghav could probably lift twice as much, I thought.
Why did I always compete with Raghav on every damn thing?
I am sorry, I said. Im sorry if I put too much pressure.
You came at a time when I didnt feel ready for anything. You wanted it too much.
You wanted to lean on me. I didnt think I could be a strong enough support.
What is this? My performance evaluation day? I said. I did a set of five with the
dumbbell before keeping it down.

I am just saying I dont know why. I guess I really need to talk.

Or need to be heard, I said.
We looked at each other.
Yes, exactly that. How well you know me, Gopal.
Too well, I said and smiled.
You want to see the rooms before we have lunch? she said.
Sure. Where are we eating? I said.
At the staff canteen, she said.
We took stainless-steel elevators to the third floor. She had a master key card to
every room.
I am not supposed to bring anyone to the hotel, by the way, she confided.
So? I said, wondering if it meant we should leave.
I am telling you how important you are. I am risking my job for you.
If they fire you, I will hire you.
Our eyes met. We burst into laughter. We had not shared such a moment in years.
We used to laugh like this in school in sync and for the silliest of things a burping kid
in class, her mimicking the teachers, me pretending to sleep during History period.
She opened room number 3103. I had never seen anything so luxurious in my
whole life. Cool, I said.
Isnt it? She sat on the large bed with its six cushions of bright red silk. This
bed is heaven! Sit and see.
Are you sure? I said.
Sit, no, she said.
We sat next to each other, me on the edge of the bed.
Its nice, I said, as if I was a mattress inspector by profession.
Its more comfortable lying down, she said.
I looked at her, aghast. She saw my expression and started to laugh, holding her
stomach.
I am not saying lets, she said. Since when did you become so serious?
We spent the next twenty minutes playing around with light switches and bathroom
taps. I had never been with her in a solitary place like this. It was going to my head. And
I sensed a slight tension in the air. Maybe the tension was only on my side.
Lets go. I checked my watch. I had to be back in the campus soon.
Okay, she said and shut the washbasin tap.
We stepped out of the room. A man in a crisp new suit saw us come out.
Aarti? he said, surprised.
The colour vanished from Aartis face.
Sir, she said. I read the tag on the mans suit. Binayak Shastri, Banquet Manager.
What are you doing here? he said.
Sir, she said, this is Mr Gopal Mishra. He is a client.
We havent opened yet, he said, still suspicious.
Hi, I said, offering him my hand. I am the director of the GangaTech group of
colleges.
He shook my hand.

We are thinking of doing a college event here, I said.

We walked towards the elevator. I was hoping he would ask no further questions
when he said, What kind of event?
A dinner for the top companies that we call for placement, I said.
Aarti avoided eye contact with everyone.
Sure, we will be happy to assist you, Binayak said, as he handed me his card.
I guessed that our staff-canteen lunch plan had to be dropped.
I am running late, but my team will get in touch with you, I said as we came to
the lobby.
Aarti gave me a professional smile and disappeared behind the reception desk.
Binayak chose to wait with me till my car arrived.
How come you wanted to see the rooms? Binayak asked.
We will have guest faculty. Maybe from abroad, I said. At that moment,
thankfully, my driver drove into the porch.

24

Over the next two months we managed to fill a hundred and eighty seats out of the two

hundred in our first batch. For the first time, I actually handed money to Shukla-jis
accountant. Many students paid their fee in cash. Farmers kids, in particular, brought
money in gunny bags, with bundles of notes accumulated over the years.
Make my son an engineer, a farmer pleaded with folded hands.
It made life so much easier. For the job and dowry market a B.Tech degree never
hurt. Dean Shrivastava and his gang of twenty faculty members took care of the classes. I
kept myself busy with projects such as getting the hostel mess operational, hiring new
staff and ensuring that the remaining construction work continued as per schedule. I had a
limited social life. Once a week I had dinner with faculty members, mostly to discuss
work. A couple of times, I ended up at Shukla-jis place.
You are the director of the institute. How can you still stay in your tiny old
house? he said one day, after too much whisky.
The faculty bungalow will be ready soon. I sleep in the office most of the days, I
said.
Aarti, however, had come back into my life, as the only non-work personI spent
time with. Ramada opened, she joined work and sat prettily at the Guest Relations desk
in the lobby.On her first day of workI sent her a box of chocolates and flowers. MaybeI
shouldnt have, butI felt the day was important to her.I made sure the bouquet had only
white roses for friendship no red ones.
Hey, thanx. Really sweeeet of u!! :) came her SMS.
I read the message fifty times. I finally composed a reply.U r welcome. For a gr8
future career woman.
She replied after ten minutes. Why r u being so nice to me?
I had no answer. I used a womens trick. When in doubt, send a smiley.
I sent three. :) :) :)
She messaged: Meet up after work? 7 p.m. CCD?
Sure, I replied promptly.
I drove down from the campus to Sigra to meet her. She told me about her day at
work. She had helped settle five Germans into the hotel, arranged three cars for a tenmember Japanese delegation and sent a surprise birthday cake to an American in his
room. She seemed happy. I didnt think she missed being an air hostess.
So we met today. What do you do in the evenings otherwise? she said.

Not much. Stay on campus. Work, I said.

Thats horrible. What about friends? Aarti said.
I shrugged. I have colleagues in the college. Thats company enough.
She patted my hand. You should have friends. Look at me, I have you.
What about Raghav? I said.
He works late at the newspaper. He has no time she said, withdrawing her
hand. She did not tell me how Raghav would feel about our regular meetings, which is
whatI had really asked. She only told me Raghav would not find out.
You have to meet friends after work. She sounded like she was convincing
herself.
I probably bore you to death with my hotel stories but
You never bore me. Even if you dont say a word, I said.
With that, Aarti and I became friends-who-meet-after-work. We met twice a week,
sometimes thrice. We ate at new restaurants, visited cafs, took walks in the Ravidas
Park and occasionally watched movies.
We had some unspoken rules. We didnt have long chats on the phone, and mostly
texted each other. We never visited the past or talked about touchy topics. I would never
touch her, even though she would sometimes hold my arm mid-conversation. At movie
theatres, we would enter and leave separately. Thats what boys and girls did in
Varanasi, anyway. When Raghav called, I would quietly step away so I couldnt hear
her. Finally, when Raghav finished work, she would leave.
I couldnt figure out why Id started to hang out with her. I had become a buffer
until her boyfriend got free from work. I guess I wanted a break from work too. And, of
course, when it came to Aarti, my reasons went for a toss anyway.
So, Raghav has no idea we meet? I asked her one day.
She shook her head, and wiped her coffee moustache.

Raghav stayed out of my life after the inauguration day debacle. However, he couldnt
stay off his old tricks for long.
Varanasi Nagar Nigam eats, builder cheats
Raghav Kashyap, Staff Reporter
I woke up to this headline a month after we opened. He often wrote about blackmarketeer ration shop owners, LPG cylinders sold illegally, the RTO officer taking
bribes and other routine Indian things nobody gives a fuck about. I would have ignored
this article too, had he not mentioned GangaTech.
I skimmed a few lines.

The article said, Surprisingly the inappropriate approvals and the resultant
illegal construction are right there in front of our eyes. Unlike other
corruption cases where the wrongdoing is hidden (like the Ganga Action
Plan scam), here the proof is for all to see. Farms are turned into colleges,
which then flout all norms to construct as much as possible. Colleges will
soon have malls next-door. Politicians, meant to protect us and prevent all
this, are often the culprits. This is not all, the city has new hotels, residential
towers and office buildings where the VNN has taken its cut. We have proof
to compare the vast difference between what is allowable and what VNN
approved
A box next to the article listed the controversial approvals.
I read the list:
1. The V-CON apartment building, a ten-storey tower on a low-flying zone.
2. Hotel Vento, construction of which has taken over a neighbourhood park.
3. GangaTech College Farmland mysteriously approved. College buildings
constructed beyond permissible floor-space index.
I threw the newspaper away. I had improved my relations with Shukla-ji with great
difficulty. I had told him that the reporter had apologised to me and that this would never
happen again. I knew Raghav was taking revenge for the sorry that day. He must have
obtained GangaTechs building plan from his shady sources in VNN.
I took out my phone. Before I could call him, however, Shukla-ji called me.
I dont know how this happened, I said.
Behenchods these Dainik people are, Shukla-ji said.
This reporter has to stop I said.
Its not the reporter. The opposition must be doing this.
I dont know, sir.
Or maybe someone in my own party? Jealous bastards wanting to spoil my
name.
I dont think so, sir.
What?
It is the reporter. I know him from before. Hes the crusader-activist types. Plus,
he had to apologise to me. He is taking revenge.
Who?
Raghav Kashyap, the name is there in the article.
Ill fuck his happiness, Shukla-ji said.
Should I call him? I said.
Dont. Ill speak to his seniors.
I said, What about the article. Does it affect us?
If VNN calls, direct them to me, Shukla-ji said.

No VNN officials called. Instead, they came straight to my college. The officials didnt
come alone, they came with two bulldozers.
Students peeped from classroom windows as the sounds of the earthmover
disrupted classes. I came running to the gate.
Open the gates, we have come for demolition, said a man wearing cheap
sunglasses and a yellow plastic helmet.
What? I said.
We have orders, said the VNN official. He took out a folded piece of paper from
his pocket.
My heart beat fast. What will you demolish?
The main building. Theres illegal construction here, he said, his tone defiant.
The harsh morning sun hit our faces. Can we talk? I said.
He shook his head.
I took out my phone. I called Shukla-ji. He didnt answer.
This is MLA Shuklas college. What is your name, sir? I said.
Rao. I am Amrit Rao. I dont care whether you say MLA or PM.
I coaxed him to be patient for ten minutes. He turned the ignition off on the
bulldozers. I asked the peon to get soft drinks with ice for everyone. I continued to try
Shukla-jis number. He answered at the eighth attempt.
What is it, Gopal? I had to call the CM. These stupid articles are the biggest
headaches.
Sir, we have bulldozers here.
What? Shukla-ji said.
I handed the phone to Rao, who repeated his mission to the MLA. However, he
became silent as the MLA spoke at the other end. Rao stepped aside to have a lengthy
animated conversation with Shukla-ji for ten minutes.
Rao returned my phone. Here, Shukla-ji wants to speak to you.
Sir? I said, still dazed.
How much cash do you have in the office? Shukla-ji wanted to know.
Not sure, sir. Around two lakhs in the safe.
Give it to him. Put the notes in an empty cement bag, topped up with sand.
Yes, sir, I said.
His colleagues should not see it. He has a solid reputation.
Okay, sir.
And he has to break something. He cant go back without demolition pictures.
What?
Is there anything partially constructed you dont need immediately?
Sir, the students are going to see the demolition, I said.
No choice. This reporter friend of yours has kicked us right in the
Hes no longer a friend, sir, I said.
Hes fucked. Anyway, tell me what can be broken easily and will cost the least to
fix?

The machining lab. We can put the machines somewhere else, I said.
Do that. Then draw a cross sign with chalk outside the lab. Let them do the rest.
Dont forget the cement bag. Shukla-ji hung up.
I signalled the security guard to open the gates. Rao gave me an oily smile.

25

I cant do a movie today. I have to leave in ten minutes. Aarti frowned as she stepped

into my Innova.
I had come to pick her up at the hotel with tickets for the 7.30 p.m. show of Rock
On.
Can you get a refund?
I tore up the tickets.
Gopal! she said. What are you doing? You shouldnt have bought tickets without
asking me.
Why are you distraught?
Its about Raghav. I have to be with him.
What? I said.
Dont talk about Raghav. Whose rule is that, Mr Mishra?
Mine. But I want to know why you are cancelling the plan.
Ill tell you. Can you drop me home?
DMs bungalow, I told the driver.
Keep it to yourself, okay? Aarti said. He told me not to tell anyone. I can trust
you, right?
Do I have to answer that? I said.
Fine. Raghav lost his job, she said.
What? I said. A surge of warm joy ran through me.
Im shocked. Dainik considered him a star reporter, Aarti said.
Did they give a reason? I said. The reason was sitting next to her.
I dont know. He didnt say. He just said the management asked him to leave.
Recession? I said in a mock-concerned voice. They cut staff in tough times to
save costs.
How much can you save by firing a trainee reporter? And Dainik is doing well.
The car reached Aartis home.
Is he at your place? I said as she stepped out.
She shook her head. Ill go meet him. I wanted to come home and change.
How did he sound? Upset? I said.
Very, very angry, Aarti said and rushed off.

I shouldnt have called him. However, I couldnt resist calling Raghav at midnight. I
wanted to see if he would remain defiant in his unemployed state. I held a tall whisky
glass in my right hand and the phone in my left.
I thought he wouldnt take my call. However, he picked it up soon enough.
Do you need another apology? were his first words.
Hi, Raghav, I said, my voice calm. How are things?
Quite good. What is bothering you that you called?
Dont be upset with me, I said.
You only get upset with people you care about, Raghav said.
You cared about your job.
Bye, Gopal, he said.
I told you not to write shit about us, I said.
I dont need to ask you how to do my job.
I took a big gulp of whisky. Oh yeah, how can you? BHU pass-out, taking advice
from an uneducated man like me.
He remained silent as I filled my glass again. The whisky made me feel more
confident than ever before.
Its not about education, Gopal. Its the person you have become. I cant believe
it!
Rich. Successful. Hard to believe, huh? The person who cleared JEE is
unemployed.
Ill find a job, Gopal. And tell that MLA of yours just because he could get a
trainee fired from Dainik doesnt mean he can silence the truth.
I could give you a job, Raghav. Want to work for me?
I only heard a click in response.

Revolution 2020, Aarti said, chin in hands and both her elbows on the table.
We had come to the Ramada Hotel coffee shop. It was an off-day for her. She
could visit the restaurants as a customer in regular civilian clothes. Waiters smiled at her
in recognition, and she greeted them back. Ever since Raghav lost his job, she hadnt met
me too often as she wanted to be with him. Finally, on her weekly holiday I coaxed her
to meet up.
Whats that? I said.
Dont ask questions. Revolution 2020 when I say this to you, what comes to
your mind? What could it be?
She blinked a couple of times as she waited for me to reply. I noticed how
appealing she looked even in a simple orange T-shirt and black jeans.
A new restaurant? Is Ramada opening one?
She laughed.
Whats so funny? I said. What is this Revolution 2020?
Its a new newspaper. Raghavs.

His own newspaper? I said, startled.

Yeah. He decided not to take up another job.
Even if he wanted Raghav could not get a media job inVaranasi, at least in the top
papers. Shukla-ji had informed all the major editors. Aarti, of course, didnt know this.
She didnt even know why Raghav had lost his job.
Raghav said Dainik didnt give him a reason. Is that fair? she said.
Theres politics in organisations. He will learn to fit in, I said.
He doesnt want to fit in. He wants to change journalism. Give it some teeth,
Aarti said.
We ordered our coffee. Alongside, the waiters also gave us freshly baked cookies
and muffins.
Did we order all this? I said.
Contacts, she said and winked at me.
How can he start a newspaper? I said. You need money.
Its not money. Its the content that matters, Aarti said and took a sip. A sliver of
foam was left behind on her lip.
Aarti, you really believe this? You are a practical girl.
Its fine, Gopal. You opened a college. Why cant he do this?
I had a backer MLA Shukla, who had cash and connections.
He hates him. Raghav says Shukla is the most corrupt leader Varanasi has ever
had, Aarti said.
Thats speculation, I said. Is there any successful person who hasnt been
criticised? Shukla is high-profile and rising. People are trying to bring him down.
Okay, can we please not discuss politics? Aarti said. The political gene ended
in my family with my grandfather.
You could join, I said. People still remember your grandfather.
She raised her hand and pumped her fist to make a mock-slogan gesture. Vote for
me, I will give you free cookies with coffee. She smiled. No, thanks. I am happy in
Ramada.
I smiled back. Anyway, so how exactly is he going to start his revolving
what?
Revolution 2020. Thats his goal. That India must have a full-blown revolution
by 2020. Power will be with the youth. We will dismantle the old corrupt system and put
a new one in place.
And hes going to do that from Varanasi? I sounded as skeptical as I felt.
Yes, of course. Kids from big cities are cushioned against the system. They have
decent colleges, get good breaks. The revolution has to start from a small city.
Hes definitely got you on board, I said.
What better place to start than the city that cleanses? she said.
She spoke in an enthusiastic voice. Maybe this was what she liked about Raghav.
His passionate approach to life, even if it was outlandish and fantastic. Girls dont like
reality that much. Or practical questions.
How does this newspaper work? Who pays for the printing, paper and promotion
while the revolution comes?

She sobered quickly. So it isnt exactly a newspaper to start with. It is like a

newsletter. Just one big sheet.
Okay? I egged her on.
On one side of the paper will be matrimonials. People from Varanasi love fixing
marriages. So he will put ads for local brides and grooms on that side. Free at first, and
charge later. Maybe some job ads too.
Why wouldnt people advertise in established newspapers?
Revolution 2020 ads will cost much lower and will be extremely local. You can
find brides and grooms down your own street.
I nodded.
On the other side, Raghav will do local news stories. And since it is not a proper
newspaper, he can be edgier and do more sting operations.
He loves doing that, I agreed.
So thats it. Printing costs are low, as there is only one big sheet to begin with. He
will contact temples for the initial ads, so lets see. Do you like the name?
I shrugged my shoulders. She bit into a muffin.
Everyone has their thing, Gopal, Aarti said, her mouth full. You have your
college. This is his.
It will never make money, I said.
So? She waved her muffin at me. Money isnt everything.
Easy to say that when you are eating cakes in a five-star hotel, I said.
She grinned and kept her muffin down.
I like money, I said.
Nothing wrong with that. My deal is simple. Money or revolution, everyone
should follow their heart.
Sometimes your heart can lead you to a dead end, I said.
She paused and looked at me as she digested my statement. Ahh, she pretended to
marvel, nice. Striking below the belt again, are we?
Of course not, I said. I asked for the bill, which came with a twenty per cent staff
discount.
We came to the lobby. Do you have to leave soon? I said.
Not super-soon, why?
I havent rowed for a year, I said.

26

Phoolchand, my favourite Assi Ghat boatman, recognised me from a distance. He

looked amused to see me in a formal suit. He untied the boat for us. I helped Aarti on
board and tipped him an extra hundred bucks. He slid a small paper packet in my hand.
Whats this?
Good stuff. I have sourced it from the Aghori sadhus. You have a matchbox?
I understood what he had given me. Aarti did too, and gave me a sly smile. I
bought a few cigarettes and matchbox from the paan shop.
I dipped the oars into the water, and together Aarti and I floated away.
Its been ages. I have missed this, Raghav, she said.
Gopal, I corrected without looking at her.
What? Did I say Raghav? Oh, sorry. I am so sorry. I didnt mean to
Its okay, I said.
I rowed to the opposite bank of the river. The oars felt rough. My arms were not as
strong as they used to be, when I did this on a regular basis. The main ghats of Varanasi
are packed end to end with temples and ancient structures. The soft sandy shore on the
other side of the river looked desolate. A small tea kiosk was the lone hub; it served the
occasional tourists who went there on a boat. I anchored the boat to a tree stump. The
evening sun turned the Varanasi skyline orange.
Lets take a walk, said Aarti, raising her face to feel the breeze.
We viewed the buzzing ghats on the opposite side. We could see the frantic
activity, but not hear a thing. We strolled for a while, then went to the kiosk and sat on
stools to order tea.
Are you going to smoke what Phoolchand gave you?
If you dont mind, I said.
She shrugged. I opened the pack of cigarettes. I teased the tobacco out of one of
them, and pushed the dried marijuana in. I lit it and took a puff.
May I try? she said.
I shook my head.
Her phone rang. She took it out from her bag. The screen flashed Raghav calling.
Shh! Quiet, she signalled to me. Hi, she said into the phone. She listened as
Raghav spoke for a while.
Thats great. Yes, put the pandit-jis picture in the paper. He will be so happy. He
will give you all the marriage listings, she said and grinned.
Yes, she continued, still at the hotel. This is a terrible industry, they make you

work on an off-day Yes, a whole bus of French tourists has arrived.

She mimed at me to be patient. I nodded as I watched the sky turn dark.
Yes, baby, I miss you, Aarti signed off. She reached for the joint.
What? I said.
Give me a puff.
Are you crazy?
Why? Just because I am a girl? True colours of a Varanasi man, eh?
You will reek of it.
Ill go straight to the shower. And what are all the Banarasi paans for? Ill have a
fragrant one before I go, she said.
I passed her the joint. She took a few puffs. It doesnt seem to have any effect on
me, she grumbled.
We finished our tea and stood up. She walked close to the water.
Come, lets see the aarti lamps in the water, she said.
Its late, I said. Wed better go.
I like it here. Come, she said and sat on the sand. She patted the ground next to
her.
I sat down beside her. Your phone will ring again, I said.
Whatever, she said. When he worked at Dainik, he never called. Now it is a
break, so he does. Wait until his Revolution 2020 starts.
Is he serious about it? I said disbelievingly.
Oh, yeah. The first issue comes out in two weeks, she said.
I finished my joint and contemplated the holy river. The world came to wash away
their sins in Varanasi. Did they ever stop to think about Varanasi for a moment about
what its people would do with all the sins they left behind? The grass had turned me
philosophical.
I flexed my fingers, preparing myself for the tough ride back. Aarti took my right
hand into her lap and started to massage it.
I looked at her in surprise.
Nice? she said.
I didnt say anything. Not a thing. I didnt withdraw my hand either. A full moon
emerged in the sky.
Its purnima, she said softly.
The sand beneath us, her face and the moonlight . Suddenly she began to blink
furiously.
You okay? I asked.
She shook her head, still blinking. A particle of sand had blown into her eye. I
withdrew my hand from her grasp and cupped her face.
Open your eyes, I said.
She shook her head again.
Open, Aarti, I said. I cradled her head with both hands.
She opened her right eye. I blew into it. You okay? I said.
She nodded, her eyes shut again. I heard her sniff.
Are you hurt? I said.

She began to sob. She rested her forehead on my shoulder.

Whats wrong, Aarti?
Im scared for Raghav. I hope he doesnt fail in life.
I held the back of her head. She buried her face in my chest. It felt strange to
console her about her boyfriend. However, I liked the feel of her against me.
Hell be fine. I hate him, but Raghav is capable. Hell be fine. He is a little
impractical but not bad at heart, I said.
She lifted her head, her face turned up to me trustingly.
I stroked her hair. I miss how you cared for me, she said.
Our faces were only a breath apart. The proximity stunned me. I couldnt speak.
I have no one to talk to when I am low. Thank you, she said.
Droplets from the Ganga splattered on us. I felt compelled to move my face
forward. My lips met hers. She didnt kiss me back. She didnt move away either. But
soon too soon she pushed me away.
Gopal! she said.
I didnt say anything. I kind of expected it. In fact, I wanted her to yell at me more.
Im sorry, I said. I looked away. In the distance I saw the aarti diyas wobble on
the water, as if admonishing me.
Lets go. I am late, she said. She was up in a split second and was taking rapid
strides towards the boat. I paid the tea-shop owner and ran to catch up with her.
I have to row you back. You cant run away, I said.
She kept silent. She refused to even look at me. Okay, I admit I had done wrong,
but she didnt have to treat me like this. A few moments ago she had massaged my hands
and buried her face in my chest. She sat as far as possible from me in the boat.
I slapped the oars hard on the water as I rowed back.
I said sorry already, I said midway.
Can we not talk please? she said.
The boatman noticed our sour moods.
Didnt like the maal? Phoolchand asked. I didnt respond.
Aarti walked on.
Where are you going? I will drop you home, I said.
Ill take an auto, she said and disappeared from my sight.

27

Even Babas death hadnt left me so sleepless. But Aartis flight from Assi had me

staring at the office walls at 4 a.m. two nights after the boat ride. I was too nervous to
call or message her though I could think of nothing but her. Her face, her drenched eyes
and her lips on mine I couldnt focus on the contractors plans for my upcoming
bungalows bathrooms. I sat through faculty meetings like a zombie, staring at my phone
non-stop.
Expecting a call, sir? Dean Shrivastava said.
I shook my head, only to check my phone again. How can god give girls so much
power? How can they turn productive, busy and ambitious men into a wilting mass of
uselessness.
Sir, so you are okay with us conducting mid-terms next week? said Anmol, the
civil engineering professor.
Yes, I managed to respond while wondering what Id do if she didnt call ever.
On my third sleepless night my phone beeped at two in the morning.
A message from her: Dont call or message me.
What made her send this message? I hadnt called or messaged.
I was sitting there holding the phone when my phone beeped again.
Ever, said her next message.
She isnt sleeping and she is thinking of me my optimistic, irrational brain
kicked into action.Why did she send these messages? What do they mean in Girlese?
Since Girlese often means saying the opposite of what is meant, did this mean call
me?
Okay, I replied. I waited for an hour but got no response.
Soon I drifted off into a dream about boat rides.

A fluorescent pink A3-sized sheet fell out of the morning paper.I thought it was a flyer
for a travel agency or tuition classes. However, it had a masthead like a newspaper.
Aha,I smirked, Raghavs attempt to change the world.
Revolution 2020, it said in big, bold font. Below was a letter from the editor,
headlined: Because Enough is Enough. I read on.

What do you say about a society whose top leaders are the biggest crooks?
What do you do in a system where almost anyone with power is corrupt?
India has suffered enough. From childhood we are told India is a poor
country. Why? There are countries in this world where an average person
makes more than fifty times that an average Indian makes. Fifty times? Are
their people really fifty times more capable than us? Does an Indian farmer
not work hard? Does an Indian student not study? Do we not want to do
well? Why, why are we then doomed to be poor?
I laughed at Raghavs self-indulgent trip. I sipped my morning tea and continued to read.
This has to stop. We have to clean the system. Che Guevara, the great
revolutionary, once said, Power is not an apple that falls from a tree into
your lap. Power has to be snatched from people who already have it. We
have to start a revolution, a revolution that resets our corrupt system. A
system that shifts power back into the hands of the people, and treats
politicians like workers, not kings.
Of course, this wont happen overnight. This also wont happen until
the real suffering begins. As Indias young population increases, we will
need more good colleges and jobs. Soon, there wont be enough. People
will realise who is fooling them. It could take ten years. I call it Revolution
2020, the year in which it will happen, the movement that will finally shake
the muck off India. When the Internet will connect all colleges across the
country. When we will go on strike, shut down everything, until things are
fixed. When young people will leave their classes and offices and come on
to the streets. When Indians will get justice and the guilty will be punished.
And it will all begin in Varanasi. For that reason, we bring you
Revolution 2020.
Yours truly,
Raghav Kashyap
Editor
I smiled as I saw a crudely sketched map of India under the article. It had a dot on
Varanasi, with arrows connecting it to various cities. The map had a little Revolution
2020 potential plan attached to it. In various cities, it listed the main colleges that
would lead the revolution there.
My accountant came into my office for my signatures on the month-end accounts.
My amused expression puzzled him.
What happened, sir? Reading jokes? he said.
I nodded.
The front page also carried an expos on cremation shops in Varanasi selling

ordinary wood as sandalwood after spraying it with synthetic perfume.

My accountant saw the pink-coloured paper.
Is this an ad? A poster? he said.
I have no idea, I said.
I turned over the Revolution 2020 page and couldnt help but laugh. In contrast to
the bombast in the front, the back page had matrimonial ads! I read one out aloud.
Wanted beautiful/educated/fair/homely virgin for twenty-five-year Kayasth
Brahmin engineer working in stable government job. Girl must be willing to stay in joint
family and respect traditional values.
I handed Raghavs paper to my accountant.
Searching for a girl, sir? he said.
I looked how I felt offended.
Sorry, sir, he said. Sir, we have more requests for admissions, he sought to
change the subject.
We are full, I said, you know that. We have as many students as we are
authorised to take.
Sir, if the AICTE can adjust
I sighed. How many more?
Five, ten he said. Twenty at the most.
Take them in, I said. Ill manage the AICTE when the time comes.
Yes, sir, he said and left the office.
I picked up the pink rag, ripped it apart, bundled up the shreds and threw them in
the dustbin.

Every Friday I made rounds of the classes. I kept a three-day stubble to look old enough
to be a director. I entered a classroom where a maths class was in progress.
The professor stopped lecturing when he sighted me. The entire class of forty
students stood up. It felt good. I could go to any of the eight classrooms and the same
would happen. Money, status and power however evil people may say these are get
you respect in life. A few years back I was begging at career fairs for an admission.
Today, hundreds stood up to attention when I arrived.
Good afternoon, Director sir, the professor said.
I nodded in response. A boy in an ill-fitting shirt in the front row blinked rapidly
when I addressed him. What is your name?
Manoj, sir, he said.
Where are you from? I said.
Sarnath, sir, he said.
Parents work there? I said.
We have land, sir. My father is a farmer.
I immediately softened. You dont want to be a farmer?
He didnt answer, afraid of how he might be judged by the response. I understood.

Any problems at GangaTech? I said.

No, sir, he said nervously.
Dont feel shy, tell me, I said.
Too much English, sir, he said. I dont understand it well.
Learn it. The world wont let you live otherwise. Okay? I said.
He nodded.
I turned to the professor. Sorry to disturb you, I said.
The professor smiled. He reminded me of Mr Pulley in Kota.

A dozen documents awaited my attention when I returned from my rounds. My phone

beeped.
Aarti had sent a message: Saw R2020?
Yes, I texted back.
What do you think? she wanted to know.
I didnt respond. I started going through the documents. My phone beeped again.
She had texted: ?
Good luck for the revolution, I said.
Thanks, came her reply.
I wondered if that meant the end of conversation.
You are welcome, I said anyway.
Good to know, she said.
What? I said.
That I am still welcome, she said.
I didnt know what to say to that. Girls can come up with the simplest of messages
that have the most complex meanings.
I typed out another message: I am sorry about that evening. I was pondering
whether to send it when my phone beeped again.
Sorry about that evening, her message said.
I gasped at the coincidence. I deleted what I had composed and typed again. Its
fine. I shouldnt have crossed the line.
I had a reply within seconds: Dont worry about it.
Perplexed, I kept my phone away.
What exactly did she mean? Why cant girls be direct? Dont worry about it? Is
she just being formal? Or did she mean it is okay I kissed her, and that I need not
worry about it ever again? Most important, had we closed the chapter or opened a
new one?
I wanted to ask her all these questions but did not have the guts.
I didnt want to keep things hanging either. One kiss, and her silence thereafter,
had devastated me. I didnt want to kiss her just once. I wanted to kiss her a million
times, or however many times it was possible for a person to kiss another person in a

lifetime. I did not want to talk to her in cryptic messages. I wanted to have her by my
side all the time.
I didnt give a fuck about Raghav anymore. He had anyway become borderline
cuckoo, with his pink newspaper. Aarti deserved better, and who could be better than
me? Our college would make a crore this year. Raghav would never see a crore of his
own in his entire fucked-up honest revolutionary life. These intense thoughts darted
about in my head like little birds let loose from their cage.
Enough is enough, I spoke out loud and forced myself to pick up the phone.
I LOVE YOU, I typed and kept my thumb on the send button.
But I deleted the text. I replaced it with a softer I MISS YOU, but erased that as
well.
I went back to my files but found it hard to read even one sentence. I closed my
eyes. Immediately, I remembered the warmth of her body when I had held her, the locks
of her hair that brushed against my face in the breeze, and relived the moment when I had
kissed her.
My phone rang. She had called me. A part of me didnt want to, but I picked it up
in one ring.
Hi! she said.
Aarti!
Yeah? she said.
I crossed the line that day, I said.
Dont keep saying that.
Is it okay, really? I said.
Really. How did you like the paper? Be honest.
I was shocked at how effortlessly she switched the topic.
Kayasth Brahmin grooms on one page, mega-revolution on the other. Isnt it
strange?
I told you. Thats how the paper becomes viable, she said.
What do the readers feel about that? I said.
The response is mind-blowing. Raghavs ex-boss from Dainik had c called to
congratulate him, she stammered in her excitement.
Well, what do I know about newspapers? If people from Dainik like it, it is
probably good, I said flatly.
You have seen nothing yet. Raghav is working on some big stories.
Great, I said, my tone bland.
Sorry, I didnt mean to talk only about him. Just thrilled about the first issue. I put
a few copies in the hotel lobby too, she confessed with a giggle.
I am sure the tourists will love to see how fucked-up our country is, I said.
Or they may like the matrimonials, Aarti pointed out. That evening by the river
seemed to be a distant memory for her. How can girls pretend that nothing happened?
Do they erase stuff from their brains, brush it aside, or are they just good actors?
Aarti, I said.
What?
What if I I said and paused.

What if I what? she said.

She had put it out there. I could either chicken out and say lame crap like What if
I said you are amazing, like I had over the years. Or, I could be a man and say what I
really wanted to, even if it meant she may never talk to me again. For once, I chose the
latter option.
What would you do if I kissed you again?
Gopal! she said, her voice hushed.
Dont sound so surprised. We did kiss, remember?
I dont know what happened, she said. How could she not know what had
occurred?
Dont avoid the question, I said.
What? Aarti said, a rare hesitation in her voice.
What would you do if I kissed you again? I repeated.
I dont know, she said.
She hadnt said yes. However, she hadnt hung up the phone in disgust either.
I might, I said.
Dont!
I just might.
Can we talk about something else? she said.
Are we meeting? I said.
Where? she said. Again, no yes or no. She didnt even say when. She simply
asked the location. It meant she wanted to meet me. Even after I had warned her that I
wanted to kiss her, she wanted to meet me. A dozen smileys filled up my head.
Ill pick you up at work. What time do you get done?
Six. Not today though. Raghav has some friends over. First issue and all.
Party?
Kind of. A low-key affair. Raghav doesnt have money to party. Everything has
gone into the paper.
You want me to give some money? I said, enjoying every syllable of my
sentence.
Stop it, Gopal. So, tomorrow at six?
I will call you, I said.
Oh, okay. Where are we going? she said.
Somewhere private, I said.
She paused for a second.
Where we can talk, I added.
Let me know then.

28

You are in 2105, Mr Mishra

I had booked a room at Ramada for five thousand a night.

Any help with your luggage, sir? the lady at the reception asked me.
I only have this, I said, pointing to my rucksack.
The receptionist smiled at me. She walked with me to the centre of the lobby and
to the guest relations desk.
This is Aarti, the receptionist said, and she will guide you to your room.
Aarti looked up from her computer. Her jaw dropped.
Hello, I said as nonchalantly as possible.
Oh, hi I mean, good evening, she said, flustered.
Aarti, this is Mr Gopal Mishra, director of GangaTech. He is in 2105. Please
escort him to his room.
Sure, sure, Aarti said, still in shock.
She stood up. We walked towards the elevator. A housekeeping staff member
entered the elevator with us. We couldnt talk. She only spoke in the second floor
corridor.
Gopal, what are you doing here? she whispered. She continued to walk two
steps ahead of me.
I had my story ready. I couldnt tell Aarti I had booked a room just for us.
We had a senior guest faculty coming from London.
So?
He cancelled last minute. We had already paid for the room. So I thought, why not
enjoy the hospitality of Ramada?
What? You should have told me. I could have got you a refund.
Forget it. I have never stayed in a five-star hotel before. Ill try it out.
We reached 2105. She opened the room with the magnetic key card. She looked
beautiful in her uniform, a formal sari, with her hair every strand of it locked in a
bun.
I dumped my rucksack on the bed.
You need help with the features of the room? she said.
No, I grinned. Someone already showed me.
You are crazy, Gopal, she said. Anyway, I better go.
I sat on the single-seater sofa in the room. Stay, I said.
I cant. I am on duty.

After six? Its five-thirty already, I said.

I cant be in a guests room!
You know this guest, I said. Two minutes?
She went to the door and closed it as much as possible without locking it. She sat
on a chair by the desk and stared at me.
What? I said.
You didnt plan this? she said.
What plan? The faculty cancelled, I said.
Whats the name of the faculty? she said.
Mr Allen, I said.
Oh, really? Which college?
Hes from I said and hesitated.
See. Stop fibbing, she said.
How will I know the college? The dean would know. All I know is, we had a
room, and I took it.
She shook her head.
Lets hang out here after you finish, I said.
How? she said. Its not allowed.
You only do things you are allowed to? I said.
No, she said, but
You dont have the guts, I said.
Thats not the case, she said and stood up. And you know it.
Nobody will find out, I said. Finish work and come. We will eat here. Leave in
an hour or so.
If room service sees me? she said.
You hide in the toilet when they come, I said.
Thats weird, she said.
Okay, I will order before you arrive. Sandwiches?
She bit her lower lip and mused over my suggestion for a few seconds. Fine, she
sighed. But you have to check no staff is around when I come or leave.
Sure, I will stand in the corridor. Will give you the green signal on the phone.
She walked to me and whacked me lightly on the side of my head. The things you
make me do! she said and left the room.

I ordered a club sandwich, chocolate cake and a bottle of wine. I also took a shower,
using more shampoo and hot water than I normally do in a week.
She called me at 6:30 p.m. Check the corridor.
I came out of the room. Its fine, I said into the phone, turning my head left and
right to scan the corridor.
Two minutes later, we were both in the room with the door firmly locked. She had
already changed into a white button down shirt and jeans downstairs after her shift.

You are stupid, you know that, right? she said, plonking herself on the bed and
holding a hand dramatically to her chest. My heart is beating so fast!
Relax, I said.
She laughed. You are lucky they havent installed corridor CCTVs yet. Cant pull
this stunt after that.
So, right timing, I said. Hungry?
I opened the silver cover on the sandwich plate.
Starving, she admitted.
I added some french fries and salad to the sandwich. Come, lets eat.
I am too exhausted to move. I stood in heels for eight hours. Can I eat on the
bed?
Sure, I said. I passed her the plate. I poured a glass of red wine.
You ordered a full bottle of wine? she said.
I shrugged.
When did you start drinking wine? she said.
Shukla-ji made me try everything, I said.
You like wine?
I usually have whisky. But I thought you might like wine.
I do. But I shouldnt drink. This is my place of work.
One glass I insisted.
She gave a brief nod and took the glass.
Raghav doesnt drink much. He is such a bore sometimes, she said and took a
sip. Nice. What is it?
Jacobs Creek from Australia, I said, emphasising the country of origin. It had
cost me two thousand bucks, but I didnt mention the price.
Its good. It will hit me soon.
Relax, my driver will drop you home, I said.
She held her sandwich tight with both hands and ate like a famine victim.
Slow down, I said.
She said with food in her mouth, I havent had anything since breakfast.
Even in school you used to stuff your face, I teased.
Provided you left any food for me!
Hey, I stole your tiffin once, and that too half of it. I am still serving my sentence,
I said.
Oh, really? she said. The teacher punished you for only one period.
But I am still stuck with you, I said, looking totally depressed.
She picked up a french fry from her plate and threw it at me. She missed. It fell on
the sofa.
Oops, pick it up, please. I cant dirty my own hotel, she said.

29

She kicked off her shoes and sat crosslegged on the bed. I went to pour her more wine.

Ill get high, she said but extended her glass. She sipped and checked the time.
The bedside clock said 8:30 p.m.
How long can you stay? I said.
Until nine, she said. Half an hour more.
Ten? I said.
She shook her head. Mom will ask a hundred questions. Unless I tell her I
have to do a double shift, she said.
Tell her that, I said immediately.
I have to stay for eight more hours then. Till 2 a.m.
Perfect, I said.
Are you crazy? she said. I cant be in your room till two!
Why not? I said. When do we ever get to catch up like this?
If my boyfriend finds out she said and went quiet. She leaned back against the
headboard.
Finds out what? I said.
We had finished half the bottle. I poured myself some more wine.
That I am in another mans room for so many hours, he will kill me, she finished.
He will?
She grinned. Not literally. But he would get, like, really mad. Break something.
She picked up a pillow and threw it at me, playing the part of a possessive boyfriend.
He will kill you if he finds out it is me, I told her.
Hes not finding out, Aarti said.
I got off the sofa and came next to the bed.
You are doing that double shift, I said, pointing to her phone.
You sure? she said. I will eat your head till two in the morning!
Thats what youve done all your life, I said.
She hit me with the other pillow. I caught it and kept it aside. She placed a finger
on her lips, signalling me to be quiet. She called home.
Mom? she said. Yes, I am still at work. Double shift, what to do?
Her mother spoke for a few seconds. Aarti continued: Stupid Bela was to do this
shift. She has made some excuse for not coming. Ever since her engagement, she bunks
so much.
Her mother spoke again. Aarti looked irritated.

Why should I get engaged because Bela did? Yes I will one day, mom
Okay, fine Yes, the hotel car will drop me Bye.
She kept her phone on the bed, and looked exasperated.
You okay? I said.
I think at some point a switch flicks in the heads of Indian parents. From study,
study, study they go marry, marry, marry.
You dont want to?
I will, she said, and patted the bed. Why are you standing like a show-piece?
I sat on the bed, careful to sit a little away from her.
You are paying a lot for this room. Please be comfortable.
Huh? I said.
Its my job to make our guests comfortable, she said and smiled a guest-relations
smile. Even with the specks of red wine on her teeth, her smile was downright beautiful.
I bent to take off my shoes and socks. You dont need to call Raghav?
She shook her head. He wont even realise it. He is working on a big story, she
said. She poured herself some more wine.
If he calls? I said.
She placed her hand on my mouth. If he does, you go shh and I will deal with
it, she said.
Her touch was like a spark.
She removed her hand. So Mr Director, how is work, life, everything?
Everything is work. It isnt easy to run a college, I said.
Only work? She imitated her mother, What? You should get married. Why arent
you married by now?
We laughed and clinked our glasses together.
I will have to get engaged soon though, she said. The pressure is building.
How about Raghav? I said.
Obviously, he is not ready at the moment. Hell do it if I push him, she said.
Are your parents okay with him? I said.
They love him. My father broke the family tradition of politics to join services.
He admires Raghavs passion.
Even though he doesnt make money?
He will. One day he will, Aarti vowed. And why are you talking like my
relatives?
She picked up the remote and switched on the television.
This is so boring, she said and flicked through the news channels. She stopped at
Channel V, where an item girl danced to a remixed video.
She has totally done her lips, she said, and a nose job, and possibly a boob
job.
What? I said, shocked at her choice of words.
Boob job. To fix your boobs, make them bigger, she said.
I looked as shocked as I felt.
You are my best friend, she said and playfully punched my arm. I can totally be
myself with you.

She flipped channels again and suddenly we were watching When Harry Met
Sally from somewhere in the middle.
Men and women cant be friends, Billy Crystal said to Meg Ryan, a toothpick in
his mouth.
Of course, they can be. Look at us, Aarti said impatiently and increased the
volume. I love this movie.
You have seen it? I said.
Yeah, have you?
I shook my head. I didnt watch English movies.
Come, lets watch. Ill tell you what happened so far.
I moved closer to her. I dimmed the room lights from the bedside panel while she
summarised the plot for me. Harry and Sally went about their lives, meeting and fighting
several times but never really connecting even though it seemed obvious that they
should. We watched the movie in silence.
Wow, we finished the bottle, she observed after a while. She lifted a pillow,
placed it in my lap and rested her head there for the rest of the film.
You comfortable? she asked, looking up at me from my lap, her eyes twinkling in
the TV light.
I hesitated a little, then placed my hand lightly on her head and gently stroked her
hair. She didnt object. It felt wonderful to be with her. I couldnt think of a happier
moment than this in my life so far.
Aarti? I said.
Yeah? she said, her eyes still on the TV.
Is it okay for you to lie in my lap like this?
She nodded, her eyes on the screen.
Why did you run away from the river that day? I said.
I dont want to talk about it. Watch the movie, no, she said.
Will you run away again? I said, my voice heavy.
She sensed the tension in me. She muted the television and sat up.
You okay, Gopi? she said, the words slightly slurred. The TV light flickered over
our faces.
Run now if you want to, I said, my voice barely making it out of my throat.
Because if you stay for a while in my life and then go
I had spoken too much. The Australian wine had managed to open up an Indian
heart.
Shut up, she said and placed her palm on my mouth again, Drama queen. Sorry,
drama king!
But I meant it, I couldnt bear to be away from her.
I am lonely too, Gopal, she said, so lonely.
Why?
Raghav has no time. My parents cant see why I want to work. They cant
understand why the DMs daughter has to slog. All my girlfriends are getting married,
planning kids and I am not. I am weird.
You are different, I corrected her.

Why am I different? Why cant I just be normal satisfied to be at home, waiting

for my husband?
Thats not normal. Thats backward.
Raghav stresses me out. I want to support him. But he cant seem to get his act
together. He rejected a tie-up with a newspaper for the sake of independence. How is he
ever going to make money like this?
I thought you said he will one day, I said.
I put on a brave face. But I can discuss my fears with you, no? she said.
Of course, you can, I said and caressed her cheek.
We turned to theTV screen.One night Sally was feeling low. Harry comes over to
her house. He comforts her. They end up kissing.I dont know if the scene motivated me
or the wine or the fact thatI feltI might not get another chance.I leaned over to kiss Aarti.
She looked up at me in surprise. However, she did not protest. Just stared.
I kissed her again, this time more insistently. Nothing for two minutes and then she
was kissing me back. We kissed again and again. I kissed her lips, her cheeks, her
forehead, her nose, her ears and her lips again. I switched off the lights.
When I hugged her again, she said, This is wrong.
I know, I said, but I cant stop. My hand reached for her shirt buttons.
No, she said and gripped that hand hard.
I slid my other hand under her shirt. Thank god, men have two hands; nobody
could make out otherwise. My palm was, at last, on her breast.
Gopal, you realise what is happening? she said.
I shook my head.
We shouldnt she said.
I shut her up with another kiss. She wriggled a little, but I kept kissing her. She
started to respond. Slow at first, then matching and finally outpacing me.
This isnt right, Gopal, she panted, biting my lower lip.
I answered in kisses. The movie had ended. I heard shampoo commercials in the
background as I tugged at her top to take it off.
Dont, Gopal! she whispered but raised her arms to make my job easier.
I removed my shirt. This time when we embraced, her warmth and softness melted
into me.
I care for you so much I said.
Stop talking, she said, interrupting my garbled speech.
I gently pushed at her shoulders to make her lie back on the bed. I removed the rest
of my clothes.
She looked away.
What? I said.
She shook her head, without making eye contact.
I slid next to her. She kissed me passionately, but whenever I paused to look into
her eyes, she turned away.
I reached down to unbutton her jeans. She halted me one last time.
I have a boyfriend, she reminded me.
I have lived with that for years, I said.

I am not that kind of girl, Gopal, she said on a sob.

You are an amazing girl, I said, my finger dipping into her navel. I paused to kiss
her there. The most amazing girl in the world.
I placed her hand on my body. I went back to undoing her jeans. Girls wear the
most unremovable, tight jeans in the world. I found it impossible to take them off without
her help.
Could you? I said, after a five-minute struggle.
My request brought forth a giggle. She wriggled to take them off. I waited and then
drew her close to me.
Gopal, she said, and held me close. Passion repressed for years came forth
unleashed. I bit her and kissed her all the time that I was becoming one with her.
I knew my life would no longer be the same again. What happened only magnified
my love for her. They say men withdraw after sex. But I wanted to draw her close,
cuddle and keep her with me forever. Spooning her tightly, I kissed her hair as she
looked ahead with no particular expression.
You are wonderful, Aarti. Every bit of you is wonderful.
She half-smiled. I raised myself on an elbow.
Did you like it? I said.
She nodded but looked elsewhere.
Look at me, I said. She did turn her eyes to me, but looked past me.
Are you okay? I said.
She nodded.
We lay down again. A little red LED beeped on the ceiling.
Whats that? I said, worried it could be a camera.
Smoke alarm, she said.
We remained silent for a few minutes.
I cant live without you, Aarti, I said.
Dont say that, please, she said.
Its true. I love you, I said.
Please, stop! she said and sat up on the bed, covering herself with the bedsheet.
Whats the matter? I said, holding her arm through the sheet.
Her phone beeped. She looked at the message. She let out a deep breath as she
punched a reply.
Can I wear my clothes? She slid away from me.
Huh? I said. Sure.
She draped the bedsheet around her, picked up her clothes and went to the
bathroom. I switched on the lights. A confused mix of emotions stewed in me.
She obviously cares for me, for no girl will do what she did otherwise. Yet, why
was she acting distant? Does she expect me to tell her I will be there for her now? Or
is she regretting it? Is this going to bring us closer or take us further apart?
I was naked and confused. I couldnt resolve my confusion, but I could at least
wear my clothes. She re-entered the room while I was buttoning my shirt.
I better go home, she said decisively.
The bedside clock said 0:00 a.m.

Dont you have to stay till 2 a.m.? I asked.

Ill say the shift ended earlier. In either case, they would be too sleepy to check
the time now, she said.
Sit with me, I wanted to say. I wanted to talk. I wanted her to know how much this
meant to me. Isnt this what girls want, anyway, to talk?
Will you call your driver? she said.
Stay for five minutes, I begged. Please?
She moved to the sofa. I sat on the bed.
Why are you so tense? I said. I am your Gopal. Dont you care for me?
You still need proof? she asked.
I came next to her. I held her hand. It felt cold.
I dont want you to feel ashamed about it, I said. This is special. We have to be
proud of it.
But I am in a relationship, she said.
With a guy who is never there for you? I said.
She turned to me in surprise.
I havent ever commented about you and Raghav. That doesnt mean I dont
notice. Aarti, you deserve better. You deserve all the joys of life.
I am a simple girl, Gopal, Aarti said, biting her lip.
Even a simple girl needs love, security, attention, support. Right? I said.
She kept quiet.
The simple girl will get married someday. She will need to know if her husband
will be able to raise a family with her, I said. I had remained defensive for years. With
Aarti by my side, I felt confident to go on the offensive.
I am tired. I want to go home, she said and stood up.
I called my driver. I offered to come down with her. She declined. She came close
to me before she left. I expected a kiss but there was only a brief hug. The door shut
behind her. Her scent lingered in the room for hours and in my heart for days.

30

We didnt talk to each other for two days after the Ramada night. I couldnt control

myself any longer and finally called her. She couldnt speak to me as her parents were
around her. However, she agreed to meet me at CCD the next morning before work.
I am sorry I freaked out, she said, taking little sips from her extra-hot black
coffee. She wore a crinkly purple skirt and a white printed top. Her wet hair told me she
had just taken a shower. I have twenty minutes before I leave for work, she said.
What happened to you that night? I said.
Well, you know what happened, she said.
You have to come to me, Aarti, I said. I placed my hand on hers.
Gopal! she said, and pulled her hand away.
What? I said. I wanted her to look at me with shy eyes, smile at our shared
experience, and squeeze my hand tight. None of it happened.
People know us, she said instead. Steam from our coffee cups rose between us.
The caf felt warm, compared to the chilly December morning outside.
Do you love me? I said, desperate for her confirmation. She had to love me.
How could she not?
Aarti let out a breath of frustration.
What is the matter with you? At least accept your feelings now, I said.
Do you want to know what I feel? she said.
More than anything else, I said.
Guilt, she said.
Why? I said, almost in protest. Wasnt it wonderful? Isnt this love?
Gopal, you have to stop using the word love, okay? she said.
Girls cannot be understood. Period. I became quiet.
Raghav did me no wrong, she spoke after a minute, staring outside the window.
So this is about Raghav I said as she cut me.
Can you listen? Simply listen, okay? she said, her gaze stern. I had to comply.
Men are born on earth to listen to girls. So, I nodded.
He only wanted to make a living while doing the right thing. Its not easy, she
said.
I nodded again, hoping like hell I didnt come across as fake.
I shouldnt have cheated on him. I am a terrible person.
I nodded again.
You think I am a terrible person? she said.

I kept quiet.
Say something, she shouted.
You told me to listen, I said.
So do that, she said.
What? I said.
Say something, she said. Theres something about male-female conversation. I
dont think one side ever gets what the other side intends.
Aarti, you are a sensible girl. You dont do stuff unless you want to.
What are you trying to say? she said.
You never said yes to me despite my attempts for years. Something made you do
it that night.
I made a mistake, she said.
I must admit, her saying this felt like crap. The most special day of my life
classified as a mistake for her. I controlled my anger.
Was it? Why did you come to meet me today? I said.
Its just coffee, she said, her eyes shifty.
Aarti, dont lie. Not to me. If your feelings have changed, theres nothing to be
ashamed of, I said.
Tears rolled down her cheeks. I picked up a tissue and leaned forward to wipe
them. She looked around, and composed herself.
Gopal, in every relationship, there is a weaker person and there is a stronger
person. The weaker person is the one who needs the other person more.
True, I said.
Its not easy being the weaker one in the relationship. Not all the time, she said.
I know the feeling, I said.
She looked at me.
I am sorry. I am listening, I said.
My parents are pressurising me to get married. I cant fight them forever, she
said. Raghav doesnt seem to understand that.
He doesnt want to marry you? I said.
Only in a couple of years. He avoids the topic. Sometimes it is about not being
settled, sometimes about work being too dangerous, mostly he is too busy. What about
me?
I nodded. Sometimes your best chance with women lies in adequate nods. I made
mine just right, with a measured swinging of the head.
He loves me, I know. Every now and then, he sends a sweet SMS. Its nice.
I realised she was thinking aloud. I pretended to listen but focused on her
triangular purple earrings that bounced mildly when she spoke. She finished her pros and
cons after five minutes.
Thanks for listening, she said.
Why me? I said.
What do you mean? she said.
Why did you sleep with me? Sure, you had some problems with Raghav. But why
me?

She looked at me. She had softened a little after venting out.
Because I like you, she said.
You do? I said.
Of course, I do. And I know what I mean to you. I swear I would be so happy if
you found another girl.
I cant, I said.
Cant what?
I cant be with another girl. Its you or nobody, I said, looking her straight in the
eye.
You realise how guilty that makes me feel? she said.
So you feel guilty if you sleep with me and if you dont?
She gave a wry smile. Its not easy being a girl. We feel guilty about everything.
Dont be confused. Come to me, I said.
What about Raghav? she said. He needs me at this stage.
He does what he wants to. Why shouldnt you?
Thats work. He never stops me from work. Infidelity is different.
You inspire me, Aarti, I said. I cant tell you how much I want to do in life if
you are by my side. I want to expand my college. We can open an aviation academy,
MBA, maybe medicine.
You dont need me for that, she said.
I want you for myself. Without you, there is no me, I said. People break up all
the time, Aarti. You guys are not married. We will be so happy.
And Raghav? she said.
He will be fine. Hell find someone, a journalist or activist or something, I said.
She laughed.
What? I said.
I like you, Gopal. But why do you try so hard?
Sorry, I said stiffly. I dont have the right moves or the right lines all the time.
Shut up, this isnt about the moves.
Will you be mine? I said, extending my hand.
Please dont pressurise me.
I took my hand back.
Not at all, I said.
She checked the time. She had to leave. I called my driver, who slowly rolled up
in a black Mercedes.
Wow! she said. Is that yours?
No, it belongs to the trust. It is for Shukla-ji. We just took delivery.
We got into the car. The black leather felt warm. Its got seat heaters, I said,
showing her the controls.
One day, Mr Gopal, you will have your own, she said as we reached the hotel.
Car or girl? I winked at her.
Both, hopefully, she said and winked back.
When can we meet, I said, alone?
Gopal!

We dont have to do anything. In fact, I dont want to do anything.

Famous last words from every guy, she said and walked into the hotel.
Guards saluted the black Mercedes as it drove out of the hotel gate.

Where are your parents?

She drew the curtains in her room. Hospital. Its dads knees again.
Aarti andI continued to meet, though seldom in public places. Mostly, she would
call me home when her parents were out.Even with half a dozen servants in the house,
her room had privacy.Two months had passed since the night at Ramada. Her guilt for
cheating on Raghav had subsided somewhat, or at least she hid it well from me.I stopped
asking her if she loved me as it only moved her away from me.
Girls are contradictory. They will say they like communication, but on certain
topics they clam up. If they like you, they would prefer you sense it rather than make
them say it.
Grapes? she said as she offered me a tray of fruit.
Feed me, I said as I sprawled out on her easy chair.
Shut up, she said and shoved the tray towards me.
She sat on the chair across me. We had an unwritten rule we stayed away from
her bed.
Once? I said.
What is this? she said and stood up. She picked up a bunch of grapes and brought
it close to my mouth. As I parted my lips, she pushed the whole bunch inside.
Thats not how you feed kings, I said, struggling to talk as juices squirted from
my mouth.
All you boys are the same. First you chase, but when you get the girl, you want to
be kings, she said.
You are my queen, my dear, I said.
Cheesy. Corny. Horrible, she said.
I gave her a grape-stained kiss.
The maids are around!
They knock. You know that, I said.
I wanted to kiss her again, but she pushed me away.
I am horrible to you, isnt it? she said.
Its okay, I said.
Too much physical stuff messes up my head. You dont want me to be low for
weeks, right?
Its okay, I dont want to either, I said.
Really? she said, surprised.
Guys always want to do things. Yet, she knew I wasnt lying. I had never asked her
to come to my campus where we could be totally alone. Neither had I attempted another
Ramada-like rendezvous.

Really, I said, my tone serious.

You dont want to? she said. She was wearing a saffron salwar and a white
kameez. I wanted her more than any woman, or for that matter anything, in the world.
Still, I had a condition.
Not until Raghav is out of your system, I said.
What? she said.
That night at Ramada I had your body, not your soul. I dont want it to be like that
again.
You dont get people out of your system overnight, she said.
I know. But are you trying?
I dont know, she said. No matter how much I deny it, the fact is I meet you
almost everyday.
She sat on the armrest of my chair.
So, are you ready to call it off with him? I said.
As I finished my sentence, her phone rang. Its him, she said.
I became quiet.
Hey, she said to him. She sat close enough for me to hear Raghavs voice on the
other end.
We hit five thousand copies, he was saying.
Congratulations! Aarti said.
We will get proper brands to advertise soon. What are you doing?
I came home early, Aarti said.
Parents?
Moms taken dad to the hospital. His knees are killing him. Hell have to replace
both of them.
Thats awful, he said.
I played with Aartis hair as she spoke to Raghav. She made a face at me to make
me stop. I didnt.
So what else? Doing anything in the evening? she said.
Finalising the big Monday issue. Its going to be crazy, he said.
Okay, Aarti sighed. I brushed back the hair falling on her face. She grabbed my
hand as she spoke.
I could meet you for a midnight coffee, Raghav said.
Have to be with dad. And every time I go out late, mom wants to get me married
the next week.
You are so young, Raghav said.
My family doesnt get all that. Cousins my age are married, she said.
Can we not start a fight again? Raghav said. Im exhausted.
Im not, Aarti said.
I love you, bye, Raghav said smartly.
Do you? Aarti said.
Aarti, cmon. I have to hang up. I do love you. Say it, no, Raghav said.
Love you. Bye, she said.
I withdrew my hand from her face.

What? she said.

This is what I mean by getting him out of your system, I said.
It was just a simple chat, she said.
You said love. With me you dont like that word.
I wanted to be normal. Thats how we end calls, she said. She walked up to the
window and stared outside.
Im sorry, its not easy hearing you say that to another man, I said.
Its not easy being a cheat, she said and turned all teary-eyed.
I took her in my arms.
At some point he will find out, Aarti said, her face buried in my chest. I just
want to tell him myself.
Will you be with me? I said.
She gave a barely perceptible nod, without lifting her face.
I will love you forever, Aarti, I said.
She hugged me tight. After a while she looked at me. Should I tell him? she said.
I shook my head.
I will, I said. I wanted to rub it in his face.

31

It took just a mini-van to move my stuff from my old house to the brand new directors

bungalow. I had clothes, my fathers old books and family pictures. The contractor
purchased the rest. I didnt need a three-bedroom duplex bungalow, but the director
couldnt hole up in a hostel room. I stood in the lawns of the new house, supervising the
move early morning. A truck with the new purchases furniture, carpets, appliances,
utensils and furnishings drove into the compound.
A labourer held up some old photographs of my father. Where should I keep
these? he said. In one framed picture Baba sat under a tree smoking a hookah and
watching the fields. I, all of five years, sat naked next to him. My fathers farmer friend
had taken that black and white picture with a camera his son had sent him from abroad. I
picked up that picture and saw my fathers face. Unlike the Baba I remembered, the
person in the picture looked young and healthy. I saw the tree and tried to gauge its
location in the current campus. I couldnt.
I hadnt cried over my father once in the four years after his funeral. Yet, I didnt
know why I felt so overwhelmed that day. Baba wouldve loved to see me move into
such a big house. He probably died thinking his loser son would never get anywhere in
life. If only he could see this! Gopal doesnt cry. Gopal fights the world, a voice inside
told me.
Put them up in the front room, I said.
We finished the move by ten in the morning. My first guest, I had planned, would
be the person who made this possible Shukla-ji. I had invited him for lunch. I hurried
the hostel chef. The gas stove at my new home didnt work, and the chef wanted to go to
the hostel kitchen to prepare the dishes.
Bring the stove here! I shouted. MLA sir is coming. I cant trust the hostel
cooking.
Of course, I also wanted Aarti to be one of my first guests. However, I had
promised myself that Aarti would come to my new house as my girlfriend, not someone
elses girlfriend having a parallel affair with me.
She SMSed me: Hows the move gng? When do i c the place?
I replied: U can come anytime but i wont let u leave. Let me meet Raghav
first.
R u sure? Am so nervous about u meeting him.
I was composing a reply to her when my phone rang. I picked up Shukla-jis call.

Sir, we are making puris. Come hungry, okay? I said.

Come home, Gopal, he said.
I am home. My new home. I mean, this is also your home.
Im screwed, Shukla-ji said, his voice unusually tense.
What?
Come to my place. Your fucker friend, I wont spare him. Come right now.
What happened? We have lunch I was saying but he cut the call.
The chef arrived panting at my house, carrying the heavy stove on his shoulders.
It will take only an hour, he said reassuringly to me.
Lunch has been cancelled, I said and walked out of the house.
My phone beeped. Another SMS from Aarti.
U should let me decorate the house. After all, hotel industry & all.
I sent her a smiley and kept the phone back in my pocket.
MLA Shuklas place, I told the driver.

MLA Shuklas men stood in a circle in Shukla-jis verandah. They looked mournful, as if
someone had just died. Pink-coloured papers lay strewn on the coffee table.
Wheres Shukla sir? I said.
One of his party workers pointed to his office. Wait here. He is on an important
call, he said.
What happened? I said. The party worker did not respond. He looked pointedly
at the pink papers. I picked one up.
Revolution 2020, said the masthead, as pompous as ever. A miniature map of
India, showing the so-called command centres of the revolution, was the logo.
MLA makes money by making holy river filthy! said the headline. A poor
quality, black and white picture of Shukla-ji occupied a quarter of the page.
25 crores sanctioned for Dimnapura Sewage Treatment Plant. MLA pockets 20
crore, said the sub-headline.
These are all old, done to death, bullshit allegations, right? I said. Raghav liked
to stir things up, but surely nobody would give a fuck about his rag.
No one in the room responded to me. Half the party workers couldnt read the
paper anyway. The others seemed too scared to talk. I read on.
Early Monday morning in Navabaga, a group of children walk towards their
school waist-deep in sewage water. It is a gut-wrenching sight to see filthy
water everywhere. Stink pervades the air. People of the neighbourhood
dont know what happened. They do know that this hadnt happened before
the government implemented the Ganga Action Plan (GAP). Yes, the same
plan meant to clean up our holy river has ended up spreading more filth
around our city.

How? Well, because none of the projects meant to clean up the river
were implemented. The Navabaga flooding apart, the river is filthier than
ever. To give you an idea, the presence of fecal coliform, a form of bacteria,
should not be more than 2,000 units/litre. At the ghats, the fecal coliform
levels are 1,500,000 units/litre. Not only is our river dirty, we are living
with serious health hazards.
I saw Shukla-ji come out of his office. I rushed to him. He signalled me to wait and I
saw that he was still on the phone. He picked up a few files and returned to the office. I
continued to read.
Revolution 2020 found many truths about the GAP scam. However, the most
shocking one is about MLA Raman Lal Shuklas Dimnapura Sewage
Treatment Plant in Varanasi. Built at a cost of 25 crores, the plant
remained dysfunctional for years. When finally made operational, it never
cleaned the water. We have startling facts, with proof, on what happened
inside the plant.
The opposition has done this, one party worker said to another. I sat down to finish the
article.
When untreated water reached the plant, eighty per cent of it was diverted
downstream into the Varuna river, and dumped right back without any
cleaning. The remaining twenty per cent of water was released at
Dimnapura plants own exit, untreated. When the inspectors took the input
and output measurements at points before and after the plant, it showed an
eighty per cent drop in pollutants. Meanwhile, the water dumped into the
Varuna river met the Ganga a few kilometres later. The net effect no
treatment of water at all and the river remaining as polluted as ever. Shukla
took credit for the plant showing an eighty per cent drop in pollutants. The
construction company, AlliedCon, is owned by the MLAs uncle, Roshan
Shukla, who made fake invoices for pumps that were never purchased
(scans below).
We will kill this newspaper, a party worker whispered in my ear as he saw me read
with such concentration.
The bottom of the page had several images. These included fake invoices for
pumps amounting to 15 crores. However, the actual site pictures showed no such
pumps installed. A scanned letter from the pump manufacturer showed they never
supplied the pumps. The ownership structure of AlliedCon confirmed links to Shukla-

jis family. Finally, the paper had a picture of the Varuna river, with a dot to show the
exact point where the effluents were released.
The CM is coming down from Lucknow, a party worker announced and worried
murmurs rippled around the room.
I could tell Raghav had worked hard on the story. He had suffered earlier for
doing a story without evidence. This time he had left nothing to chance. The fake
invoices, contractor-MLA link, and the audacity to dump the dirty water right back into
the revered Ganga didnt spell good news for Shukla-ji. Locals would be livid. A
politician stealing is bad enough, but to rob from the holy river is the worst sin.
Its not even a real newspaper, Shukla-jis PA was discussing the matter with
someone. Couple of thousand copies, nobody will pay attention to it.
The low circulation of Revolution 2020 had become the MLAs only hope. Party
workers had removed as many copies from the newsstands as they could. However,
Revolution 2020 came free, like a brochure inside newspapers. It would be impossible
to get rid of it completely.
Aarti was calling. I stepped out to the lawns.
Saw R2020 today? she said. I didnt know the paper had an acronym.
I have it in my hand, I said.
She breathed audibly before she spoke again. Is it too much? she said.
I sneered, Its Raghav. When is he not too much?
It is shocking, isnt it? They dump the dirty water elsewhere in the river and
claim to have cleaned it!
He is taking on big people. He should be careful.
But he is only speaking the truth. Someone has to stand up for the truth.
I just said he needs to be careful, I said.
I dont want him to be in trouble, she said, scared.
He doesnt like to stay out of it, I replied.
Is he in trouble? she said, pausing after every word.
How would I know? I said. I heard the noise of traffic outside the house.
Cmon, Gopal, you and MLA Shukla she said and paused.
Im not involved in any scam, okay? I screamed.
Horns blared outside as I walked towards the gate.
I didnt say that, she said softly. I just dont want Raghav to be in danger. I may
not be faithful to him, but I dont want him to get hurt.
Hold on for a second, Aarti, I said.
I came to the gate. My eyes popped as I saw the scene. Six vans from different TV
channels had parked themselves outside the house. The guards were struggling to keep
the reporters out, as they stood there airing live with the MLAs house as backdrop.
Whats going on? I asked the guard.
They want to come in, the guard said. They know the CM is coming.
Everything okay? Aarti asked anxiously on the phone.
Yeah, so far.
Promise me Raghav wont get hurt.
Its not in my hands, Aarti, I said, exasperated. I dont even know what will

happen. Its a small paper. Maybe the story will die.

It wont, she said.
What?
All the mainstream newspapers and channels are in Revolution 2020s office,
she said.
Fuck, I said, as a fleet of white Ambassador cars approached the house.
Photographers went berserk as they took pictures of everyone around, including me.
Will Raghav be okay? Promise me.
Aarti, I have to go.
I jogged back to the house.

32

Everyone stood in attention as the CM entered the house. The aura of power could be

sensed along every inch of the MLAs bungalow. Shukla-ji came running and greeted the
CM with folded hands.
Who called the media? the CM said, his voice purposeful.
What? Shukla-ji said, as clueless as anyone else in the room.
Lets go inside, the CM said. The two leaders disappeared into MLA Shuklas
office. The CMs minions mixed with the MLAs minions in the hall. Even the minions
maintained a hierarchy. The CMs minions stood with their heads held high, while the
MLAs minions looked at the floor. I didnt fit in anywhere.
I sat on a wooden chair in the corner of the room.
Gopal, Shukla-jis booming voice startled me. I looked up. He asked me to come
into his office.
Once in, the MLA shut the door.
Gopal, sir. He runs my college, my trusted man. Bright and
You know the person who did it? the CM asked me, with no interest in my
qualities or capabilities.
Raghav Kashyap, sir. Friend once, not anymore.
You couldnt shut him up? the CM said.
We had him fired from Dainik. He started his own rag after that, I said. Nobody
cares about it.
The media has sniffed it out. The rag doesnt matter much, but if he gives
interviews or provides all the evidence to the media, it is going to be bad.
He is already doing that, I said.
Both of them looked at me with accusing eyes.
My sources told me. I am not in touch with him, I clarified.
We cant handle him? the CM asked. How can you open a college without
handling people?
I understood what he meant by handling.
He cant be bought, sir, I said. For a second I felt proud of Raghav. It felt like a
good thing to be someone who cant be bought.
What do you mean by cant be? Everyone has a price, the CM said.
He doesnt, I said. I have known him for years. Hes mad.
Well, he does want to live, doesnt he? Shukla-ji said. I noticed his eyes were
red.

I looked at the CM. He shook his head.

Shukla-ji is not in the right frame of mind, he said.
No, CM sir, I will not Shukla-ji began.
Calm down, Shukla-ji, the CM said, his voice loud. Do you have any idea what
has happened?
The MLA looked down.
You didnt even make a plant? Ten per cent here and there doesnt matter. But
what were you thinking shoving the dirty water into Varuna? This is Mother Ganga.
People will kill us, the CM said.
I offered to leave the room but the CM told me to sit right there.
We have elections next year. Raman, I have always respected your space and
never interfered. But this will take us down.
I will fix it, CM sir, Shukla said, I will, I promise you.
How? By killing the journalist?
I said it in anger, Shukla-ji said, his tone apologetic.
Anger makes people do a lot of unpredictable things. It makes voters throw out
governments. I know when a scam report has teeth, and when it doesnt. This one does.
Tell me what to do, sir, Shukla-ji said, And I will do it.
Resign, the CM said and got up to leave.
What? Shukla-ji said, his face looking bleached.
Its not personal. Resign with grace and maybe you will come back.
Else? the MLA said after a pause.
Dont make me fire you, Shukla. You are a friend, the CM said. But the party is
above friendship.
Realisation slowly dawned on Shukla-ji. He clenched his fists in anger.
It happens. You will be back, the CM said.
He then walked out briskly with his minions. The press was waiting outside for
the CM to give a statement. I followed the CMs workers to the gate.
I came for a routine visit, the CM told the reporters.
What is your view on the Dimnapura Plant scam? a reporter shouted hoarsely.
I am not fully aware of the situation. It looks like a smear campaign. Our party is
clear on corruption. Even if there are allegations, we ask our leaders to step down.
The CM jostled past the reporters and sat in his car.
So will MLA Shukla resign? one of the reporters managed to jam the mike close
to the CMs face.
That is for him to decide, the CM said, hinting at the inevitable.
The CMs car left. I wondered what would happen to my GangaTech. I went back
to Shukla-jis room.
We will destroy the newspaper office, a party worker was saying to Shukla-ji.
Shukla-ji did not respond.
Tell us what to do, Shukla-ji. What did CM sir say? another minion said.
Leave me alone, Shukla-ji said. Party workers got the message. They scuttled
away within seconds. Soon only he and I remained in his big house.
Sir? I said. Do you need me?

Shukla-ji looked at me. He no longer had his trademark ramrod posture. He

slouched on the sofa, elbow on the armrest and face in his palm.
The CM is a behenchod, he said.
I kept quiet.
When he needed his election funding, he came to me. I did his dirty work,
distributing liquor all over the state. Now he screws me.
You will come out of it, Shukla-ji, you always do.
Nobody gives a fuck about cleaning the Ganga. Everyone made money on that
plan. So why me?
I didnt have an answer. I felt a tinge of guilt. Maybe Raghav did it to Shukla-ji
because he wanted to get even with me. Or maybe it was my imagination. Raghav would
expose anyone he could.
You run GangaTech properly, okay? I dont want any mud from here to reach
there, he said.
Of course, sir, I said. Anyway, you are here, sir. We have big growth plans.
Theyll lock me up, he said calmly, decades in politics making him wise enough
to forecast events.
What? I said, shocked.
Once I resign, I have no power. Many MLAs have made money in the GAP scam.
Before it spreads, they will lock me up to show they have taken action.
You are the MLA, Shukla-ji. The police cannot touch you, I said.
They will if the CM asks them. I will go in for a while. Pay my dues if I ever
want a comeback.
The thought of my father-figure and mentor going to jail unsettled me. I had very
few people in life I could call my own. Shukla-ji counted as one of them.
Wait here, Shukla-ji said and got up. He went into his bedroom and returned with
a set of keys.
Keep it, he said. I cant be seen with such flashy stuff.
I picked up the keys. They belonged to the black Mercedes.
Your new car? I cant. I placed the keys back on the table.
Keep it for me. You are like my son. I will also move some money into the trust.
Make the college big.
Alone? How can I do that alone? I said, my voice choked. You havent even
come to my house.
I cant step out of here. My relatives are waiting outside with their cameras, he
said.
Shukla-ji spent the next hour explaining to me his various bank accounts and
businesses. He had his people running them, but he was telling me in case of an
emergency. GangaTech is my cleanest business, and can aid my comeback one day.
He wrote out his resignation in front of me and asked me to fax it to Lucknow.
The fax machine beeped as the transmission started. He fucked us, eh? Shukla-ji
said.
Who? I said.
Your friend. I had him fired. He got me fired.

He tried to ruin my life. I will ruin his life, I vowed.

33

Every newspaper of Varanasi city carried the Dimnapura Plant scam story on the front

page the next morning. Shukla-ji, whose resignation became public, had become the new
villain in town and Raghav Kashyap the new hero. Everyone spoke highly of the stupid
pink paper. Local television channels covered the scam for hours on end.
I flicked through the channels on my new forty-inch LCD television. I paused when
I saw Raghav being interviewed.
It took us two months of secret work to get all the evidence on the scam.
Everyone knew this MLA was shady, but there just wasnt proof. Our team did it,
Raghav said smugly. He had lost weight, and looked sleep-deprived with his unshaven
face and dishevelled hair. Yet, he had a glint in his eye.
Who is your team? the reporter asked him.
Well, we are a small newspaper called Revolution 2020. There are four of us,
including me. We dont have much experience but we are passionate about our work.
What are you passionate about?
Making a difference. Changing India for the better. That is what we live for,
Raghav said.
Is it true that you believe India will have a revolution in the year 2020?
Yes, but we all have to work towards it and make sacrifices for it.
What exactly will the revolution be for?
A society where truth, justice and equality are respected more than power. Such
societies progress the most.
Can you explain that?
Power-driven societies resemble animal societies. Might is right is the rule of
the jungle and applies to beasts. And beasts do not progress, humans do.
I turned off the TV. I couldnt take his bullshit anymore. Neither could Shuklas
men.
Nitesh, one of the party workers, called me in the morning.
You smashed what? I said on the phone.
His only computer is in pieces. We took hammers and broke the printing press
too.
Nobody saw you?
We went at night. Ransacked the office. Bastard. Hes finished.
I got ready for work. I saw the Mercedes parked outside. I had a less than 300yard commute to the office. Yet, I wanted to go in my new car.

I thought about Raghav. After yesterdays bravado and all that attention, a
plundered office was all he was left with.
He had no job, no business and soon nobody would give a fuck about his paper
after this story died.
Where, sir? the driver said.
Office, I said.
I made up dialogues to say to Raghav in my head.
The average-looking dumb Gopal Mishra, the boy you had preached to, saying,
you can try again next year, is sitting in a Mercedes. You have a broken printing
press. And you think you are handsome, right? Well, soon I will make your girlfriend
mine. The girl you stole from me.
Sir, the driver prompted. We had reached office.
I entered my office. I sank into the leather chair and closed my eyes. I visualised
Raghavs face when I told him, Aarti is with me. It would be amazing. I had planned it
all. I would go to his office. I would drop the Mercedes keys on his table. I even had
some lines ready.
Sometimes losers get ahead in life. Never forget that, I said out loud, to practise
for D-day.
I still didnt have the right lines to break the news about Aarti being mine. I
decided to try a couple of them.
Buddy, I am sorry to say this but Aarti is mine, I mumbled.
That didnt sound manly enough.
Aarti and I are a couple. Just wanted you to know, I tried a casual one. Couldnt
quite pull it off.
How do you come up with a suitable sentence to convey something you have
meant to say for years? I wanted my words to bomb-blast him, to hit him like a lethal
weapon. I wanted him to know that he had made me feel inadequate all my life. I
wanted him to burn with jealousy seeing my car, my life, and hurt like hell for losing
the girl he stole from me. I wanted to tell him I am better than you, asshole, without
actually saying it.
Aartis call disrupted my thoughts.
They attacked his office, she said, her voice disturbed.
Oh, really? I acted surprised.
Revolution 2020 cant be published. The press is broken, she said.
I scanned the files on my desk. I didnt care if the stupid rag came out or not.
You there? Aarti said.
MLA Shukla could be jailed, I said.
He should, isnt it? He stole money and dirtied the river.
Are you on his side or mine? I said to Aarti, irritated.
What? How is this about sides? she said.
Are you with me? I said.
Huh? she said.
Are you?
Yes. But shouldnt we wait to tell Raghav till he settles down?

Will he ever settle down? I said.

She went quiet.
Come home, I said.
Your place? she said. You are finally showing me your new home?
Yes.
Tomorrow? I have a morning shift, will be done by three.
Ill send my car, I said.

I kept one eye on the TV and another on the porch as I waited for the Mercedes to arrive
with Aarti. The afternoon rain had slowed down traffic, and the car took longer than it
should have. Images of Shukla-jis arrest flickered on TV.
I have done no wrong. I will be out soon, he proclaimed on one of the channels.
He had pre-empted his own arrest to win some public sympathy. He had called me
before going to jail. He seemed relaxed. Perhaps he had cut a deal with the party. Or
maybe he didnt realise that the party had made him the fall-guy.
Its not so bad. If I pay, jail is like a hotel, he had told me.
I saw the black car approach. My heart beating fast, I rushed out.

34

She stepped out of the car. She had come in her work sari.

Wow, you have a bungalow? she said. Its not mine, its ours, I wanted to
tell her, but didnt.
She hugged me but looked serious.
All good? I said.
Raghavs expos has created complete chaos. Even my family has been affected,
she said.
What happened? I said. But what is this, first come in!
She came in and stepped on the new silk carpet I had laid out in her honour. She
saw the huge TV, the velvet sofas and the eight-seater dining table. For a moment, she
forgot about Raghav.
Your college is doing this well? she said, wide-eyed.
This is only the beginning, I said, and came forward to hold her. With you by my
side, see where I take it. University status in three years.
Big man, Gopal. You have become a big man, she said.
I shook my head. For you, I am the same, I said. I kissed her on the forehead.
I offered to show her the house. We went upstairs and saw each of the three
bedrooms. My room had a king-size bed with a twelve-inch mattress. Next to the bed, I
had kept a rocking chair similar to Babas.
She kept quiet throughout my guided tour. Every time I showed her something, like
the marble tiles or the split air-conditioner, she looked suitably awed. However, she
seemed more interested in watching the excitement on my face than the fittings.
I threw myself on the bed. She sat on the rocking chair. We looked at the window
as rain splattered on the panes.
Its raining, she said, excited.
Its an auspicious sign. The first time you came to our house, I said.
She raised an eyebrow.
It is ours, not mine. I made it for us, I said.
Shut up. You didnt know we would be together when construction started, she
said and grinned.
I smiled. Correct. But I have done it up for us. Else, why would I need such a big
house?
You are the director. Its not a joke, she said.
You want to talk about Raghav? I said. I sensed she needed to.

We dont have to, she said and shook her head, putting on a brave smile.
Come here, I said and patted the bed.
She hesitated, but I extended my hand. She held it as I pulled her gently down. I
kissed her, and she kissed me back with closed eyes. It wasnt frantic or sexual. It was,
if at all it is possible to kiss like that, chaste and pure. However, we kissed for a long
time, our pace as gentle as the rain on the window. I felt her tears on my cheeks. I paused
and held her shoulders. She hugged me and buried her face in my chest. It was what
Aarti always did, and I loved it when she did that. It made me feel protective.
Whats up, my love? I said to her.
I am happy for you, Gopal. I really am.
Us. Say happy for us, I said.
She nodded, even as she fought back tears.
I am happy for us. And I dont want to ruin your moment of showing me your
house.
Its fine, I said.
You have worked so hard to get here. You deserve this, she said.
What do you want to talk about? I said.
She shook her head and composed herself. I waited for her to talk.
Im fine. Girls are emotional. You will get used to my drama, she said.
I live for your drama, I said.
She smiled.
Hows Raghav?
They ruined his office, she said.
Politicians are vindictive. Is he hurt? I said.
No, thank god. The computer and the machines are all broken. He is trying to
bring the issue out but theres no money.
He wants money? He can ask me, I said. I wished he would come and beg me on
bended knees.
You know hell never do that. He wont even take money from me.
So? I said.
Hes trying to figure stuff out.
Are you still with me? I said.
Gopal! she said.
What?
I wouldnt be sitting on your bed. I wouldnt be, you know
Okay, okay, I said. I took a pillow and sat against the headrest. She sat on her
haunches, facing me.
You have to stop asking me so much. Please understand this is difficult for me,
she said.
What? I said.
Breaking up with him, especially at this time. And you want to break the news to
him.
Thats life, Aarti, I said. I planned to go meet Raghav next week.
One should be sensitive she said.

Nobody was sensitive to me when I didnt clear my entrance exam two years in a
row. Nobody gave a fuck when Baba died. I lived with it. Aarti, he will learn to face
life.
You men why are you so competitive all the time? she said.
Me? Raghav is nothing compared to me today. Why would I compete with him?
We can still wait a few months she said but I cut her.
I cant bear you to be someone elses girlfriend, I said, my voice loud.
Really? she said, patting my cheek.
Not for another second, I said.
I tugged at the loose end of her Ramada sari, bringing her close to me. We kissed.
The rain grew insistent, noisy, thumping the window rhythmically. We kissed and,
naturally, my hand went to her blouse.
Mr Director, she smiled, I thought you said you didnt want to have me until he
was out of my system.
Isnt he? I said.
Almost, she said, closing her eyes.
Well, maybe this will help get the remaining bits out, I said and brought her lips
to mine again.
I plundered her neck, planting as many kisses as the raindrops on the window. We
undressed with a lot more awareness than the previous time.
These are my work clothes, please keep them carefully, she said as I tried to fold
the never-ending sari.
Our naked bodies felt toasty in the cold weather. We huddled under the quilt and
explored each other for hours. The rain stopped, started and stopped again. She wanted
to get closer to me, perhaps to justify leaving Raghav. I wanted to show her how much
she meant to me. I could give up this oversized house, the black car, the entire college
for her.
This time she looked me in the eye as she surrendered herself.
We dozed off.
Its six o clock, she said, peering into her mobile phone on the side-table.
Ten more minutes, I said, nuzzling her shoulder.
Lazy bones, wake up, she said. And I am famished. Such a big house and
nothing to eat!
I sat up. Still groggy, I said, Theres food. The cook made so many things for you.
Lets go downstairs.

35

We had hot samosas, jalebis, masala cheese toast and hot chai.

This isnt healthy, Aarti said. We sat on the dining table, facing each other.
Delicious in the rain though, I said.
I switched on the lights as dusk fell. She ate in silence, digesting the food as well
as what had just happened. I wanted to discuss the afternoon, but curbed my desire to
blab about everything. Girls dont like to discuss intimate moments, especially if you
probe them. However, they also get upset if you dont refer to the moments at all.
Quite wonderful, I said.
The samosas? she said, even though she knew my context.
No, the jalebis, I said.
She threw a piece of the curvy yellow sweet at me.
The best afternoon of my life, I said, after our laughter subsided.
Thats what all men want, she said.
I realised I shouldnt discuss the topic any longer, lest she fall into a bout of selfinflicted guilt-induced depression.
Hey, you said Raghavs expos is affecting your family? I said.
Well, you know the CM fired Shukla, right? He didnt resign or go to jail himself
as he said on TV. The party told him to, she said.
I know, I said.
She poured herself a second cup of tea. I imagined her living with me. How we
would wake up in the morning and have tea in bed. Maybe we would have it on the
terrace. Or in the lawns. I visualised us sitting on cane chairs and chatting for hours. I
imagined her as the principal of the GangaTech College of Hospitality. The students
would totally flirt with her, given she would be the cutest principal in history. I would
expel them if they tried to
Are you listening? She tapped her cup with a spoon.
Huh? I said. Sorry. Yeah, the party removed Shukla-ji. So?
The party doesnt have a strong candidate for elections next year, Aarti said.
They will find someone, I said. I finished my tea and kept the empty cup on the
table. She poured me some more. I almost went into a dream sequence again. I
controlled myself and listened to Aarti.
They need a candidate who can win. They cant lose this city. It is the partys
prestige seat, she said.
What difference does it make to you?

They want dad, Aarti said.

Oh! I said. I had forgotten about Aartis grandfathers connection to the party. He
had won the seat for thirty years.
Yeah. Now dozens of politicians visit everyday, begging him Pradhan-ji, please
contest.
He doesnt want to?
Aarti shook her head.
Why? I said.
He doesnt like politics. Plus, his health is an issue. He cant walk or stand for a
long time because of his knees. How will he campaign and do those rallies? Aarti said.
True.
Thats not all, Aarti said, you havent heard the most ridiculous suggestion.
What?
That I contest, Aarti said. She laughed hard, as if she had cracked a great joke. I
didnt find it funny.
Thats, I said, something to think about.
Are you crazy? Aarti said. Me and politics? Hello? I thought you know me.
They clipped my wings from flight attendant to guest relations. Now they will make me
visit a thousand villages and sit with seventy-year-old men all day?
Its power, Aarti, I said. Means a lot in this country.
I dont care about power. I dont need it. I am happy, Aarti said.
I looked into her eyes. She seemed sincere.
Are you happy with me?
I will be. We have to resolve some stuff, but I know I will be, she said, more to
herself than to me.
She left soon after that. Her parents had visitors, more party officials, who also
wanted to meet Aarti. I dropped her home, so Id get some more time with her.
Youll be alone on the way back, Aarti pointed out.
I shrugged.
Thanks for a lovely day, she said as we reached her house.
My pleasure, I said. Have a good dinner with the politicians.
Oh, please. Shoot me in the head, she said. Both of us stepped out of the car. I
leaned on the bonnet as she walked towards her gate.
Sure you dont want to become an MLA? I said from behind.
She turned to me. No way, she said. Maybe my husband can, if he wants to.
She winked at me before skipping towards her house.
I stood there, surprised. Was she implying something? Did she want me to be the
MLA? More specifically, did she want me to be her husband?
Aarti, what did you say? I said.
But she had already gone into her house.

I hadnt known that the Varanasi Central Jail had private rooms. I went to meet Shukla-ji
in his cell. As requested, I brought him three boxes of fruits, two bottles of Johnnie
Walker Black Label and a kilo each of salted cashewnuts and almonds. The cop who
frisked me for security collected the parcel and promised to deliver it. I thought the MLA
would meet me in the waiting area, but I could go right up to his cell.
He sat in his room, watching a small colour TV and sipping cola with a straw.
Not bad, eh? he said. He spread his hands to show me the fifteen-by-ten-feet
cell. It had a bed with clean sheets, a desk and chair, closets and the TV. Yes, it didnt
seem awful. It resembled a government guesthouse more than a jail. However, it couldnt
be compared to Shukla-jis mansion.
Its terrible, I said.
He laughed.
You should have met me in my early days in politics, he said. I have slept on
railway platforms.
I feel so bad, I said. I sat on the wooden chair.
Six months maximum, he said. Plus, they get me everything. You want to eat
from the Taj Ganga?
I shook my head.
How is the car? he said.
Great, I said.
College? he said.
Going okay. We have slowed down a bit. We dont have the capital, I said.
I will arrange the money, Shukla-ji promised.
Take it easy, Shukla-ji. Keep a low profile. Things can wait, I said.
He switched off the TV. Your friend fucked us, eh? Shukla-ji said.
Hes not my friend. And he is finished now. And you will be back, I said.
They wont give me a ticket next time, he said pensively.
I heard, I said.
From who? Shukla-ji looked surprised.
I told him about my friendship with Aarti, the DMs daughter, and what she had
told me. I didnt tell him about her relationship with Raghav, nor did I give details about
her and me.
Oh yes, you have known her for long, right? he said.
School friend, I said.
So her father wont contest? Shukla-ji said.
I shook my head. Neither will the daughter. She hates politics. So maybe you still
have a chance, I said.
Not this time, Shukla-ji dismissed. I have to wait. Not right after jail.
Theyll find someone else then?
The DMs family will definitely win, he said. People love them.
They arent interested, I said.
How close are you to her? His sharp question had me in a dither.
I never lie to Shukla-ji. However, I didnt want to give him specifics about Aarti
and me either.

I kept quiet.
You like her? he said.
Leave it, Shukla-ji. You know I am immersed in my work, I said, evading the
topic.
I am talking about work only, you silly boy, Shukla-ji said.
What? I said, amazed by how the MLA sustained his zest for politics even in jail.
You marry her. If that broken-legged DM cant contest and the daughter wont, the
son-in-law will.
What? What makes you say that?
I have spent twenty-five years in Indian politics. It is obvious that is what they
will do. Wait and watch, they will marry her off soon.
Her parents are pestering her for marriage.
Marry her. Contest the election and win it.
I kept quiet.
Do you realise where your GangaTech will be if you become an MLA? I will be
back one day, anyway, maybe from another constituency. And if both of us are in power,
we will rule this city, maybe the state. Her grandfather even served as CM for a while!
I havent thought about marriage yet, I lied.
Dont think. Do it. You think she will marry you? he asked.
I shrugged my shoulders.
Show her mother your car and money. Dont take dowry. Even if the daughter
doesnt agree, the mother will.
Shukla-ji? Me, a politician?
Yes. Politician, businessman and educationist power, money and respect
perfect combination. You are destined for big things. I knew it the day you entered my
office, he said.
Shukla-ji poured some BlackLabel whisky into two glasses. He asked the guard to
get ice.I kept quiet and sat thoughtfully while he prepared the drinks. Sure, power is
never a bad thing inIndia.To get anything done, you need power. Power meant people
would pay me money, rather than me paying money to get things done. GangaTech could
become ten times its size. Plus,I loved Aarti anyway.I would marry her eventually, so
why not now? Besides, she had somewhat hinted at it.I let out a sigh.
I fought my low self-esteem. Its okay, Gopal, I told myself. You are meant for
bigger things. Just because you didnt get an AIEEE rank, just because you didnt
remember the molecular formula, doesnt mean you cant do great things in life. After
all, I had opened a college, lived in a big house and had an expensive car.
Shukla-ji handed me the drink.
I can get the girl, I said.
Cheers to that, Mr Son-in-law! Shukla-ji raised his glass.

36

Busy? I said.

I had called Aarti at work. A tourist was screaming at her because the water in his
room was not hot enough. Aarti kept me on hold while the guest cursed in French.
I can call later, I said.
Its fine. Housekeeping will take care of it. My ears are hurting! Aarti said,
rattled by all the screaming.
You will own a college one day. You wont have to do this anymore.
Its okay, Gopal. I really like my job. Sometimes we have weirdos. Anyway,
whats up?
How did the dinner go?
Boring. I dozed off on the table when the fifth guy wanted to inform me of the
Pradhan familys duty towards the party.
Any conclusion on the ticket?
Its politics, Director sir, things arent decided so fast. Anyway, election is next
year.
You said something when you were saying bye, I said.
I could almost see her smile. Did I? she said.
Something about your husband becoming the MLA?
Could be, why? she said, her voice child-like.
I wonder if I could apply? I said.
For the husband or MLA? she said.
I dont know. Whichever has a shorter waitlist, I said.
Aarti laughed.
For husband the queue is rather long, she said.
I am a bit of a queue jumper, I said.
That you are, she said. Okay, another guest coming. Speak later?
Im going to visit Raghav soon.
I have stopped talking to him, she said. She didnt protest against my proposed
meeting with him. I took it as her consent.
Intentionally? I said.
Yeah, we had a bit of a tiff. I normally fix things up, I didnt bother this time.
Good, I said. So whats the tourist saying?
Shes Japanese. They are polite. She will wait until I finish my call.
Tell her you are on the phone with your husband.

Shut up. Bye.

Bye, I said and kissed the phone. I opened the calendar on my desk and marked
the coming Friday as the day for my meeting with Raghav.

I pressed the nozzle of a Gucci perfume five times to spray my neck, armpits and both
wrists. I wore a new black shirt and a custom-made suit for the occasion. I put on my
Ray-Ban glasses and looked at myself in the mirror. The sunglasses seemed a bit too
much, so I hung them from my shirt pocket.
I had taken the day off on Friday. Dean sir wanted to bore me with a report of the
academic performance of the students in the first term. I needed an excuse to get out
anyway.
All the best. Avoid hurt as much as possible, Aarti had messaged me.
I assured her that I would handle the situation well. From her side, she had
messaged him a we need to talk equivalent and he had responded with a not the best
time message exactly the kind of stuff that irked her about him in the first place.
I told my driver to go to Nadeshar Road, where Raghavs place of work was.
One could easily miss the Revolution 2020 office in the midst of so many autorepair shops. Raghav had rented out a garage. The office had three areas a printing
space inside, his own cubicle in the middle and a common area for staff and visitors at
the entrance.
May I help you? a teenager asked me.
I am here to meet Raghav, I said.
Hes with people, the boy said. What is this about?
I looked inside the garage. Raghavs office had a partial glass partition. He sat on
his desk. A farmer with a soiled turban and a frail little boy sat opposite Raghav. The
father-son duo looked poor and dishevelled. Raghav listened to them gravely, elbows on
the table.
Its personal, I told the teenager before me.
Does he know you are coming?
No, but he knows me well, I said.
Raghav noticed me then and stepped out of his cabin.
Gopal? Raghav said, surprised. If he was upset with me, he didnt show it.
Raghav wore a T-shirt with a logo of his newspaper and an old pair of jeans. He
looked unusually hip for someone in a crisis.
Can we talk? I said.
What happened? Raghav said. MLA Shukla sent you?
No, I said. Actually, it is personal.
Can you give me ten minutes? he said.
I wont be long, I said.
I am really sorry. But these people have travelled a hundred kilometres to meet
me. They have had a tragedy. Ill finish soon.

I looked back into his office. The child now lay in his fathers lap. He seemed
sick.
Fine, I said and checked the time.
Thanks. Ankit here will take care of you, he said.
The teenager smiled at me as Raghav went inside.
Please sit, Ankit said, pointing to the spare chairs. I took one right next to
Raghavs office.
I chatted with Ankit to pass time.
Nobody else here? I said.
We had two more staff members, Ankit said, who left after the office was
ransacked. Their parents didnt feel it was safe anymore. As it is, salaries are delayed.
Why havent you left? I said.
Ankit shook his head. I want to be there for Raghav sir, he said.
Why? I said.
He is a good person, Ankit said.
I smiled even though his words felt like stabs.
The office doesnt look that bad, I said.
We cleaned it up. The press is broken though. We dont have a computer either.
You did such a big story, I said. They fired an MLA because of you guys.
Ankit gave me a level look. The media ran with the story because they wanted to.
But who cares about us?
How are you operating now? I said.
Ankit opened a drawer in the desk. He took out a large sheet of paper with
handwritten text all over it.
Sir writes the articles, I write the matrimonials. We make photocopies and
distribute as many as we can.
How many? I said.
Four hundred copies. Its handwritten and photocopied; obviously not many
people like that in a paper.
I scanned the A3 sheet. Raghav had written articles on the malpractices by ration
shops in Varanasi. He had hand-drawn a table that showed the official rate, the black
market rate and the money pocketed by the shopkeeper for various commodities. I
flipped the page. It had around fifty matrimonials, meticulously written by hand.
Four hundred copies? How will you get ads with such a low circulation?
Ankit shrugged and did not answer. I have to go to the photocopy shop, he said
instead. Do you mind waiting alone?
No problem, I will be fine, I said, sitting back. I checked my phone. I had a
message from Aarti: Whatever you do. Be kind.
I kept the phone back in my pocket. I felt hot in my suit. I realised nobody had
switched on the fan.
Wheres the switch? I asked Ankit.
No power, sorry. They cut off the connection. Ankit left the office.
I removed my jacket and undid the top two buttons of my shirt. I considered
waiting in my car instead of this dingy place. However, it would be too cumbersome to

call the driver again. I had become too used to being in air-conditioned environs. The
hot room reminded me of my earlier days with Baba. As did, for some reason, the little
boy in the other room who slept in his fathers lap.
I looked again from the corner of my eye. The farmer had tears in his eyes. I
leaned in to listen.
I have lost one child and my wife. I dont want to lose more members of my
family. He is all I have, the man said, hands folded.
Bishnu-ji, I understand, Raghav said. My paper did a huge story on the
Dimnapura plant scam. They broke our office because of it.
But you come and see the situation in my village, Roshanpur. Theres sewage
everywhere. Half the children are sick. Six have already died.
Roshanpur has another plant. Maybe someone cheated the government there too,
Raghav said.
But nobody is reporting it. The authorities are not doing anything. You are our
only hope, the farmer said. He took off his turban and put it on Raghavs desk.
What are you doing, Bishnu-ji? Raghav said, giving the turban back to the
hapless man. I am a nobody. My paper is at the verge of closing down. We distribute a
handful of handwritten copies, most of which go into dustbins.
I told my son you are the bravest, most honest man in this city, Bishnu said, his
voice quivering with emotion.
Raghav gave a smile of despair. What does that mean anyway? he said.
If the government can at least send some doctors for our children, we dont care
if the guilty are punished or not, the man said.
Raghav exhaled. He scratched the back of his neck before he spoke again. All
right, I will come to your village and do a story. It will be limited circulation now. If my
paper survives, we will do a big one again. If not, well, no promises. Okay?
Thank you, Raghav-ji! There was such hope in his eyes, I couldnt help but
notice.
And one of my friends father is a doctor. I will see if he can go to your village.
Raghav stood up to end the meeting. The man stood up too, which woke up his
son, and bent forward to touch Raghavs feet.
Please dont, Raghav said. I have a meeting now. After that, lets go to your
village today itself. How far is it?
A hundred and twenty kilometres. You have to change three buses, the farmer
said. Takes five hours maximum.
Fine, please wait then.
Raghav brought them the man and his weak and sleepy son outside the office.
Sit here, Bishnu-ji, Raghav said and looked at me. Two minutes, Gopal? Let me
clean up my office.
I nodded. Raghav went inside and sorted the papers on his desk.
The man sat on Ankits chair, facing me. We exchanged cursory smiles.
Whats his name? I said, pointing to the boy who was lying in his lap once again.
Keshav, the farmer said, stroking his sons head.
I nodded and kept quiet. I played with my phone, flipping it up and down, up and

down. I felt for the duplicate Mercedes key in my pants pocket. I had especially brought
it for the occasion.
Baba, will I also die? Keshav said, his voice a mere thread.
Stupid boy. What nonsense, the farmer said.
I felt bad for the child, who would not remember his mother when he grew up, just
like me. I gripped the key in my pocket harder, hoping that clutching it will make me feel
better.
Raghav was dusting his desk and chair. His paper could close down in a week and
he had no money. Yet, he wanted to travel to some far-flung village to help some random
people. They had broken his office, but not his spirit.
I clutched the key tighter, to justify to myself that I am the better person here.
I realised the boy was staring at me. His gaze was light, but I felt disturbed, like
he was questioning me and I had no answer.
What have you become, Gopal? a voice rang in my head.
I restlessly took out the sunglasses from my pocket and twirled them about. I
suddenly noticed that the eyes of the boy, Keshav, were moving with the sunglasses. I
moved them to the right, his eyes followed. I moved them to the left, his eyes followed. I
smiled at him.
What? I pointed at my fancy shades. You want these?
Keshav sat up, feeble but eager. Though his father kept saying no, I felt a certain
relief in handing over the sunglasses.
They are big for me, the boy said, trying them on. The oversized glasses made
his face look even more pathetic.
I closed my eyes. The heat in the room was too much. I felt sick. Raghav was now
on the phone.
My mind continued to talk. What did you come here for? You came to show him
that you have made it, and he is ruined? Is that the high point of your life? You think
you are a better person than him, because of your car and suit?
Gopal! Raghav called out.
Huh? I said, opening my eyes. What?
Come on in, Raghav said.
I went into his office. I kept my hand in my pocket, on my keys. According to the
plan, I was to casually place the keys on his table before sitting down. However, I
couldnt.
Whats in the pocket? Raghav said as he noticed that my hand would not come
out.
Oh, nothing, I said and released the keys. I sat down to face him.
What brings you to Revolution 2020? Have we upset your bosses again? Raghav
chuckled. Oh wait, you said it is personal.
Yeah, I said.
What? Raghav said.
I didnt know what to say. I had my whole speech planned. On how Aarti deserved
better than him, and that better person was I. On how I had made it in life, and he had
failed. On how he was the loser, not me. And yet, saying all that now would make me

feel like a loser.

Hows the paper? I said, saying something to end the awkward silence.
He swung his hands in the air. You can see for yourself.
What will you do if it closes down? I said.
Raghav did not smile. Havent thought about it. End of phase one I guess.
I kept quiet.
Hope I wont have to take an engineering job. Maybe I will have to apply
Raghavs voice trailed into silence.
I could tell Raghav didnt know. He hadnt thought that far.
Im sorry, Gopal, Raghav said, if I have hurt you in the past. Whatever you may
think, it wasnt personal.
Why do you do all this, Raghav? You are smart. Why dont you just make money
like the rest of us?
Someone has to do it, Gopal. How will things change?
The whole system is fucked up. One person cant change it.
I know.
So?
We all have to do our bit. For change we need a revolution. A real revolution can
only happen when people ask themselves what is my sacrifice?
Sounds like your newspapers tagline, I mocked.
He had no answer. I stood up to leave. He followed me out. I decided not to call
my car, but to walk out into the lane and find it.
What did you come here for? Raghav said. I cant believe you came here to
check on me.
I had work in the area. My car needed servicing. I thought I will visit you while it
gets fixed, I said.
Nice of you to come. You should check on Aarti too sometimes, he said.
I went on red-alert at the mention of her name.
Yeah. How is she doing? I said.
Havent met her in a while, but she seems stressed. I have to make it up to her.
You should call her, she will like it, he said.
I nodded and came out of his office.

37

I lay down in my comfortable bed at night. However, I could not sleep a wink. There

were three missed calls from Aarti. I didnt call back. I couldnt. I didnt know what to
say to her.
How did it go? she messaged me.
I realised shed keep asking until I told her something. I called her.
Why werent you picking up? she said.
Sorry, I had the dean at home. He left just now.
You met Raghav? she asked impatiently.
Yeah, I sighed.
So?
He had people in his office. I couldnt bring it up, I said.
Gopal, I hope you realise that until I break up with him, I am cheating on him with
you. Should I talk to him?
No, no, wait. I will meet him in private.
And I need to speak to my parents too, she said.
About what?
I have three prospective grooms lined up for meetings next week. All from
political families.
Have your parents gone insane? I exploded.
When it comes to daughters, Indian parents are insane, she said. I can stall them,
but not for long.
Okay, I will fix this, I said.
I pulled two pillows close to me.
See, this is what happens after sex. Roles reverse. The girl has to chase now.
Nothing like that, Aarti. Give me two days.
Okay. Else I am speaking to Raghav myself. And in case he asks, nothing ever
happened between us.
What do you mean? I said.
I never cheated on him. We decided to get together, but only did so after the
break-up. Okay?
Okay, I said.
Sometimes I feel girls like to complicate their lives.
He will be devastated otherwise, she finished.

I ended the call and lay down on the bed, exhausted.

My eyes hurt due to the extra white clothes people had worn for the funeral. I looked at
peoples faces. I could not recognise any of them.
Whose funeral is it? I asked a man next to me.
We stood at the ghats. The body, I saw, was small. They took it straight to the
water.
Why are they not cremating it? I asked. And then I realised why. It was a child. I
went close to the body and removed the shroud. It was a little boy. In sunglasses.
Who killed him? I screamed but the words would not come out
I woke up screaming at the white ceiling of my bedroom and the bright lights I had
forgotten to switch off. It was 3:00 a.m. Just a nightmare, I told myself.
I tossed and turned in bed, but could not go back to sleep.
I thought about Raghav. The guy was finished. His paper would shut down. He
would find it tough to get a job, at least in Varanasi. And wherever he was, Shuklas men
could hurt him.
I thought about Aarti my Aarti my reason to live. I could be engaged to her next
week, married in three months. In a year, I could be an MLA. My university approvals
would come within the space of a heartbeat. I could expand into medicine, MBA,
coaching, aviation. Given how much Indians cared about education, the sky would be the
limit. Forget Aarti becoming a flight attendant, I could buy her a plane. If I played my
cards right, I could also rise up the party ranks. I had lived alone too long. I could start a
family, and have lots of beautiful kids with Aarti. They would grow up and take over the
family businesses and political empire. This is how people become big in India. I could
become really big.
But what happens to Raghav? The dead-alive Keshav asked me.I dont care, I
told him.If he went down, it is because of his own stupidity. If he were smart, he would
have realised that stupid bravado will lead to nothing. There would be no revolution
in this country by 2020. There wouldnt be one by 2120! This is India, nothing
changes here.Fuck you, Raghav.
But Keshav was not done with me. What kind of politician will you be, Gopal?
I dont want to answer you. You are scaring me, go away, I said out aloud, even
though there was nobody in the room. Really, I knew that.
What about Aarti? A voice whispered within me.
I love her!
What about her? Does she love you?
Yes, Aarti loves me. She made love to me. She wants me to be her husband, I
screamed in my head until it hurt.
But will she love you if she knows who you really are? A corrupt, manipulative
bastard?
I work hard. I am a successful man, I said aloud again, my voice startling me.

But are you a good person?

The clock showed 5:00 a.m. Day was breaking outside.
I went for a walk around the campus. My mind calmed a little in the fresh morning
air. Little birds chirped on dew-drenched trees. They didnt care about money, the
Mercedes or the bungalow. They sang, for that was what they wanted to do. And it felt
beautiful. For the first time, I felt proud of the trees and birds on the campus.
I realised why Keshav kept coming to me. Once upon a time, I was Keshav
sweet, innocent and unaware of the world. As life slapped me about several times, and
thrashed the innocence out of me, I had killed my Keshav, for the world didnt care about
sweetness. Then why didnt I crush Raghav completely yesterday? Maybe that Keshav
hasnt died, I told myself. Maybe that innocent, good part of us never dies we just
trample upon it for a while.
I looked at the sky, hoping to get guidance from above from god, my mother or
Baba. Tears streamed down my face. I began to sob uncontrollably. I sat down under a
tree and cried for an hour. Just like that.
Sometimes life isnt about what you want to do, but what you ought to do.

Shukla-ji was eating apples in the jail verandah. A constable sat next to him, peeling and
slicing.
Gopal, my son, come, come, Shukla-ji said. He wore a crisp white kurta-pyjama
that glistened in the morning sun.
I sat on the floor. Had a small favour to ask you, I said.
Of course, he said.
I looked at the constable. Oh, him. He is Dhiraj, from my native place. Dhiraj, my
son and I need to talk.
The constable left.
Ive told him Ill get him promoted, Shukla-ji said and smiled.
I have come with a strange request, I said.
Everything okay?
Shukla-ji, can you help me hire some call girls? You mentioned them long
ago.
Shukla-ji laughed so hard, apple juice dripped out of his mouth.
I am serious, I said.
My boy has become big. So, you want women?
Its not for me.
Shukla-ji patted my knee and winked conspiratorially. Of course not. Tell me,
how old are you?
I will turn twenty-four next week, I said.
Oh, your birthday is coming? he said.
Yes, on November 11, I said.
Thats great. You are old enough. Dont be shy, he said, we all do it.

Sir, its for the inspectors. We have a visit next week, I said. I want to increase
my fee. They control the decision.
He frowned. Envelopes wont do it for them?
This one inspector likes women. I have news from other private colleges in
Kanpur.
Oh, okay, Shukla-ji said. He took out his cellphone from a secret pocket in his
pyjamas. He scrolled through his contacts and gave me a number.
His name is Vinod. Call him and give my reference. Give him your requirements.
Hell do it. When do you need them?
I dont have the exact date yet, I said and began to stand up.
Wait, Shukla-ji said, pulling my hand and making me sit down again. You also
enjoy them. It gets harder after marriage. Have your fun before that.
I smiled absently.
How is it going with the DMs daughter?
Good, I said. I wanted to say bare minimum on the topic.
You are going to ask her parents? Or give her the love bullshit?
I havent thought about it, I said. I have to go, Shukla-ji. Theres an accounts
meeting today.
Shukla-ji realised I didnt want to chat. He walked me to the jail exit.
Life may not offer you the same chance twice, he said in parting.
The iron door clanged shut between us.

38

The calendar showed tenth November my last day as a twenty-three-year-old. I spent

the morning at my desk. The students representatives came to meet me. They wanted to
organise a college festival. I told them they could, provided they got sponsors. After the
student meeting, I had to deal with a crisis. Two classrooms had water seepage in the
walls. I had to scream at the contractor for an hour before he sent people to fix it.
At noon my lunch-box arrived from home. I ate bhindi, dal and rotis. Alongside, I
gave Aarti a call. She didnt pick up. I had back-to-back meetings right after lunch. I
wouldnt be able to speak to her later. I tried her number again.
Hello, an unfamiliar female voice said.
Whos this? I said.
This is Bela, Aartis colleague from guest relations. You are Gopal, right? I saw
your name flash, she said.
Yeah. Is she there?
She went to attend to a guest. Should I ask her to call you?
Yes, please, I said.
Oh, and happy birthday in advance, she said.
How did you know? I said.
Well, shes working hard to make your gift oops!
What?
Maybe I wasnt supposed to tell you, Bela said. I mean, its a surprise. Shes
making your birthday gift. Its so cute. Shes also ordered a cake Listen, she will kill
me if she finds out I told you.
Relax, I wont mention it to her. But if you tell me, I can also plan something for
her.
You guys are so sweet. Childhood friends, no? she said.
Yeah, so whats the plan?
Well, she will tell you she cant meet you on your birthday. You will sulk but she
will say she has work. However, after work she will come to your place in the afternoon
with a cake and the gift.
Good that you told me. I will be at home then and not in meetings, I said.
You work on your birthday? she said.
I work all the time, I said. Is she back?
Not yet, I will ask her to call you, she said. But dont mention anything. Act like
you dont know anything.

Sure, I said and ended the call.

It was time. I called Vinod.
Vinod? I said.
Whos this? he said.
I am Gopal. I work with MLA Shukla, I said.
Oh, so tell me? he said.
I want girls, I said.
He cut the call. I called again but he didnt pick up. I kept my phone aside.
After ten minutes I received a call from an unknown landline number.
Vinod here. You wanted girls?
Yes, I said.
Overnight or hourly basis?
Huh? I said. Afternoon. One afternoon.
We have happy-hour prices for afternoon. How many girls?
One? I said doubtfully.
Take two. Ill give a good price. Half off for the other one.
One should be okay.
Ill send two. If you want two, keep both. Else, choose one.
Done. How much?
What kind of girl do you want?
I didnt know what kinds he had. I had never ordered a call girl before. Did he
have a menu?
S somebody nice? I said, like a total amateur.
English-speaking? Jeans and all? he offered.
Yes, I said.
Indian, Nepali or white? he said. Varanasi wasnt too far from the Nepal border.
You have white girls? I said.
Its a tourist town. Some girls stay back to work. Hard to find, but we can do it.
Send me Indian girls who look decent. Who wont attract too much attention in a
college campus.
College? Vinod said, shocked. We normally do hotels.
I own the college. Its okay.
Vinod agreed after I told him about GangaTech, and how he had to bring the girls
to the directors bungalow.
So when do you need them?
Two oclock onwards, all afternoon, till six, I said.
Twenty thousand, he said.
Are you crazy? I said.
For Shukla-jis reference. I charge foreigners that much for one.
Ten.
Fifteen.
I heard a knock on my door.
Done. At two tomorrow. GangaTech on Lucknow Highway, I whispered and
ended the call.

The faculty meeting, Shrivastava said from the door.

Oh, of course, I said. Please come in, Dean sir.
I asked the peon to place more chairs for our twenty faculty members.
Students tell me its your birthday tomorrow, Director Gopal, the dean said. The
faculty went into orgasms. Its fun being the boss. Everyone sucks up to you.
Just another day, I said.
The students want to cut a cake for you, the dean said.
Please dont. I cant, I said. The very thought of cutting a cake in front of two
hundred people embarrassed me.
Please, sir, said Jayant, a young faculty member. Students look up to you. It will
mean a lot to them.
I wondered if the students would still look up to me if they knew about my
specifications to Vinod.
They have already ordered a ten-kilo cake, sir, Shrivastava said.
Make it quick, I said.
Ten minutes, right after classes end at one, the dean said.
The faculty meeting commenced. Everyone updated me about their course
progress.
Lets look at placements soon, I said, even though our passing out batch is two
years away.
Jayant is the placement coordinator, the dean said.
Sir, I am already meeting corporates, Jayant said.
What is the response? I said.
We are new, so it is tough. Some HR managers want to know their cut, Jayant
said.
Director Gopal, as you may know the dean began but I interrupted him.
HR managers want a cut if they hire from our colleges, correct? I said.
Right, sir, Jayant said.
Every aspect of running a private college involved bribing someone. Why would
placements be an exception? But other members seemed surprised.
Personal payout? gasped Mrs Awasthi, professor of mechanical engineering.
Jayant nodded.
But these are managers of reputed companies, she said, still in shock.
Mrs Awasthi, this is not your department. You better update me on applied
mechanics, your course, I said.

The maids had prepared a lavish dinner with three subzis, rotis and dal. I didnt touch it.
I lay in bed and checked my phone. Aarti hadnt returned my calls all day. However, I
didnt call her again.
I thought again about my plan.
At midnight, Aarti called me.

Happy birthday to you, Aarti sang on the other line.

Hey, Aarti, I said but she didnt listen.
Happy birthday to you, she continued to sing, elevating her pitch, happy birthday
to you, Gopal. Happy birthday to you.
Okay, okay, we are not kids anymore, I said.
She continued her song.
Happy birthday to you. You were born in the zoo. With monkeys and elephants,
who all look just like you, she said. She sang like she did to me in primary school.
Corny as hell but it brought tears of joy to my eyes. I couldnt believe I had made
my plan.
Somebody is very happy, I said.
Of course, it is your birthday. Thats why I didnt call or message you all day.
Oh, I said.
What oh? You didnt even notice, did you? she sounded peeved.
Of course, I did. Even my staff wondered why my phone hadnt beeped all day in
office.
I got off the bed and switched on the lights.
Anyway, I thought hard about what to give you, who has everything.
And?
I couldnt figure out.
Oh, thats okay. I dont want anything.
Maybe I will buy you something when we meet, she said.
When are we meeting? I said, even though Bela had told me her plans.
See, tomorrow is difficult, I have a double shift.
You wont meet me on my birthday? I said.
What to do? she said. Half the front-office staff is absent. Winter arrives and
everyone makes excuses of viral fever.
Okay, I said. I must say, she could act pretty well. I almost believed her.
Happy birthday again, bye! she said.
A number of birthday messages popped into my inbox. They came from various
contractors, inspectors and government officials I had pleased in the past. The only other
personal message was from Shukla-ji, who called me up.
May you live a thousand years, he said.
Thanks, you remembered? I replied.
You are like my son, he said.
Thank you, Shukla-ji, and good night, I said.
I switched off the lights. I tried to sleep before the big day tomorrow.

39

Enough, enough, I said as the tenth student fed me cake.

We had assembled in the foyer of the main campus building. The staff and students had
come to wish me. The faculty gave me a tea-set as a gift. The students sang a prayer song
for my long life.
Sir, we hope for your next birthday there will be a Mrs Director on campus,
Suresh, a cheeky first-year student, announced in front of everyone, leading to huge
applause. I smiled and checked the time. It was two o clock. I thanked everyone with
folded hands.
I left the main building to walk home.
Happy birthday!: Aarti messaged me.
Where are you?: I asked.
Double shift just started., she sent her response.
Vinod called me at 2:15. My heart raced.
Hi, I said nervously.
The girls are in a white Tata Indica. They are on the highway, will reach campus
in five minutes.
Ill inform the gate, I said.
You will pay cash?
Yes. Why, you take credit cards? I said.
We do, for foreigners. But cash is best, Vinod said.
I asked my maids to go to their quarters and not disturb me for the next four hours.
I called the guard-post and instructed them to let the white Indica in. I also told them to
inform me if anyone else came to meet me.
The bell rang all too soon. I opened the front door to find a creepy man. Two girls
stood behind him. One wore a cheap nylon leopard-print top and jeans. The other wore a
purple lace cardigan and brown pants. I could tell these girls didnt find western clothes
comfortable. Perhaps it helped them fetch a better price.
The creepy man wore a shiny blue shirt and white trousers.
These are fine? he asked me, man to man.
I looked at the girls faces. They had too much make-up on for early afternoon.
However, I had little choice.
They are okay, I said.
Payment?

I had kept the money ready in my pocket. I handed a bundle of notes to him.
Ill wait in the car, he said.
Outside the campus, please, I said. The creepy man left. I nodded at the girls to
follow me. Inside, we sat on the sofas.
Im Roshni. You are the client? the girl in the leopard print said. She seemed
more confident of the two.
Yes, I said.
For both of us? Roshni said.
Yeah, I said.
Roshni squeezed my shoulder.
Strong man, she said.
Whats her name? I said.
Pooja, the girl in the hideous purple lace said.
Not your real names, right? I said.
Roshni and Pooja, or the girls who called themselves that, giggled.
Its okay, I said.
Roshni looked around. Where do we do it?
Upstairs, in the bedroom, I said.
Lets go then, Roshni said, very focused on work.
Whats the hurry? I said.
Pooja was the quieter of the two but wore a fixed smile as she waited for further
instructions.
Why wait? Roshni said.
I have paid for the entire afternoon. Well go upstairs when it is time, I said.
What do we do until then? Roshni said, a tad too aggressive.
Sit, I said.
Can we watch TV? Pooja asked meekly. She pointed to the screen. I gave them
the remote. They put on a local cable channel that was playing Salman Khans Maine
Pyaar Kiya. We sat and watched the movie in silence. The heroine told the hero that in
friendship there is no sorry, no thank you, whatever that meant. After a while, the
heroine burst into song, asking a pigeon to take a letter to the hero. Roshni started to hum
along.
No singing, please, I said.
Roshni seemed offended. I didnt care. I hadnt hired her for her singing skills.
Do we keep sitting here? Roshni said at three-thirty.
Its okay, didi, Pooja said, who obviously loved Salman too much. I was
surprised Pooja called her co-worker sister, considering what they could be doing in a
while.
The movie ended at 4 p.m.
Now what? Roshni said.
Switch the channel, I suggested.
The landline rang at four-thirty. I ran to pick up the phone.
Sir, Raju from security gate. A madam is here to see you, he said.
Whats her name? I said.

She is not saying, sir. She has some packets in her hand.
Send her in two minutes, I said. I calculated she would be here in five minutes.
Okay, sir, he said.
I rushed out and left the main gate and the front door wide open. I turned to the
girls.
Lets go up, I said.
What? You in the mood now? Roshni giggled.
Now! I snapped my fingers. You too, Pooja, or whoever you are.
The girls jumped to their feet, shocked by my tone. The three of us went up the
stairs. We came to the bedroom, the bed.
So, how does this work? I said.
What? Roshni said. Is it your first time?
Talk less and do more, I said. What do you do first?
Roshni and Pooja shared a look, mentally laughing at me.
Remove your clothes, Roshni said.
I took off my shirt.
You too, I said to both of them. They hesitated for a second, as I had left the door
slightly ajar.
Nobodys home, I said.
The girls took off their clothes. I felt too tense to notice any details. Roshni clearly
had the heavier, bustier frame. Poojas petite frame made her appear malnourished.
Get into bed, I ordered.
The two, surprised by my less than amorous tone, crept into bed like scared
kittens.
You want us to do it? Roshni asked, trying to grasp the situation. Lesbian
scene?
Wait, I said. I ran to the bedroom window. I saw a white Ambassador car with a
red light park outside. Aarti stepped out, and rang the bell once. When nobody
answered, she came on to the lawn. She had a large scrapbook in her hand, along with a
box from the Ramada bakery. I lost sight of her as she came into the house.

40

You are a strange customer, Roshni commented.

Shh! I said and slid between the two naked women.

Roshni quickly began to kiss my neck as Pooja bent to take off my belt.
I started to count my breaths. On my fiftieth exhale I heard footsteps. By now the
girls had taken off my belt most expertly and were trying to undo my jeans. On my
sixtieth inhale came the knock on the door. On my sixty-fifth breath I heard three women
scream at the same time.
Happy birt Oh my God! Aartis voice filled the room.
Roshni and Pooja gasped in fear and covered their faces with the bed-sheet. I sat
on the bed, looking suitably surprised. Aarti froze. The hired girls, more prepared for
such a situation, ran into the bathroom.
Gopal! Aarti said on a high note of disbelief.
Aarti, I said and stepped out of bed. As I re-buttoned my jeans and wore my
shirt, Aarti ran out of the room.
I followed her down the stairs. She ran down fast, dropping the heavy gifts
midway. I navigated past a fallen cake box and scrapbook to reach her. I grabbed her
elbow as she almost reached the main door.
Leave my hand, Aarti said, her mouth hardly moving.
I can explain, Aarti, I said.
I said dont touch me, she said.
Its not what you think it is, I said.
What is it then? I came to surprise you and this is how I found you. Who knows
what I havent seen anything, anything, more sick in my life, Aarti said and stopped.
She shook her head. This was beyond words.
She burst into tears.
MLA Shukla sent them, as a birthday gift, I said.
She looked at me again, still shaking her head, as if she didnt believe what she
had seen or heard.
Dont get worked up. Rich people do this, I said.
Slap!
She hit me hard across my face. More than the impact of the slap, the disappointed
look in her eyes hurt me more.
Aarti, what are you doing? I said.
She didnt say anything, just slapped me again. My hand went to my cheek in

reflex. In three seconds, she had left the house. In ten, I heard her car door slam shut. In
fifteen, her car had left my porch.
I sank on the sofa, both my knees useless.
Pooja and Roshni, fully dressed, came down by and by. Pooja picked up the cake
box and the scrapbook from the steps. She placed them on the table in front of me.
You didnt do anything with us, so why did you call a third girl? Roshni
demanded to know.
Just leave, I told them, my voice low.
They called their creepy protector. Within minutes I was alone in my house.
I sat right there for two hours, till it became dark outside. The maids returned and
switched on the lights. They saw me sitting and didnt disturb me.
The glitter on the scrapbook cover shone under the lights. I picked it up.
A tale of a naughty boy and a not so naughty girl, said the black cover, which was
hand-painted in white. It had a smiley of a boy and a girl, both winking.
I opened the scrapbook.
Once upon a time, a naughty boy stole a good girls birthday cake, it said on the
first page. It had a doodle of the teacher scolding me and of herself, Aarti, in tears.
I turned the page.
The naughty boy, however, became the good girls friend. He came for every
birthday party of hers after that, said the text. The remaining album had pictures from all
her seven birthday parties thatI had attended, from her tenth to her sixteenth.I saw how
she andI had grown up over the years.In every birthday party, she had at least one picture
with just the two of us.
Apart from this, Aarti had also meticulously assembled silly memorabilia from
school. She had the classVII timetable, on which she drew horns above the maths
classes. She had tickets from the school fete we had in classIX. She had pasted the
restaurant bill from the first time we had gone out in class X. She had torn a page from
her own slam book, done in classVIII, in which she had put my name down as her best
friend. She ended the scrapbook with the following words:
Life has been a wonderful journey so far with you. Looking forward to a future
with you my soulmate. Happy birthday, Gopal!
I had reached the end. On the back cover, she had calligraphed G & A in large
letters.
I wanted to call her, that was my first instinct. I wanted to tell her how amazing I
found her present. She must have spent weeks on it
I opened the cake box.
The chocolate cake had squished somewhat, but I could make out the letters:
Stolen: My cake and then my heart, it said in white, sugary icing, with Happy
birthday, Gopal inscribed beneath it.
I pushed the cake box away. The clock struck twelve.
Your birthday is over, Gopal, I said loudly to the only person in the room.

Even though I had promised myself I wouldnt, I called Aarti the next day. However, she
did not pick up.
I tried several times over the course of the week, but she wouldnt answer.
Once she picked up by accident.
How are you? I said.
Please stop calling me, she said.
I am trying not to, I said.
Try harder, she said and hung up.
I wasnt lying. I was trying my best to stop thinking of her. Anyway, I had a few
things left to execute my plan.
I called Ashok, the Dainik editor.
Mr Gopal Mishra? he said.
Hows the paper doing? I said.
Good. I see you advertise a lot with us. So thank you very much.
I need to ask for a favour, I said to the editor.
What? the editor said, wondering if I would ask to suppress a story.
I want you to hire someone, I said. Hes good.
Who?
Raghav Kashyap.
The trainee we fired? the editor said. Your MLA Shukla made us fire him.
Yeah, hire him back.
Why? And he started his own paper. He did that big Dimnapura plant story. Sorry,
we had to carry it. Everyone did.
Its okay, I said. Can you re-hire him? Dont mention my name.
The editor thought it over. I can. But he is a firebrand. I dont want you to be
upset again.
Keep him away from education. Rather, keep him away from scandals for a
while.
Ill try, the editor said. Will he join? He has his paper.
His paper is almost ruined. He has no job, I said.
Okay, I will call him, the editor said.
I owe you one. Book front page for GangaTech next Sunday, I said.
Thank you, I will let marketing know.

A week after my birthday Bedi came to my office with two other consultants. They had a
proposal for me to open a Bachelor of Management Studies course. Dean Shrivastava
also came in.
MBA is in huge demand. However, that is after graduation. Why not offer
something before? Bedi said. The consultant showed me a presentation on their laptop.
The slides included a cost-benefit analysis, comparing the fees we could charge, versus
the faculty costs.

Business Management Studies (BMS) is the best. You can charge as much as
engineering, but you dont need facilities like labs, one consultant said.
Faculty is also easy. Take any MCom or CA types, plenty of them available, said
the other.
I drifted off. I didnt care about expansion anymore. I didnt see the point of the
extra crore we could make every year. I didnt even want to be in office.
Exciting, isnt it? Bedi said.
Huh? Yeah, can we do it some other time? I said.
Why? Bedi said. Then he saw my morose face.
Yes, we can come again, he agreed. Lets meet next week. Or whenever you
have time.
Bedi and his groupies left the room.
Director Gopal, are you not feeling well? the dean said.
Im okay, I said.
Sorry to say, but you havent looked fine all week. Its not my business, but I am
older. Anything I can help with?
Its personal, I said, my voice firm.
You should get married, sir. The student was right, he chuckled.
Are we done? I said.
That cut his smile short. In an instant, he stood up and left.
My cellphone beeped. I had an SMS from Sailesh, marketing head of Dainik:
Raghav accepted the offer. He joins tomorrow.
Great, thank you very much, I replied.
Hope our association becomes even stronger. Thank you for booking Sunday,
texted Sailesh.

41

The arrival of a black Mercedes in the Dainik office caused a minor flutter among the

guards. A big car ensures attention. I stepped out and put on my new sunglasses. I went
to the receptionist in the lobby.
I am here to meet Raghav Kashyap, I said, and gave her my business card.
The receptionist couldnt locate him. Sailesh saw me from the floor above, and
came running down the steps.
Gopal bhai? You should have informed me. What are you waiting here for?
I want to meet Raghav, I said.
Oh, sure, he said, please come with me.
We walked up to Raghavs cubicle. An IT guy crouched under his desk, setting up
his computer. Raghav had bent down as well to check the connections.
You re-joined here? I said.
Raghav turned around. Gopal? he said and stood up.
I had come to the marketing department and saw you. I turned to Sailesh. Thank
you, Sailesh.
Okay, Sailesh said. See you, Gopal bhai.
After he left, Raghav said, Its strange. The editor called me himself. I had no
money anyway. Thought I will rejoin until I have enough to re-launch Revolution 2020.
Can we go for a cup of tea? I said.
Sure, he said.
We walked up to the staff canteen on the second floor. Framed copies of old
newspaper issues adorned the walls. Dozens of journalists sat with their dictaphones
and notebooks, enjoying evening snacks. I could tell Raghav felt out of place.
Im used to a small office now, Dainik is huge, he said. He bought two plates of
samosas and tea. I offered to pay but he declined.
Cog-in-the-wheel feeling, eh? I said.
Not only that. The stuff we did at Revolution 2020, I can never do that here, he
said.
The stuff you did at your paper, I wanted to tell him, led to premature bankruptcy.
However, I hadnt come here to put him down.
Its nice to have a job. Plus, you like journalism, I said.
Thats why I took it. A six-month trial for now.
Only six months?
They want me to edit other peoples stories. It is supposed to be more senior in

title, but I like being a reporter. Lets see.

A job pays the bills. Of course, it helps to be employed if you want to get
married, I said.
Raghav laughed. We hadnt talked about personal stuff for years. However, he
didnt doubt my goodwill. Thats the thing with Raghav. He could unearth the biggest
scams, but at another level, he trusted people so easily.
Whos getting married? Raghav said, still laughing.
You and Aarti. Arent you? I said. I reminded myself I had to smile through this.
Raghav looked at me. I had never discussed Aarti with him. In fact, I hadnt
discussed anything with him in years.
I hope I can talk to you as a friend? We were once, right? I said. I took a bite of
the samosa and found it spicy as hell.
Raghav nodded on a sigh. Things arent going so well between me and Aarti.
Really? I faked surprise.
I havent spoken to her in weeks.
What happened? I said.
Raghav squirted tomato sauce over his samosa.
Its my fault. When the paper started, I didnt give her enough time. Soon, we
drifted apart. The last couple of months she seemed so disconnected, Raghav said.
Did you guys talk about it? I said.
No, we planned to, but didnt, he said.
She loves you a lot, I said.
I dont know, Raghav said. He twirled his samosa in the sauce without eating it.
She does. I know her from childhood, Raghav. You mean everything to her.
Raghav seemed surprised. Do I?
She wanted to marry you, isnt it?
At the wrong time. Look at me, I am nowhere with respect to my career, Raghav
said.
Your career is different from others. You cant measure it in money. In terms of
helping people, you are doing quite well.
I blew that too, Raghav said.
You are fine. You are a sub-editor at a big paper. And if you marry Aarti, you can
go far.
What do you mean?
You know theres pressure on Aartis family to enter politics? I said.
Raghav kept quiet.
You do, right?
I heard, he muttered.
So, Aartis father cant and Aarti wont. Son-in-law, maybe?
Raghav looked up, intrigued. How you think, man!
I rolled my eyes. Im not smart. So, I have to make up for it in other ways.
You are not smart? he said.
You do love her? I asked.
Things arent okay between us, he admitted.

You can fix them I am sure. After all, your charm worked on her the first time, I
said.
Raghav gave a shy smile.
Dont call her. Go meet her at the hotel. Take an entire day off for her. Thats all
she wants, your time and attention. Shell return your love ten times over, I said, looking
sideways.
Raghav kept quiet.
Promise me you will go, I said and extended my hand.
He shook my hand and nodded. I stood up to leave. I repeated Shukla-jis line.
Life may not offer you the same chance twice.
Raghav walked me to my car. He barely noticed the car though.
Why are you doing this for me? he asked.
I got into the car. I rolled down the window. Aarti is a childhood friend. Besides

Besides what? Raghav said.

Everyone has to do their bit, I said as the driver whisked me away.

I didnt keep in touch with Raghav after that. He called me many times. I either didnt
pick up or pretended to be busy. One of the times I did pick up, Raghav told me he and
Aarti had started talking again. I told him I had inspectors in my office and hung up.
I had sworn on Babas soul that I would never call Aarti. She didnt either, apart
from a single missed call at 2 a.m. one morning. I called her back, since technically, I
had not initiated the call. She did not pick it.
The missed call and call-back drama between men and women almost deserves its
own user manual. I gathered she had made the call in a weak moment, and left her alone.
I invited the boring consultants back for the BMS programme talks. The plan made
a lot of sense. We started the process to expand into business studies. We had a new set
of government people who had to approve our plans, and thus a new set of palms to be
greased. We knew the business would be profitable. Millions of kids would be tested,
rejected and spat out of the education system every year. We had to keep our net handy to
catch them.
I spent more time with the college faculty, and often invited them home in the
evenings. They worked for me, so they laughed at my jokes and praised me every ten
minutes. I couldnt call them friends, but at least they filled the empty space in the house.
Three months passed. We launched the BMS programme and, with the right
marketing, filled up the seats in a matter of weeks. I rarely left the campus, and did so
only to meet officials. Meanwhile, the case against Shukla-ji became more complex. He
told me the trial could take years. He tried for bail, but the courts rejected it. Shukla-ji
felt the CM had betrayed him, even as the party sent feelers that he could be released
from jail provided he quit politics. I went to meet him every month, with a copy of the
GangaTech Trust accounts.

One day, Raghav called me when I was at home. I didnt pick up. Raghav
continued to call. I turned the phone silent and kept it aside.
He sent me a message: Where r u Gopal, trying 2 reach u.
I didnt reply at first. I wondered if his repeated attempts meant trouble, like he
had discovered another scam or something.
I texted: In meetings. Wassup?
His reply hit me like a speeding train.
Aarti n I getting engaged. Wanted to invite u 2 party nxt Saturday.
I couldnt stop looking at this message. I had wanted this to happen. Yet, it hurt
like hell.
Unfortunately, Im not in town. But congratulations!!!: I sent my response,
wondering if I had put one exclamation mark too many.
Raghav called me again. I avoided his call. He tried two more times, when I
finally picked up.
How can you miss our engagement? he said.
Hey, am in a faculty meeting, I said.
Oh, sorry. Listen, you have to come, Raghav said.
I cant. I am leaving for Singapore to explore a joint venture, I said.
What, Gopal? And why dont you ever call back? Even Aarti says you are too
busy whenever I ask about you.
I am really sorry. I am busy. We are doubling our student intake in the next two
years, I said.
You will miss your best friends engagement? Wont she be upset?
Apologise to her on my behalf, I said.
Raghav let out a sigh. Okay, I will. But our wedding is in two months. On the first
of March. Please be in town then.
Of course, I will, I said and circled the date on the calendar.
Ill let you attend to your staff. Take care, buddy, Raghav said.
Instinctively, I composed a congrats! message to Aarti and sent it. She did not
reply.
I looked around my big house as empty as my soul.

42

On 1 March, I booked a room at the Taj Ganga. The fourth-floor room had a little

balcony, with a view of the hotel pool and lawns. I had tossed the SIM card out of my
phone two days ago. I had told my staff I had to go out of town. I stayed in my room the
entire day. I came to the balcony at eight in the evening. In the faint light of dusk, I read
the card again.
Mrs and Mr Anil Kashyap
Invite the pleasure of your company
For the wedding of their beloved son
Raghav
with
Aarti
(D/O Mrs and Mr Pratap Brij Pradhan, DM)
At 8 p.m.
On 1 March 2010.
Poolside Lawns,
Taj Ganga, Varanasi
I could see the wedding venue downstairs. The entire garden area was littered with
flowers and lights. Guests had started to arrive. In one corner the DJ was setting up the
dance floor and testing music tracks. Along one side of the lawn were the food counters.
Kids were jumping about on the two ornate chairs meant for the bride and groom on the
small stage. The actual wedding pandal, where the ceremony would be held, was
covered with marigold flowers.
I stood there in silence, listening to the shehnai, faintly audible on the fourth floor.
The baraat arrived at 9 p.m. Raghav sat on a horse. The DJ increased the volume
of the music. I watched from above as Raghavs relatives danced in front of the horse.
Raghav wore a cream-coloured bandhgala suit. Even though I hate to admit it, he looked
handsome even from this distance. I would have worn something more expensive, but
still not looked so regal. I scolded myself for making comparisons again.
Aarti arrived at the venue at nine-thirty. She walked slowly to the stage. A gasp of
wonder shot across the crowd as they saw the most beautiful bride they had ever seen in
their life.

She looked like an angel, in an onion-colored lehnga with silver sequins. And
even thoughI didnt have binoculars,I could tell she looked perfect. During the ceremony,
cousins gathered around Raghav and Aarti. They lifted the couple, making it difficult for
them to garland each other.
I couldnt bear it after the jai-mala ceremony. I had wanted to see Aarti as a bride,
but I did not have to watch the whole wedding live.
I came back into the room, shut the door and drew the curtains. I switched on the
TV at full volume to drown out the sounds coming from outside.
I replaced the SIM in my phone. Messages popped in one after another as the
phone took its first breath in days.
I had forty messages from the faculty, ten of them from the dean himself. Most of
them talked about various issues in the college. Raghav had sent me five messages,
asking me if I had received the card. I couldnt tell how many missed calls he might have
made. One message startled me the most. It came from Aarti. It said:
Come. But only if you want to.
I thought about replying, but remembered that she wont exactly be checking her
phone on stage.
I called the dean.
Where are you, Director Gopal? the dean said in a high-pitched voice. We are
so worried.
Dean Srivastava Dean Srivastava
Gopal! he said, sensing the tension in my voice.
Get me out of here, I broke down completely.
Where are you? Where are you?
Taj Ganga, 405 I dont want to be here.
I am coming, he promised.
In an hour I was seated beside the dean in his car and on my way back to campus.
So, what were he began but fell quiet. He understood, after one look at my
face, that I didnt want to talk.
Dean Shrivastava, I want to work hard. Lets take GangaTech to new heights. I
want us to be present in every field of education. Keep me busy. So busy that I dont
have time to think.
You are already so busy, sir. He looked troubled.
More. Why arent we in coaching classes? I said. Theres money there. I want a
proposal for engineering and MBA coaching. Okay? I said, my voice ringing.
Are you okay, Director Gopal? the dean said.
Are you listening to me? I want the proposal, I said, screaming loud enough to
make the driver shift uncomfortably in his seat.
Yes, Director, the dean said.
He dropped me home. I went straight to the bar near the dining table. I opened a
new bottle of Black Label whisky wed bought for the inspectors. I poured it out in a
glass to the brim. Neat. The maids filed in.
Where were you, sahib? they said.
I had work, I said. The whisky tasted bitter, but I swallowed it all.

Dinner?
I shook my head. The maids left the room. I went to the bookshelf and took out the
scrapbook.
I poured myself another glass. I drank half of it in one gulp, but when my body
rejected it, I had to spit it out.
I fell on the floor. I used the scrapbook as a pillow and went off to sleep.

Epilogue

I checked the time. The hospital clock showed 6.00 a.m.

So getting drunk and crashing down is a habit, I said.
Gopal gave me a sly smile.
Thats the only time it happened, he said. Apart from tonight, of course.
I saw Gopals face. He seemed young enough to look like a student. Yet, his face
had the hard coating of experience, of bitter lessons from life that made him appear
older than his biological age.
So, Aarti and Raghav got married a year ago? I said.
A year and twenty days, he said.
What has happened since? I said.
Shukla-ji is still in jail. I meet him every month. I am trying to buy back his
share of the college with my earnings and make it my own college. He needs money
for his other businesses. Lets see.
What about Raghav and Aarti? I asked.
I am not in touch. I stay in my college. Elections are in two months. He is the
one.
Meaning?
Raghavs contesting. His picture is on election posters all over the city, Gopal
said.
It could have been you. How do you feel about that? I said.
Gopal shrugged. Hell be a better MLA than me. What would I have done?
Made more money. With him, there is a chance he could change something.
Thats generous of you, I said.
Gopal sat up straight and restlessly removed the sheets off him. But I am still
not a good person, right? he said.
I never said that, I said.
I told you, I am not worthy enough to be a hero in your story, Gopal said.
I kept quiet.
I could be the villain, said Gopal, his eyes sparkling.
Ill let the readers decide how they want to consider you. I simply write about
people. I dont cast them as heroes or villains, I said.
Raghav is a good man. I am not half as good as him, Gopal said.
Stop judging yourself, I said.
Chetan-ji, put your hand on your heart, and tell me, am I a good man?

I realised my approval meant a lot to him. Yet, I wanted to be genuine. I thought

about it for a while.
Forget it, sir. Dont answer it. Lets take a walk.
He got off the bed. He seemed much better. We took a morning stroll in the
hospital lawns.
Never drink so much again, promise me, I said.
I wont, he said.
Promise me you will find somebody, I said.
He shook his head. That I cant promise.
Do you miss her? I said.
He kept quiet.
Did you meet her after her marriage?
He shook his head. I figured out now why he had hesitated to come to Ramada
to drop me. I checked the time. I had a flight in two hours. I had to rush to the hotel,
pack and head to the airport.
I have to leave, I said. He nodded. He came out to drop me to the car.
The revolution will come, Gopal said. We will have a better nation one day.
I know, I said.
You also write about it. Once GangaTech becomes big, I will try to fix the
system. I am sick of giving envelopes to people.
We have to change things, I said.
Everyone must sacrifice for it, Gopal said.
Yes, I agree, I said as the driver started the car.
Bye, sir, Gopal said as I left.

I rushed back to my room and packed fast. I came downstairs in the hotel lobby to
check out.
Did you have a good stay, sir? a pretty girl in a sari asked me.
Yeah, memorable, I said.
I saw her nametag. It said: Aarti Kashyap. Guest Relations Officer.
She smiled. Happy to hear that, sir.
My car drove out of the Cantonment area. I saw a huge political party hoarding
at the traffic signal. I couldnt read from a distance, but I saw a young candidates
picture. I called Gopal.
All okay, sir. Will you make it in time for your flight?
Yes Gopal?
What? he said.
You are a good person,I said.
----------------------------... I Love you Rachu ...

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