After a hectic day going back home feels even worse. I'd rather stay at the school dorm. I can't stay at home , at least in the dorm there would be someone to look after .
I'd better ask my parents to allow me to stay at the dorm, it would be better . I needn't stress about my family.
Also I needn't see my brother who was always my rival though he never sees me like that .I mean my parents always prioritize him over me .
I like him , I can't say I hate him , after all he is my brother, but my parents are not like that , they say girls will never help their parents.
They are typical families who don't allow the girl outside. Though there are changes in society no one can change my family's mindset.
I know I'm going to struggle to get each thing for me , I'm no longer expecting anything from them , I just want to live for me .
No matter how much mark i get , my parents aren't satisfied, like I got 498/500 and my dad asked me where are other 2 marks .
But my brother who barely gets marks is treated well.
It breaks my heart, don't i deserve some appreciation?
Why is it so hard to bring up courage to talk to my own parents?
Aditi you can do it .
*At home
Aditi come and help me to do kitchen chores.
Ok ma , Amma I want to join the hostel in our school . I think it will help me to focus better.
Hostel ah? Eduku ippo hostel poganum nu solra ingaye padikalam.
(Why hostel?why do you want to go to the hostel , you can study at home .)
Illa ma please ma neega appa kitta solunga . Nan anga poi nala padipen ma.
(No mom , please tell dad and get me permission to stay in the hostel)
I don't know Aditi , if your dad allows you can go . Moreover fees will be high in hostel. Will I see your brother's expense or yours.
Please amma I'll study well .
Ok go and study,I'll tell him in the evening.
*That evening
What Aditi wants to go to the hostel? Why?
Yes Anand, it seems she can concentrate well there . Moreover it takes more than an hour to reach home . So she wants to join the hostel.
Umm...Let's see I'll come and talk in school tomorrow. Even we needn't worry about her if she is in the dorm .
Thank you so much Amma
I asked your Appa only because you told me so that you can study well. If not getting good marks we won't join you in college and waste any of our money.
Ok ma don't worry!
*Call connecting
Hello Shruthi, what are you doing?
Oh me ? I'm just sitting, what about you? anything special in your house?
Guess what! you know I'm going to join our school dorm. I'm so happy
Hey how did you convince your parents , are pranking me? There is no way they'd send you to a dorm.
Hey no , I just pleaded my mom and I don't know how they accepted. I'm still processing whether it is true or not.
So when will you join the dorm? Can you manage in the dorm?
I'll join within 2-3 days , I'd better stay at the dorm than this jail.
Mmm... Maybe you should carefully consider Aditi. But anyways rather than being at your home , dorms are better.
Exactly Shruthi.
Ok Aditi my mom is calling to have dinner we'll talk tomorrow byee
Ok bye sweetie love you!
Shit stop Aditi hearing it feels awful, BYEE.
*One week later
Aditi our class mentor instructed us to start the preparations from today. Do you have any idea where to start from?
Oh ya Ashish, first of all let's create an agenda . I think it can direct us.
Ok Aditi i heard you joined the dorm , how is it all okay ?
Ya it's indeed good than i thought. How do you know?
I do stay in our school dorm , it's opposite to the girls dorm.
Wow, that's nice . I have never seen you in the canteen.
Neither me , I noticed you yesterday.
Okay!
Ok Aditi I'll leave the agenda part to you and the cultural secretary. You guys help me do this , I have to do the other activities.
Ya sure Ashish. Did you speak to the senior?
Yup , I did text him , but I haven't heard back from him. I think he is busy also he is a school popular boy ofcourse he'd have this attitude.
What you couldn't get in touch since a week? Is he even a person,how can he be like this to a junior. Though he is popular he should have some sense. Imperfect people just make me fuss.
Ok cool down Aditi, I'll just take care .
How come Ashish? You give me his name and contact I'll talk to him .
Are you sure Aditi? I don't think it will work out.
No ashish I'll take care of it now leave it to me!
Ok fine , be careful here you go.....
______________________________________
What happened Aditi what made you look frustrated?
Nothing Shruthi there is a haughty senior , who can't even see texts and help the junior .
It seems to be he shows lot of attitude.
Okay so what Aditi, why do you expect help ? Let's find the solution ourselves.
Mm you are right Shruthi I don't expect help from him anyways.
Come let's create the agenda for sports day.
Okay ! Let's find a peaceful place then.
Why don't we go to library?
Hey ya I'll tell Ashish to come here, so that we can discuss and the work.
We'll go after lunch then .
Yes ok come let's go the canteen first .
*School lunch time
Cafeteria buzzing with chattering
Aditi, holding her tray bumps into the table where Samir and his gang are seated. A drink spills across the table, soaking his uniform.
Samir(calming looking up): Hey, careful there..
Aditi (flustered): "I'm so sorry ! I didn't mean to..."
She grabs a napkin and starts dabbing at the spill.
Samir waves it off , but his friends exchange mischievous glances.
Alex(samir's friend mocking): "Wow, she's already making moves on Samir. Classic newbie behaviour"
Friend2 (laughing): " yeah, maybe she wanted a reason to talk to him. Spilling drinks? That's creative".
Aditi (mortified, stammering): "I wasn't.... I didn't..."
Samir , noticing Aditi's discomfort shoots his friends a sharp look .
Samir(firmly but casually):
"Guys knock it off it was an accident".
Alex(grinning):" Oh , comeon we're just teasing
Samir turns back to Aditi with a faint smile
Samir(to Aditi): "Don't worry about it".
Aditi, overwhelmed and embarrassed, interprets samir's calm demeanor as condescension and assumes he's silently endorsing his friends behaviour.
Aditi(angrily,under her breath):
"Right, because the great Samir doesn't care as long as he looks cool".
She glares at him and storms off, leaving her tray behind.
Friend 3(laughing) : "Wow , she's feisty. Think she's into you, Samir?"
Samir (exasperated): "You guys are unbelievable "
Aditya walks away convinced Sameer is just as bad as his friends, while samir is left slightly annoyed at his group but intrigued by Aditi's reaction.