The 3G Life: Two Buildings

Friday 30 August 2019

I am tensed since morning. Today is biology test at Mahmoud sir's class. Of course, I study since morning but I cannot seem to find mental peace. I even carry the heavy biology book inside my bag and carry it to coaching. And I study even at Jabbar sir's class.

"Hey. How're you today? You look tensed," asks Tamima.

"I'm fine but under lots of pressure," I answer.

"You've Biology text today? No wonder."

"Yes. And everything goes above my head."

"No, no... You're a brilliant student."

Tamima settles down in the chair beside me. She brings out math book and copy and starts solving the paper. We exchange a few words between us but otherwise we are pretty much absorbed in our studies. Then suddenly Jabbar sir enters carrying a huge bag with him and he seems quite happy.

A match will be held the day after and everyone looks very excited. Even Jabbar sir will play in the match so it is a match we all look forward to. I even ask Tamima to go with us together. But I myself am not sure that if I will go. My health is not much well nowadays.

"There's a surprise for girls at the match," says Jabbar sir.

"Well, what's the surprise, tell us," I ask.

"It'll not be a surprise then, will it?"

"Yeah. Point well made. But what if I can't come?"

"Well, try your best to come, Amber."

I search my bag for my copy and book but cannot find it. I brought another purple-colored copy and I did not bring my book at all. I think about it for a second because I usually do not make such a mistake. Am I so tensed about my biology exam that I do not bring them?

Tamima cannot understand what I search for until I tell her. Sir hears us and suggests that he will give us some pages and he also have a book. I ask him to just give me the book because I already have an extra copy. But I cannot understand what got in me to make such a mistake.

The trigonometry chapter in AS is actually quite hard. There are some identities proving that I cannot solve at all. So, I ask sir for help and he even seem perplexed with a few problems. I ask sir to solve my ones while I help Tamima with hers. But it is almost time for biology test.

I run to Mahmoud sir's class but I am a bit late. The others are already here and started with their exams. I take my paper from the folder and sit down to give my exam. The paper seems moderately hard but I guess I will manage it somehow.

Sir's assistant comes in every now and then to make sure we are not cheating. Why does he have to be so suspicious about our whereabouts? I am in the first bench so there is no chance in cheating for me. But then I suddenly get the chance when the assistant goes out to receive a call.

"Aaliyah, what's the answer of the first question?" I ask.

"It's hydrogen bonds. It's easy," she replies.

"It's easy for you only college topper."

"I think the word will be o level topper."

"Anyways. Help me with some others."

So, yes, I manage in my own way. Guess what, I finish the paper earlier than others and submit it to the assistant. But deep down I am afraid it may did not go as well as I thought. I come and sit down in the reception area. I have a whole hour in my hand but do not know what to do.

I somehow spend the time and go downstairs. I know Delair will come in at any moment and I guess right. He comes in. I look at him but he does not seem to notice me. I stare and stare at him but he meets another friend of his and walk upstairs. What the hell? Am I invisible or something?

I wait for Tamima to come down and eventually she does. There is one thing I love about Tamima. She always comes close and holds me in a half hug. And of course, I hug her back. Tamima has such an innocence surrounding her that it makes her naturally adorable.

And then I meet Saeed. After such a long time. I extend my hand in the usual greeting and he holds it with his usual firmness. But maybe it feels a bit less firm. I come to know that Tamima and Saeed are in the same physics class. Then I tell him about what Delair just did.

"He already went to class," Saeed informs.

"I know. But what'll you do?" I ask.

"I'll pull him and bring him to you."

"You know I'll hate it."

"Come on. What're friends for?"

Tamima's father comes to get her and so all of us part. I ask Saeed if he will drop me home but he sort of refuses. And that actually hurts. Because last year Saeed dropped me home almost every day. I guess people change with time and one loses her importance.

I cross the street and start to walk for home. I also meet Zara now and then and Hadi too. They are still here in 3G but they are not part of my life. But I guess Saeed still has a whole lot of place in here. Aayan, even though he is not here, he is just the core of it.