After that incident, Christopher became even more introverted. He stopped answering questions in class, and even stopped playing basketball. But Sumanika, being the girl without self-respect, chased him and never minded if he scolded her with the foulest words. Just like this, the first year of college just passed away.
"Why do you not like me, Chris?" she asked him, as she chased him hotly one day.
"You are a bully!" he replied. "I don't want to talk to you!"
She still chased him, and he was visibly uncomfortable.
"Sumanika, he insulted you front of the whole college! Why are you still chasing him like a cat?" said a voice.
Both of them turned to see Priya, the girl who had told everyone to sit down when Krishnan entered the class on the first day of the previous year. She was a chubby girl with frizzy black hair and brown eyes.
"It's called love, Priya," said Sumanika rudely.
"Love? You are a bully. How will anyone love you?"
Christopher frowned. "Priya, I really don't think you should be involved in this."
"Chris, you go. I'll take care of this," she said.
The boy fled, leaving the two girls to fight. After a heavy argument, Priya joined Christopher, leaving Sumanika to stomp around in anger.
"Chris, I know that you are in distress. Please tell me what causes it."
"Why would you stand up for me, Priya? You could just mind your own work."
Priya looked at him keenly. "Because I know that you have some past trauma, and these rogues are giving you more trauma. You can relieve yourself only if you share your troubles with someone. So please, tell me."
Christopher was thoughtful. This girl was a real epitome of kindness, as he had seen in the past year, and she also vaguely reminded him of someone. She was also the first person who had stood up to his bully.
"When I was in England, my life had no meaning," he told her.
YOU ARE READING
A New Ray of Hope
General FictionChristopher is a charming, intelligent boy who has forgotten how to smile because of his traumatic past. He comes to India to live with his grandfather, as an escape. Due to his reserved and introverted nature, he is initially unpopular at college...
