Lost | ✓

Chapter 15. Scapegoat

🎶 Voh Dekhnay Mein

Published on 02.06.2022

| AUTHOR'S POV |

There wasn't much work to do on Monday. The major part of the project was done so they were just assembling the model and then reviewing the report prepared through Ayansh. The Dean alongwith the supervisor came later to check the progress and have a small talk with all of them. He was content with the progress and pace, appreciated everyone and thanked Ayansh especially for taking out his time and helping them all without asking anything in return.

"Another part that I wanted to talk about with y'all is about the whole programme apart from the competition. It's going to be a grand event so we want to make sure that everything is perfect. At the same time, we also want to experiment and serve something new wherever we could." The Dean speaks and everyone listens to him or atleast pretends to. Because let's be honest, nobody was interested in whatever ambitious things he was talking about. "Suggestions, participation is more than welcome. We need some unique ideas for the opening theme as well. We want to do something different than the usual calling out the guests names and then presenting them bouquets and clapping and cheering. Maybe dance or singing but that's common too. But it will do. We want to make the whole event engaging." He talked passionately about his vision while the students just seemed to be waiting for him to take the leave so they can leave too. "Do y'all have any ideas?" He asked with hope and enthusiasm.

None of the eight students reacted because neither were they interested nor did they've any idea. As if a bulb suddenly got switched on in his brain, Ayansh piped up, attracting everyone's attention.

"Inaaya plays piano. You can incorporate that if you want, Sir." He suggested in a small voice, looking at the Dean.

"What?" There was a sudden screech from the other side and everyone turned their heads to look at Inaaya. She coughed, choking on thin air.

"Are you okay?" Ayushi asked in concern, rubbing her back.

Samson who was sitting in front of her offered her water.

Inaaya snapped her head towards Ayansh, clenching her jaw and planning his murder in 101 different ways. Realising he has again messed up, he gulped inaudibly in fear.

"That's a great idea. Isn't it Inaaya?" The Dean chirps and Inaaya slowly turns her face to look at him.

She forces back a smile painfully. "If you think it is, then it is."

"We can give it a try." He responds, not sensing the underlying sarcasm in her words. "Piano music will set up such a pleasing and beautiful ambience."

Inaaya clenches her fist under the table. "Sure." She says in a formal tone. "We can try it."

"Great." The Dean clasps his hands. "You can meet with Mrs Rao tomorrow morning."

Inaaya nods. "Okay, Sir."

He then turns towards Ayansh. "Thank you for such an amazing idea. Have a good day everyone." He tells the students.

"Thank you, Sir." Everyone says and stands up as he leaves.

Ayansh thinks it's better if he leaves while everyone is grabbing their things and walking out of the door. He attempts to do the same when a cherry voice calls him out.

"Ayansh?" Inaaya calls out extra sweetly. "Can you wait for a few minutes? I need some help." She adds.

Ayansh dips his head low and sighs regretfully before turning back.

Ayushi who was leaving asks Inaaya. "Do you also need help with your studies?"

Inaaya blinks and then flashes a bright smile. "Ofcourse. After all, he's too good at explaining. I think I can use a little bit of explanation." She says the last line looking at him.