Kindle to Rekindle

11. Standup and Knockdown

When both are right in their mind, they prepare to fight.

Nivedya took a step back to see the reason for the wetness on his fist and realised how far his jealousy took. Nimrit ducked from under him and wiped her tears. Before leaving the class in a choked voice she managed to say, "You are the human form of the magic mirror that shows the evil brooding inside. Thank you, for this selfless help."

Nivedya moved his hand in his hair in frustration and questioned himself, "What did I do? What did I say?"

"Nivedya Singh and Nimrit Khanna come to the Principal's office immediately." The announcement buzzed on the speaker and Nivedya kicked the table before heading to the Principal's office.

In the principal's office, Nimrit was standing with her head hung low and Ashwin with a bandaged nose. Nivedya knew the matter grabbed more attention than required. His mother always told him anger leads to destruction and his elder brother had always landed in trouble because of his short-tempered attitude. Nivedya didn't know when and how so much anger housed in him too.

Shakti was furious with Nivedya's actions and remarked sarcastically, "Welcome Nivedya R. Singh. You deserve a flower shower for your amazing art on Ashwin's nose."

"I can explain ma'am," Nivedya replied in a low tone. From his peripheral vision, he saw Nimrit to see if she was fine.

"Sure you can but I have no ears for your reasons. Nivi, I warned you earlier too that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. What did Ashwin even do? Nimrit, you tell me." Shakti questioned Nimrit in a strict tone.

Nimrit could not decide what she should say. If she said the truth, Nivedya will have to bear the consequences and if she didn't then also he will be punished. As much as she hated the showdown between them she didn't have the heart to see Nivedya getting punished. So she narrated the incident exactly how it happened because her father always taught her the truth and paves way for the correct path.

"Nimrit, do you think Ashwin's behaviour was inappropriate?" Shakti asked Nimrit for her opinion.

"Ma'am, I think what Ashwin said, was not correct but I also think Nivedya punching his nose was uncalled for." Nimrit was still speaking but Nivedya cut her in between and said, "Ma'am, he was watching her will lustful eyes the entire time she was draping his uttariya. She is I guess, way too naive to understand."

"And how do you know that I was watching her with lustful eyes? Why were you even there? Are you her bodyguard?" Ashwin's questions tongue-tied Nivedya and Nimrit.

Shakti took a deep breath and sat on her chair. "The programme starts in thirty minutes and here I am dealing with such uncouth behaviour of my students. Nimrit you decide their punishment. Be honest."

The day couldn't get any worse for Nimrit. She knew she had to be fair but she couldn't be fair. Her decision will be biased and inclined towards the boy she loved sketching on the canvas of the moon. "Ma'am I think a simple apology is enough. We are celebrating the glorious hundred years of this school. Let us not ruin it by wasting time on resolving fights.
Ashwin's intention and remark did have an underlined meaning and therefore if he accepts and realises he was wrong, I think we should wish him luck for his performance.
As for... Nivedya, I think he should apologise for overreacting and hurting someone physically. Don't be harsh on them ma'am."

"What are you waiting for boys? Nivedya apologises to Ashwin for hurting him physically. And Ashwin do you accept what you have been accused of?" Shakti questioned the boys sternly.

Nivedya took a deep breath and shook hands with Ashwin, "Sorry! For breaking your nose." Nivedya's apology was for the namesake. He still felt Ashwin deserved it.