Nameless

Chapter 6: Woes

A/N: Sorry, i deleted the last chapter as I found it idiotic. I've re-written it hope you guys dont mind! =) and sorry for taking soooo long to upload! =/ it'll be more regular from now on, promise.

 The bell rang, a shrill sound that pierced through the omnious silence that was the essence of the massive exam hall. I ignored it and continued to scratch my pen in scribbles across the page, desperately trying to finish my answer. Damn these massive history answers!  I thought frantically, feeling a cramp creeping up my rigid arm. "Pens down!" boomed the voice of the examiner. Still the pens wrote. "Stop writing please!" he yelled again, clapping his hands desperately trying to grab our attention. YES! I thought, as I finished my last answer. I put my pen down and sat happily, awaiting the examiner's approach. He walked down row by row, collecting the papers according to role number. It was finally over.

We filed out of the hall once all the papers were collected, packaged and sealed  to be sent to Delhi from where they would be sent all over India to be corrected. Walking out everybody was hugging each other, screaming and jumping with joy, running around like headless chickens, and generally celebrating. There were broad smiles on everybody's face. I was pulled into hugs and made to jump, going through the motions in a trance. I could not believe it was really over. The event that I had been prepared for since the tender age of six, was over. It had passed. I felt.... empty. I had no purpose in life anymore. I was lost. I a sea of students, my friends, all of whom were rejoycing, I was Lost. 

 A party was planned at Aanchal's house.. or should I say mansion? It was to start at eight the next night, and it was to be amazing. Everybody was supposed to dress it up. We were heading out of school, towards the buses when i started feeling strange. I was to be celebrating with my friends that evening, but something kept nagging me. "What if you failed?" said a tiny voice in my head. "All your friends move on and forget you," it continued, "and you'll be held back. The laughing stock of the school, they'll probably kick you out...!" it cackled wickedly and I started shaking.

 "It's finally over!" said a deep voice, accompanied by a strong hand on my shoulder turning me around to face the source. I was pulled out of my trance of self-depreciation, just to fall into another one, looking straight into Manan's eyes. He pulled me into a tight embrace, and for a moment I was shocked. Then I let go of all my inhibitions and hugged him back. "I really missed you, Ayrah." He whispered, his breath tickling my ear. I was about to reply, when I heard Aanchal's high-pitched nasal voice piercing through our perfect moment.

"Save it for the party you two!" She snickered. "BTW, the bedrooms are off limits." she continued, her possè laughing cruelly. I blushed at the implication, and was surprised to find that Manan was too. She giggled and stalked off towards the buses. 

"So, you're going to the party?" Manan asked as we walked towards the buses. He walked close to me, our arms brushing every now and then.

"Yeah, I guess I will..." I replied, as I wondered whether I should ask if he wanted me to come.

"Cool."

"Cool."

And with those strange words, we parted ways to our seperate buses. I boarded mine, and took the window near the back. Anika came and sat next to me. She started talking excitedly about this party and how much fun it would be. She would come over to my house two hours before the party was to start, and we were to get ready together. Fun.

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"No. No way. Not ever. Never." I said, attempting to pull the ridiculously low, strapless dress higher. 

"Yes. Way. Now. Tonight." Replied Anika, grinning broadly as she inspected me. The upper part of the dress was very much like a corset, with the lace and everything, and then it flared out from my waist, hiding my paunch and love-handles. The skirt was a bit poofy, and fell till only just about above my knees.