Reckless Rival : An Indian college romance

Chapter 24

Nami was a mess as she tried to work through her architecture project. She was glad her proposal was accepted to design a race course for the best visual and acoustic experience. She only hoped to get an extension as an exchange student. That was dependent on how well she executed the project, and while Rana was away, she was able to get the schedule planned out with her team.

She made an appointment to meet with Dean Neelima Raj to see if she could put forth her case for the extension. It was because of the dean that she was even accepted to Simha. Thanks to her for creating the program with Cambridge.

She was excited and nervous when she went into Neelima Raj's outer office. She was greeted by the dean's assistant and directed to a waiting area. She sat on a seat next to the window, hugging her laptop. She brought her project information in case she was asked to speak to it and show some models.

"Neela Ma'am will see you now," the young woman behind the reception desk told her to go through the double doors.

"Thank you," Nami said, trying to gather herself as she went into the dean's office.

Neelima Raj was seated behind the large mahogany table, and just at the sight of the woman, Nami was anxious about the meeting.

"Ms. Varma, please have a seat." The woman had her eyes on her computer screen as she typed quickly like she was responding to an urgent message.

"Thank you, Neela Ma'am, for making time for me." There was no denying the woman who sat across from Nami demanded full attention and was an epitome of discipline.

The dean looked away from her computer screen and smiled. "Happy to meet anytime. How is your semester at Simha coming along?"

Nami nodded. "It's going really well, Ma'am. In this short time, I have learned a lot and am looking to present the final plan for my architecture project at the review coming up in a month."

"Good. Happy to hear." The woman nodded. "What brings you here?"

Nami had only heard how direct and to the point the woman was but was taken aback. "I... I'm here to request that my admission at Simha be extended for another semester so I can get more out of my experience."

The woman looked at her for a brief moment. "Exchange students typically have only one semester."

Nami was prepared for this counter. "Understand, Ma'am, but I have a project proposal that not only will advance my experience but also my teammates. Especially for a project of this nature, it is best if I continue to lead it."

Neelima Raj smiled. "If you are a true leader, you can set your team up to be successful. Train someone else to be the lead."

"But—"

The woman did not let her speak. "You are taking away another exchange student's opportunity to attend Simha."

Her stomach made a sudden twist, and she was at a loss of words for a moment. "Ma'am, I'm not asking you to take away another student's opportunity. I'm asking for one."

A small smile formed on her face as she looked away. "I appreciate your motivation, Ms. Varma. The admissions at Simha are for well-rounded students, which you are but also the ones who have an alumni recommendation."

Nami fell silent. The woman was right, and as the reality struck, she felt the pain in her heart for more than one reason. But she swallowed the lump forming and stood up, having no further argument left in her. "Thank you, Ma'am." She wanted to leave before she cried her lungs out in front of her.

She took a few steps when the dean asked, "How come you don't have a recommendation letter from your family? Your father is an alumnus."

Nami turned slowly and looked at Neelima Raj. "We wouldn't be having this conversation if I had the required note for my admission."