Love In The Shadows

6 ~ The unexpected Friendship

Arun, suddenly taken away by a group of seniors to the Super Senior block, a place notorious for its intimidating atmosphere. Unbeknownst to Arun, a junior student witnessed the incident and hastily spread the news like wildfire throughout the junior block.

As the hours ticked by, Arun's roommates grew increasingly worried, expecting his return by dinner time. But as the night wore on and there was no sign of Arun, they decided to take action. They approached the hostel and college authorities, expressing their concern for Arun's safety.

The hostel safety committee head, a stern but fair individual, was summoned to investigate the situation. As he made his way to the senior block, he noticed me walking out of the senior block, flanked by a few seniors.

The safety committee head quickened his pace, his eyes fixed on the group. "Arun, are you okay?" he asked, his voice firm but gentle. I nodded, looking relieved but shaken. The seniors, realizing they had been caught, quickly dispersed into the night.

(I knew it would only get worse if I complained and in my mind, I was thinking of other ways to take my stand against the seniors) "Do I use this change to take my revenge and complain?" "What would happen if they get detained or the worst they get rusticated?" these questions reminded me of my situation where my mistake was about to cost me one year of my life and then I was thrown into this hell hole.

"Sir, I'm fine, really. I just went to meet one of my cousins"

Safety Committee Head: (sternly) "Your cousin?! At this time of night?! We received a complaint that you were taken by seniors!"

"Complaint..?" I muttered. (Thinking in my head "Someone might have raised it since I was not back")

"that...that might be some misunderstanding. I was just... visiting my cousin." I replied nervously trying to collect my thoughts

Safety Committee Head was skeptical "Save it, Arun. I know what goes on in that block. Those seniors think they can bully anyone they want. But I won't tolerate it!"

I calmly repeated "Sir, nothing like that happened I really just went to meet my cousin."

Safety Committee Head was outraged"Spoiled?! You're the one who could have gotten hurt!" ( he slaps me across the face) "How dare you cover for them!"

I was taken aback by surprise "Sir....."

Safety Committee Head got furious "You're just as guilty as they are!" (turns and storms off)

"Why the fuck did he hit me though?" Trying to process things in my head

After a few minutes, I got back to my room, and one of my roommates in anxious voice "We were so worried about you, Arun!"

I smiled weakly hiding my left chick and quietly laid down on my bed, processing the events of the night.

From that day on, the hostel authorities kept a closer eye on the senior block.

The events of the night swirled in my head. I felt scared, anxious, and guilty all at once. As I lay on my bed, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

I slept with tears in my eyes

The next morning, I woke up feeling exhausted but relieved that the night was over. I braced myself for another day of potential ragging.

I walked through the campus on my way to my college.

I saw seniors on my way "Then again..."

I looked at them expecting them to call me out but... no senior stopped me, no one teased me, and no one even looked at me twice. I just walked passed through them still expecting them to say something.

The day passed without any conflict, and I felt a sense of peace.

A few days passed without any incident, and I thought "Maybe the Safety Committee Head had something to do with this.".

As I was heading to lunch, I noticed two familiar faces from the Super Senior block walking towards him. My heartbeat raising with every step they take approaching me.

But to my surprise, they smiled and greeted me warmly. "Hey, Arun! Come with us," one of them said, gesturing towards one of the college canteens.

I hesitated for a moment, but something about the way they presented themselves was different. I followed them to the canteen, where they sat down and started chatting "We misunderstood your denial to follow us as arrogance and attitude." They confessed "We are impressed that you didn't report the incident"

One of them asked "Why didn't you though? "

"Actually I didn't see how it would make things better for me here."

We had lunch together and I mostly just listen to them talking about the sports club quitely

"Arun, Why don't you join hostels volleyball team?" One of them asked

I norded my head have my meal

"Great! Meet us every morning at 7 sharp we will see if you are good enough for the team and also introduced you to others "

I joined the sports club and from that day on, the seniors became my unlikely friends and allies, looking out for me on campus.

I realized my decision to not complain actually paid off.

"Arun's wisdom, a guiding light did shine
He chose to swallow pride, and not make it mine
A complaint, that could have led to strife
And affected futures, with a lifelong rife

He took the blame, with a humble heart
And chose to let go, a potentially bitter start
The senior, surprised by his gracious stance
Extended a hand, in a friendly, apologetic dance

By not seeking revenge, or seeking to win
Arun showed strength, and a heart that could give in
A lesson learned, that sometimes it's best to yield
And in doing so, a beautiful friendship did seal"

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Question from Author:

1. Did you'll ever have an enemy-to-friend kind of situation?