AFTER YOU

Chapter II: THE BEGINNING.

THE PAST

"MOM!!" I cried aloud. "Have you seen my notebook? I'm already late for college."

No response (sigh).

Hi! I'm Abhinash. My friend often refers to me as Abhi. I'm 21 and a student at St Raymond College in Darjeeling. Aside from looking good (grins sheepishly), I'm on the college basketball team and an official member of the Art and the writing clubs. So today was the first day of my college after a long summer vacation (I mean 15 days long), and the new batches were also going to join today (not that exciting). I wish I could quit my studies, relocate to a peaceful place, and begin a new life where it's just me and the rest of nature. But is it possible? Nope! How can my parents let me go since I am their only child? My dad is the town's most well-known politician, and if I had moved somewhere, he would have found me even in the Amazon jungle.

"Hey! Abhi!" My father yelled. "Are you not supposed to attend college?" He raised his voice. "I'm going, come quickly, and I'll drop you off."

"Coming!" I said and hurried out the door.

"So isn't this your final year?" My father asked. I nodded. "What have you thought after this?" He raises his eyebrows. "Or just go around wasting my money?" He smirked.

I said nothing. Like, damn! What is this old man's opinion of himself? So pathetic! Does he think he's doing me a favour by providing three meals and a place to stay? (The dogs and cats have it better than I do). Is he aware that he is doing this for his child. It was your wife's and your plan to bring me to this planet.

"Here we go." He parked the car in front of the college gate. I opened the car door and walked out. "Hey!" He called me. "Take this." He extended his hand out the window. It was a five hundred rupees. The moment I saw it, it reminded me of "favour". Just as I was about to say "No, I don't need it." "Thanks,"  I replied, quickly putting it in my pocket. "Study well," he said and left.

I walked into college. Many new faces were there, laughing and video calling their parents to show them around the college campus. Another sunny day! I exclaimed. I went to the library and it was completely empty. I took out my headphones and started listening to music. A notification appeared on the screen. WHERE ARE YOU, BROTHER? Aaah! I literally forgot about Abir, my only true friend at this college, we had been classmates since the nursery. The only friend I would be willing to take a bullet to the chest for (just kidding). I responded, IN THE LIBRARY. "BOREDOM ASSHOLE," he said. After gathering my belongings, I stepped outside. A sunny day!

"Excuse me." Suddenly there was a soft voice and a cute expression from behind. I looked backwards. "Can you help me find the English department?" I was mesmerised. Damn, this is too beautiful! "Hello!? "Could you?" She waved her hand.