Unwavering Desire

Chapter 10

ATREYI'S POV :-

Today's the first day of the Cultural Rally. As I enter the university premises all I see are students dressed in beautiful colourful outfits representing different communities who celebrate different festivals.

This feels my heart with pride and happiness seeing the diverse culture of our country in one place.

I park my car and head towards my department where my students would be getting ready for the rally .

I am really excited for today's cultural rally but the underlying fear is making me restless. I know that nothing will happen to me, that they won't come back and turn this day into a nightmare but...

Stop Atreyi, stop stressing yourself about such an old incident you can't change the past but that doesn't mean you can allow your past to spoil your present. Nothing will happen to you, relax.

After this tiny peep talk with myself I turn towards the corridor I can already hear them fighting over something. Time to step into Professor mode.

“What happened and how can I help to settle this matter ?” I asked as I stood at the door of the room.

Rohan spoke first, “Ma’am some of Mathematics department weirdos are applying colour to everyone and turning us into ghosts even before the rally could start.”

“Okay so whoever did this to everyone, apologize right now. Because of a few students I can't let all my Statistics and Mathematics students underperform and not give their best.”

“I ask you all to clean yourselves and remake the banners which got spoiled. I know those who worked really hard must be disheartened but we can't let these small obstacles stop us from winning the first prize in the Cultural Rally Competition. I know my students can do this. ” I said to motivate them and my words seemed to have done their work as they were all fast on their feet and fixing the mess.

I head towards the main entrance from where the rally would start and take a tour of the nearby area.

I could see the Principal sir along with my nemesis talking to the Police Commissioner. As soon as the commissioner spots me his wrinkly and tanned face broke into a small smile as recognition shined bright in his eyes.

“Miss Atreyi, heard you are presiding over this year's cultural fest too. Fourth time in a row; someone seems to be everyone's favourite.” he said as we shook hands.

“Your blessings make all these possible Sir. I hope the preparations regarding the security of our students and faculty members are done. I can't afford any of my students or my colleagues to get harmed during the festivities. ” I said as I tried to drive the discussion towards work as small talk is not one of my strongest pursuits.

The commissioner sir is well aware of that and he assured me that the routes through which the rally would proceed are thoroughly checked. The police constables who would walk alongside the students are armed, if the situation runs south. Multiple drones will be recording the live footage of the rally to make sure everything is under control.

Hearing this my heart seemed to have calmed down a little.

“Don’t stress yourself Miss Atreyi, we will make sure that each one of your students is safe throughout the day. You just prepare for the rally and outperform all other universities. ” the commissioner said.

“Is this the Police Commissioner or the ex-student of Greendale University speaking ?” I asked jokingly.

“Of course the ex-student of Greendale University.” he laughed.

As the conversations proceeded, I pulled Atharv to the side and asked, “Did you meet the troops participating in the rally ?”

“Yes I met a few but we need to go to each of the departments and remind them to be here in the main area by 9:30 AM.” he replied not arguing with me for once.

“Yes since the troops will be arranged alphabetically, I divided the list into two parts. You follow the first half of the list and then directly go to our students they need you. I will follow the second half and reach there.” I said as I handed over the first half of the list to him.

We both headed on our own way to check that every department is ready and will head towards the main area right when we will call them.

On finishing with that I went towards the room to finally check on my students.

On reaching there I breathed out the air I didn't know I was holding. This time they are already standing in three separate lines holding banners, plates filled with colours, water balloons, pichkari and various sweets.

The banners telling different stories associated with Holi along with different forms of Holi celebrated all across India. Everyone looks so colourful and vibrant wearing white costumes with colour smeared on their cheeks.

But I can't help but feel uneasy being present here. So, quickly saying a few words of appreciation I make an excuse of getting the register to note down the name of students who participated in the rally to give them extra credits.

As I entered my cabin I closed the door but didn't lock it and take deep breaths to calm my racing heartbeats and control the upcoming panick attack. I don't want to spoil the first day of the Cultural Fest for some petty reasons.

I slowly sit down on my chair and take a sip of water and start shaking my inhaler just in case I need to use it. Better be prepared than be sorry.

I heard someone knocking on the door and asking permission to step in.

As I said a yes , three students with face covered in gulaal walked in holding a packet of gulaal in their hands.

“Ma’am as you are from our department and will be joining us in the rally so we thought of applying a tiny tika (tilak) on your forehead so you could merge with our troop.” they explained but their intentions were not seeming so clear.

But they are still my students and not wanting to break their hearts I decided to deny politely, “Oh I got your point. But you see I won't be part taking in the rally. I have to stay back and look after the preparations and additionally I don't play Holi so I would request you all to return to your team mates and wait for your troop’s name to be called out.”

“So, you won't listen to us? But we heard MISS ATREYI fulfills all her BELOVED students’ request. Then why don't you fulfill our request and we keep my MLA father out of this.” he threatened.

My feet are turning cold and dread is running through my veins. I am shivering as flashbacks of that unfortunate day runs through my mind.

I watch as they collect fistful of gulaal in their hands and come towards me.

My breathing turns shallow and only one word comes out of my mouth, “Please don't do this, please don't come near me.”

But my words fall into deaf ears; they smear colour on my cheeks, hair and don't even spare my chest. Tears stream down my eyes in a silent plea to stop this torture right at this moment.

They leave not before threatening me to keep my mouth shut.

With shaking hands I take the phone and dial the first number that was on the list.

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Ever been in a similar situation like Atreyi ?