Intuition

Chapter 5

 Chapter 5

PICNIC?  Wow! I think my school is definitely going nuts. First they are announcing for a THIRD picnic…which wouldn’t have been unusual, had it not been my school, and then where do you think the third picnic is??..................GOA!!...yeah, I know..GOA! Goa is for India just as Las Vegas is for USA and so it is pretty shocking when it is announced that day after tomorrow we will be going on a trip to….wait a minute…….GOAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I’m so excited about the sheer prospect of going to Goa that when I realize the duration of our stay, I think I’ll have a heart attack! I.WILL.TURN.SIXTEEN.IN.GOA!!

So the very minute the announcement was made, the whole class went into a frenzy. Shouting, jumping, fist-pumping, desk-banging; it looked like our school had announced for the cancellation of exams. I got up just at the same time as Lee did and we squealed so loud that even the rats would have been put to shame and we held each other while hopping like mad hatters. Even the teacher gave a very rare smile, looking as delighted as the students did. We all knew what Goa meant, FUN with a capital F.

During the lunch break, the cafeteria was buzzing with excitement. Everyone was eager for the trip to Goa. After all, who could resist the hot sun, the amazing beaches, the blue sea, the coconut trees……aaaaaah! If I go on, I may never stop.

Sailee and I were already planning about what all things to take, where to go and what to do. After school I took Lee with me to the parlor. I got a very awesome hair cut, shoulder-length and even forced Lee to get a bob cut instead of her usual boyish cut. She was sulking all the way, but it was worth it. Every five minutes I would hear a “I hate you Ray!” from Lee but I was used to her tantrums so I didn’t really worry.

 After we reached my house I went straight to my mom to ask her for the NOC (no objection letter)we had to submit tomorrow for the trip.

“Mom, can you please write the NOC for me quickly? We have a trip to Goa from school, the day after tomorrow. Obviously you don’t have any problem,”

I looked at my mother’s face. It didn’t look so obvious.

“Do you?”

“Your sixteenth birthday in Goa? I don’t think so darling”

What?! My mom said ‘no’ for Goa! I hadn’t thought of that! Oh no, oh no……no. no. no.

“Mom, pleeaaasssseeeeeeeeeeeee” I whined, trying one last time to convince her, since she never listens once she decides something.

I’m really desperate to go. This is my last year in school and I really want to enjoy it. Besides, how many are lucky to go on a trip to Goa from school? I had never been and I don’t want to miss it now.

“Goa is not the right place for sixteen year olds. Even if it’s your school taking you, I don’t care. A no is a no.”

When mom doesn’t even listen to Lee, I know my dream is shattered.

Lee’s parents say ‘yes’ and I get even more forlorn. Although she says she won’t go without me…whatever! At least her parents said ‘yes’. I feel so irritated.

 After dinner I go up to my room, deliberately stomping my legs to show how dejected I am. I even make puppy-dog-eyes but mom is firm and dad says I can go only if mom says yes.

Hearing me create a ruckus, Advet comes to my room.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Nothing” I reply.

“Yeah, right. As if that was even possible with all the drama you’ve been doing since morning. Temme what’s wrong?”

“Mom’s saying no for Goa. I really want to go. I mean, after all, it’s my birthday coming up, plus she should trust me and all. I’m not a kid anymore.” I say.