The Anklet's Lost Rhythm #Wattys2017

CHAPTER 4

SIDDHARTHA

I always wanted to study in Jadavpur University. It was my dream. Maa was elated when I got through the admission test. Baba always wanted me to help him in business. The son of the family studying literature was not something to be proud about in those days. India after all. Ananya and I both got through. I was happy. Ishan of course went through the same college too. Life went smoothly until a storm decided to enter my life. After my first break up, I was highly depressed. Ishan tried his best to keel me away from drinks and alcohol. Baba was upset. Maa cried. Rono missed her too. But my condition was worse. I kept on playing my guitar and painting. Two of my favourite hobbies.

It was the third day in college after the summer break. I was walking through the corridor towards my class. When suddenly I heard our principal screaming at someone. I stopped and turned.

"Why did you have to do this? I am sorry but each of them spoke against you. I dont believe you to be innocent Ms Ghosh. " he snorted.

" But Sir, I was not even there for the night in his house. You can speak to my parents. I was home by 9." she answered.

I headed closer. " No Ms Ghosh. I know your uncle is famous but that does not mean we will take any kind of help from the students' parents.. I want--"

"What is wrong, Sir? " I slowly stepped into the classroom and asked.

" Nothing Siddhartha. There has been a ragging incident in the campus lately. Ms Ghosh is one of the accused ones but she claims she wasn't there. None of the other students agrees. They all said she was present. "

" That is anything but nothing, Sir. " I answered.

The girl knitted her eyebrows and gave me a look.
" Who are you? Has Nikhil sent you to put me into trouble too? Sir! I am being trapped---"

"Excuse me," I stopped her. "I am not here for anyone but myself. Sir, I was present in the ragging scene." I lied.

The principal glared at me. "Siddhartha, I cant believe this! Brightest students like you and Ms Ghosh are deteriorating!"

I rolled my eyes. The girl saw me and gave me the look like "talk with respect." As though I was some hulligan saying oye kitne paise hai nikaal. These girls are unique pieces.

"I was there Sir, but not a part. I did not realise the students were being ragged. It did not seem so at all." I cooked up a story. "They were being told to sing so I thought..." Before I could finish, he interrupted, "And you, Ms Ghosh?"

I quickly came to her rescue! "Sir! I said I was a part. Not her. I dont remember seeing her there!! She wasn't there." I shrugged. "Mr Mukherjee I don't think you are--"

"Sir why will I try to save her? I don't even know her first name!" Sir glared at me and then gave a look to the girl.
The girl did not look pleased at all. She looked at me as though I was trying to barge into her privacy. I shrugged. The principal liked me alot ever since I won the fest for the college. He gave in to my story.

"Okay. I will consider. You may leave now." he said. I gave a smile and was about to walk off when the girl approached me.

"Excuse me, who told you to help me?" she asked. "Why did you lie?" she shot at me again.

"Sometimes you have to lie to bring out the truth." I said.

"But I don't need your help!" she snorted.

"That is not my concern." I answered. She looked irritated.

"Please remain without concern!" she spoke rudely. I did not mind though. I hardly cared. My own girlfriend had dumped me weeks back. I left for my classes.