WO/MAN (Arthanaareeshwaram)

Reason

10 mins later into the class...

The monotonous tone of the middle aged teacher made the already boring subject feel like it was being dragged on for ages. Parthasarathy nudged Arjun who was engrossed in taking notes.

"What?" Arjun snapped but to find that Parthasarathy had not even touched the notebook and pen, he was shocked.

"Are you not going to take notes?" He asked.

"It is boring! And by the way, I don't need those notes. I can study by myself. But hey! why did you not want me to sit beside you?"
Parthasarathy was now facing Arjun.

Arjun froze in shock. But after a while, he answered in a low tone. "I don't want the reputation to be spoiled."

"Do you think me sitting beside you or being your friend will ruin your reputation?"

"No ... no ... I was talking of the other way round. Hanging around me would spoil yours." Arjun defended.

“What the hell! I don’t care! And next time, don’t pull on such a stunt. No matter how much you try, you can’t get rid of me.” Parthasarathy answered coolly.

Arjun’s eyes almost brimmed with tears. He quickly blinked them away and turned to Parthasarathy with a smile. “Now that’s better.” Parthasarathy winked.

The bell rang, signalling the end of the class. The teacher exited the class and chatter started in the class.

At lunch, Rukmini joined them in the canteen and the three had their lunch. Arjun now found himself getting comfortable around Parthasarathy.

{There was something in this guy, he looked like he was hiding immense knowledge behind that careless attitude of his.} He thought.

The classes after lunch went as usual and before they knew, the day ended. While heading towards hostel, Parthasarathy asked Arjun. “So, what have you planned for your future?”

“Nothing!” Arjun shrugged.

Parthasarathy laughed. “You have no goal for your life?”

“So, what?” Arjun snapped. Parthasarathy looked perplexed.

Arjun took a deep breath and looked at him. “Who cares? There is no one to be pleased by my progress. I have no one. No parents, no relatives, no friends … I don’t even know why I am living right now. Is it to deal with all the ridicule, those ba****ds throw at me? Am I living to be laughed at, for being that, which is not my mistake? Am I living to just watch silently, as my body and emotions betray me and go out of control? While, I am here, wishing that I don’t have a future; you are mocking me by asking about my future-plans.”

Parthasarathy sighed as he sat cross-legged on his bed. By now, they had reached their room. Arjun sat opposite him on his bed.

“Firstly, don’t think that there is no one for you. There is Acharya sir, who looks out for you, like you are his own son. And then there is Rukmini, who sees you as her protective brother. I am here, your friend. We are all your family.”

Arjun stared into his eyes, drowning into those dark pools of mystic attraction.

“As for the reason, why you live, I strongly believe that no one exists without a reason. If you are breathing right now, it is because each breath of yours is meant to cause some change in the world.”

Arjun snorted. “Oh yes! I am giving out Carbon-di-oxide. So, that must be helping a plant to live.”

Parthasarathy smiled. “Even though you meant it sarcastically, it is partially the truth. But think of it in this way. Even a dog breaths out Carbon-di-oxide. So instead of you, there could a dog or for that matter, any other animal here. But still, at this minute, you are in front of me. We are speaking of something and exchanging thoughts. And whether you believe me or not, this has some importance in the way the world runs.”

“Oh! Come on! Why do you link such a small incident as to our useless chat; with the entire world?” Arjun snorted.

Parthasarathy scratched his forehead and smiled. “I link it, because it is the truth. Just because we don’t see the effect of the so called trivial happenings, we cannot conclude that they mean nothing. Let me tell you that the one called god or whoever or whatever runs this world, is a miser. They wouldn’t spend even the minutest energy as much required as to blink an eye, without a perfect reason. So, considering the amount of energy being used to vibrate our vocal cords; it is not a waste. It sometimes awes me to think how each tiny little thing can link to a huge event in the universe. Just give it a single thought Arjun! You won’t be able to sleep at night. And I tell you, it is fun to stay awake; thinking of all those things unrelated to you but still, related to you.” His eyes glowed as he concluded.

Arjun found his head spinning. He felt like he understood everything but he was not aware of what he understood. Few minutes later, he couldn’t handle it anymore. “So, what do you mean? Your words are making me crazy. I don’t understand.”

Parthasarathy smiled as he gently ruffled Arjun’s hair. “Don’t overthink. For now, it is enough if you trust me and believe me when I say that you are important and here for some purpose. Come, let us have dinner.”

Arjun stood up as in a daze. They joined Rukmini at dinner and had dinner silently. On reaching the room, they retreated to their respected beds.

“Parthasarathy, thanks. I feel better after talking to you.”

“Don’t ever thank me. It is my duty as a friend to make you feel better. Good night ...” Arjun’s light snores interrupted him.

He smiled to himself as he dropped into his world of thoughts.