Around a dozen students had congregated in a small, dingy room. Everyone had their eyes trained on a single man. He spoke eloquently and rather persuasively. ' Our target is the upcoming student body elections. This year we will not get the majority, being a new party. But our target should be aligning with the SRU, this term they have the chance to attain two-thirds of the majority number. Thus, if we manage to get one-third of the majority, then we get to form the Students Union,'said Prof. Kumar with a satisfied air. Aparna looked up towards her professor with admiration and respect, realising that there was a lot to learn from him yet. 'But, sir how can we ensure that its our party which gets the presidential post,' asked Sayed. Prof. Kumar again smiled before continuing,' We should not be aiming for presidentship, rather the key cabinet posts should be our target this term. One step at a time.' 'When do we start campaigning,Sir? The elections almost knock at our door,' queried Viren. 'Tomorrow itself. The earlier, the better. The party spokesperson shall be Aparna,'announced the professor as Aparna looked at him in disbelief, while the other members glared at him. 'Sir, I am a second year student, there are more senior candidates who should get a chance,should'nt they?'asked Aparna with obvious discomfort. Prof. Prakash looked at Aparna for a long time before saying,' Politics is not about age and seniority Aparna. It simply runs on ability and at this point in time I do not find a more able person than you to shoulder this responsibilty.' Prof. Prakash's words were always the last once, even if his students disagreed they never dared question his decision because the man had an exasperating knack of always being dead on point.
The rest of the meeting revolved around planing their election strategies and it was already eight o'clock by the time Aparna walked into her small apartment. As soon as she did that a familiar smell of baking wafted out of the kitchen. Aparna took in the delicious aroma and smiled a small sad smile that would have broken any person's heart had he or she seen it. It was in these moments that one could fathom the pain beneath her tough exterior, the storm underneath her calm facade. Aparna, in times like these thanked god for sending someone like Rupa her way, who was a mother, sister and a friend, altogether for her. 'What is this you are making, Mashi?'asked Aparna. Rupa turned around to give her a smile before saying, 'A birthday cake.' Aparna was momentarily confused before asking, 'Whose birthday is it?' Rupa let out a laugh before replying,'Yours, my dear today is the 10th of September.'
Back in her village, her parents never celebrated her birthday. It went unnoticed as any other day, thats the reason why Aparna never remembered her own birthday. However, for the past two years Rupa had made it a point to celebrate the day by baking a cake for her. Aparna did not look for pomp and grandeur, neither did they allure her. It was this homely, intimate affair which touched her heart. She was a woman who ran after her dreams but she nevet failed to thank god for the small things in her life that brought her joy.
That night every other work was forgotten as the two women celebrated Aparna's birthday.
YOU ARE READING
The Broken Lyre
General FictionAparna Roy was a small town girl. But her dreams caressed the sky. Her beauty lay in her intelligence and resilience. She was a warrior woman, who fought against family, society and tradition to achieve her dreams. In her ambition she finds yet anot...
