The Rules Of Pursuit

13. The Swap

"Okay class, this is a new experiment we have started." We were surprised when Mentor Kavya walked in instead of Mentor Luke for our first class of the trimester on a bright Monday morning.

"A spy needs to learn how to work alone as well as in a team." She paced in front of the blackboard of our classroom.

"It is easy to work with someone you know, like your batchmates," Mentor Kavya stopped to look at us "so you won't be pairing with them." We all were puzzled by her words.

"In our field of work, we often have to collaborate with agents from other countries for a particular mission. In this experiment, the collaborating agent from another country are going to be none other than your seniors."

An excited murmur broke out through the classroom and Mentor Kavya had to bang the duster on the desk to silence us.

"Not that easy!" Mentor Kavya smirked, "you shall not have the privilege to choose your partners. Rather your partners, not knowingly though, shall choose you, ." She winked. "Now you all shall follow me to the auditorium hall and find out who your partners are."

Mentor Kavya surely had an elan in her stance. Her tall sturdy appearance was absolutely contrary to her charming persona. No doubt she was a favorite amongst us students.

She told us on our way to the auditorium that second and fourth year students were to choose their partners from the first years and third years but not respectively though. A fourth year student could be paired to a first year and a second year to someone from the third year.

Once we reached the auditorium hall, I noticed a huge fish bowl with few chits, sitting on a wooden pedestal right outside the entrance door.

"Hey Mandy, looks like I am your partner." Before we could enter the auditorium Avinash Chauhan came and clapped Mandy on the back, handing him a chit with Mandy's name on it.

"See you inside mate." He waved before disappearing behind the auditorium door.

My mind was racing faster than Usain Bolt. This was my golden chance to get closer to Avinash Chauhan. I grabbed Mandy by the collar and pulled him to a nearby deserted classroom before he could protest.

"What the hell Naxi?" he shouted once I let go of his collar.

"I want you to switch partners with me." I spoke in a rush.

"No fucking way," he chortled, trying to leave. I blocked his way and pushed him back.

"Why are you being so annoying Mandy?" I growled, "I want Avinash."

"Damn, you sound grossly desperate." He looked at me appalled. I could not care less about Mandy's opinion. Forget about the bet, I wanted Avinash Chauhan to truly be my first and this was my golden opportunity to make that happen.

"You have to do this for me." I pleaded him.

"Girl, you want me to willingly reduce my chances of winning the bet." Mandy asked, amazed.

"I want you to keep your promise Mandy. To have each other's back, no matter the consequences, remember?" The poor guy hadn't seen that coming. I knew from the grimace on his face that I had hit the right spot.

"Damn you! Naxi." Mandy scowled stamping his foot on the ground. "What if he doesn't agree?"

"I know you can convince him." I replied smugly.

"But what am I supposed to tell him?" Mandy tried to weasel out but his excuses weren't good enough.

"Tell him you suck at Decoding and you don't want to ruin both of your grades by pairing up." I told him hurriedly. Since it was Luke D' Costa's class, the pairing had to be for Decoding.