Fond Of This Bond

3. The Lie-brary

Brrriinnnggg

"So, that's all for today. I want all your projects submitted by the end of this month. As you already know, I appreciate punctuality." Mrs. Watson announced before leaving the class.

We are assigned to present a complete explanation of foreign exchange focussing on the geographical trading patterns and currency arbitrage. 

Crest Academy is famous for its Economics faculty. Therefore it is expected that we have two sections- A and B, for Economics, as more than half of the students opt for it here.

Mrs. Watson informed us that we have to pair up with the students from the other section, which is A, for the project. This procedure took place interestingly. There was a bowl full of colorful chits kept on the teacher's table. We were supposed to pick one chit each, and a particular code in there would tell the rest.

 I chose a blue one and opened it. It had the code 'B28' written on it. This means that I will pair up with the person who got the chit 'A28' in the other section.

I hope I get a responsible partner and not with someone who gets fully dependant on me.

Better be good or else, I have my ways.

We had recess now, but everyone was more excited to know their partners. The corridor got crowded as students searched for their projectmates. I heard a few girls giggling in the corner. They were wondering what if Jason ends up with one of them.

Congratulations, I got something to worry about.

What if Jason has the code 'A28'?

No.

I want to be positive, but the last days have not been good enough to make me believe in positivity.

While trying to have faith in my stars, I started asking random people about their codes. After exactly sixteen no's, I decided not to waste any more time and go, eat. The other person will eventually find me.

As I turned for the canteen, I bumped into someone- more specifically, Jason. I was about to trip, but he caught me by the elbow. I pulled my elbow free from his hold and gave him an annoyed look. "Look where you are heading," I said in an irritated tone.

"It's okay, Google."

"I never apologized."

"You should have."

"But why would I?" I retaliated.

"Because you were at fault." He stated.

"I don't think so."

"Fine, fine. It was my fault. Happy? Now follow me, we have to go to the library." He grabbed my wrist and started dragging me out of the crowd.

"Wait. Why are we going to the library?" I asked in bafflement.

"For discussing the Economics Project. We have to decide whether..."

I stopped where I was. I twisted my wrist, and he released it immediately. He turned back to me and said, "Yes, I am the code you have been looking for everywhere." He showed me a red chit that had 'A28' scribbled on it.

I could feel the ground slipping under my feet. Please! Anyone but Jason would do.

"No. I'm...I'm not 28...I'm 'B29'." I stuttered.

"Oh please! Drop that pretense. I heard you when you were asking others about their codes." He replied with an I-know-it-all expression on his face.

Luck is not on my side these days, for sure.

"Now, let's go. We don't have all day." He clasped my wrist once again and continued walking towards the library, with me trailing behind.