Namesake

Chapter 2

A month had been passed since the result of the 10th board examination was declared. In spite of not studying the whole year, Mayank was able to get decent marks in each subject.

"Why did you take science stream?" Mayank had asked Lakshya that question at least a hundred times. He thought that Lakshya would take humanities like he did.

"Science opens the gate to the world of logic, thereby letting humankind see the importance of reasons behind phenomena," Lakshya said.

"Do you want to be Sadhguru 2.0?"

"Nah! I'm happy being myself."

"I don't understand why Tara left school." Mayank said.

"Don't worry about her - her father is loaded. Wasn't it obvious that she would study in a prestigious and highly-expensive school?" There was anger in Lakshya's tone and the rhetoric question was clearly a sign of anger that Mayank couldn't understand. Mayank hadn't seen Lakshya being mad at someone ever.

Was it Tara? She had left them without saying goodbye. Everyone thought that Tara would be with them in the next session except Lakshya, because there was something that only Lakshya and Tara knew. He knew that Tara would betray them as always.

Watching the principal patrolling at a distance in the corridors, Lakshya and Mayank vanished within a few seconds.

***

Lakshya had completed his schooling, and he was looking forward to taking admission in a good college; whereas, Mayank was preparing himself for some government jobs. He knew that he would not succeed and eventually end up doing property dealing like his father. It had been more than a year since both met each other.

***

Lakshya was getting ready for the fresher's party at college. It was a dream-come-true moment for him. He was excited since he was going to see sari-clad girls in sleeveless and backless blouse. He made certain that he smelt good before leaving his house.

Accelerating his 390 Duke through streets, he reached college. Being determined to talk to girls, he entered college premises and made some phone calls to his new friends. He was acting busy whilst checking out girls through his jet black wayfarers. He started wandering and left no corners of the college. Smiling at every girl, he looked dapper.

After welcoming freshmen, seniors started the programme. Everyone was seated. Lakshya was sitting near a corner of the large auditorium. An emcee announced the first dance performance. The auditorium was filled with voices screaming; Lakshya couldn't hear the announcement properly.

The next moment, he saw Tara on the stage. Gyrating to "Beedi Jaliye Le", she was looking breathtaking. Lakshya couldn't believe his eyes; he rubbed his eyes.