The 3G Life

July 5 Thursday 2018

The class starts from 10:00 am. At least it is supposed to start at 10:00 am but Mohammed sir is always late. I am doing what I usually do when I have nothing else to do. I am reading a book in PDF format on my phone, and to tell you the secret, it is "Fifty Shades of Grey."

I hear Aadil's voice at the door but do not once look behind. I mean I do not want to show him that I take notice of him either. He pushes open the door and says "Hey bro." Why does he call me bro? Do I look like the "bro" type?

"Hey. So you finished your homework today?" I ask.

"I did half of it," Aadil replies.

"What about the other half?"

"I was thinking of copying it from you."

"What are you going to give me in return?"

He walks out of the door and comes back after a while bringing two cups of coffee. I smile to myself and hand him my copy. He copies those math at great speed and before 15 minutes he is done. He hands back my copy and winks at me.

I wonder why he never takes off his cap. But I never ask him because that will show that I am interested in him. To be honest, I actually am, but I never want to make it obvious. So I take one glance at him and go back to my PDF. Anastasia is so like me.

After an eternity passes which is only just seven minutes or so, Aadil asks,

"What are you reading? Islamic history?"

I reply in a playful voice, "History but not Islamic."

"Mughal history, or American, I hate both."

"No, not history of nations."

"Then? History of Rabindranath or Nazrul?"

"Keep guessing. I will tell you when you get it right."

"Will you actually admit if I get it right?"

I suddenly look into his eyes because there is a certain surety in his voice. As if he can tell that I have been reading this for a long while now. I suppress my surprise but I know, I am caught.

"Do you actually want me to say it?"-he asks in an intense voice.

I decide to play till the last. "I am waiting."

"Okay. Fifty Shades of Grey?"

My heart skips a beat and I look down embarrassed. Then I look up at him and say,

"How did you know? It was not an easy guess."

"The way you were blushing said it all."

"It could have been anything else."

"Girls don't blush reading classics."

"I am not like every other girl."

"No, but still you are a girl by birth."

I stop at this because deep down I know it is the truth. Hadi comes stumbling inside as usual. He gives his usual sweet smile and sits down. It has been a few days since I met them but somehow we are getting along really well, never imagined it will be like this.

Mohammed sir comes shortly after. He wants all of our home works and to my surprise Hadi did not finish his. He is the most regular and brilliant among us but somehow he fails to submit his home works. I take a look at him and know something is wrong.

He is not being his usual self but seems a lot tensed. I do not have the heart to ask him but I want to make things right. So I wait and wait, in case he tells me what is wrong. But he remains silent for the rest of the class.

We solve all our problems and give it to sir. He checks it and Aadil manages to get most of his answers right. This might have been the first time, this miracle occurs. But I am happy for him, knowing that he is improving.

Mohammed sir decides to take a break so we are left to ourselves for a while. We have known each other for some days so we always talk to break the awkward silence that arise between us. I ask Hadi if he is feeling alright.

"My house is full of guest. Could not get much sleep," he says in a tired voice.

"What is the great occasion?" I ask.

"It is just a yearly get-together. A total nightmare."

"You could move to my house bro," proposes Aadil in an enthusiastic voice.

"I don't think so, I am needed there."

"But it is affecting your study." I reply in a sincere voice.

"I know, but there is no way."

I just nod my head because I know what Hadi is going through right now. One thing becomes totally clear about him and that is, Hadi may be anything but selfish. He is a good-natured guy and a family man at heart.

"You know what Amber is reading?" says Aadil smirking.

"I am not reading anything."

"What are you reading? Poetry?" asks Hadi.

"Um, no, I don't know what Aadil is talking about."

"Fifty....." Aadil stops and I look at him. If looks can kill, he will be decapitated.

Mohammed sir enters and Aadil has to stop. I thank sir in my mind so many time for such a good timing. Hadi is a well-cultured boy. He will think me to be characterless if he hears about what I am reading. I am willing to put up a good impression on him.

After class ends we come downstairs together. The 3G building is huge and has a big ground floor. Cars are parked at the sides but there is enough space to play badminton. The whole building is built in red-brown and has a modern architecture to it.

I say goodbye to both of them, cross the streetand start walking towards home. What shall I call them? Friends? Acquaintances?Or just classmates?