It was two months before the seventh semester exams. I was attending the class of 'Environmental Laws'. However I was sitting at the front bench and the topic too was interesting but after the long struggle when I had the least time to sleep, it was quite difficult for me to pay heed to the board. The professor Mr. Lalit Chandra called me to stand and said, "Are you dozing off in the class Agastya?"
Me: Sorry sir.
Prof. Lalit Chandra: You perceive it boring lectures, don't you? So tell me about Coastal Regulation Zone notification 2018.
I was yet in a sleepy mode. But, I answered him anyhow that:
"the notification was to conserve and protect the unique environment of coastal stretches and marine areas, besides livelihood security to the fisher communities and other local communities in the coastal area. It was notified on the recommendation of the Shailesh Nayak Committee. CRZs have been classified into four zones for regulation"
I- Ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, salt marshes, turtle nesting ground and the inner tidal zone.
II- Areas close to the shoreline
III- Coastal areas that are not substantially built up, including rural coastal areas.
IV- Water area from Low Tide Line (LTL) to the limit of territorial waters of India"
Some of the backbenchers clapped for me. Jagriti too seemed elated by my answer.
Professor was confused whether I was acting or actually sleepy.
Prof. Lalit Chandra: (nearing to me) Are you acting sleepy? I have just mentioned about the topic and you have learnt it so quick despite being so sleepy in the class. How is that possible? Wake up!"
Me: I am sorry sir. I have read about the CRZs in the books and thus I know. I am not able to focus now. I have not slept properly for a week. My body needs rest. (My intermittent voice and loosely standing posture suggested him I was sleepy.)
Prof. Lalit Chandra: Take leave today and have proper sleep. Anyone please, take him to his apartment. (The professor called upon the class who would take me to my living space. Bhanu stood up and came out of her bench.)
Bhanu: We live together. Shall I take him, sir?
Prof. Lalit Chandra: Amazing! You both live-in together and still he doesn't get proper sleep. What does he do all night?
(The professor questioned on the relationship between me and Bhanu. Some of the students laughed hearing him.)
Mukul: Sir, you have no idea what this guy does for all of us. Please, don't make such filthy comments. It doesn't suit you!
Prof. Lalit Chandra: (furious) So you will teach me what suits me and what not? Keep quiet there and pay heed to the board, minister-lad."
Bhanu: If I tell you what he does all night, the next period will get occupied sir. Let us go now.
Me: I am sorry Bhanu. I should have heard you and not attended the college today. You have been insulted because of me. Forgive me dear.
Bhanu: It's okay Agastya. Don't say sorry. I feel bad when you say so.
Bhanu and I rode in a rickshaw to our room which was about half-an-hour far. It was around two o'clock when we reached back to our room. My phone buzzed of dad's call but Bhanu rejected the call. She put my phone on silence and we slept. It was around midnight when I woke up at once. Bhanu was asleep. I checked my phone where Dad and brother Bhargav had left messages for me. They informed me about brother Rudra's engagement. I checked the details of Rudra's fiance as per the astrological calculations on their compatibility. It was not so good however, the work life and love life seemed to be at balance. Overall it was a likeable match.
Bhanu woke up and saw me typing messages on phone.
Bhanu: (snatching my phone) You don't need to message or call the one who have nothing to do with you. I am ware of the fact that you eldest brother is engaged and thus, your family now wants you to attend it. They have a fear of being criticized over your outcast. Let them be.
Me: What nonsense are you talking Bhanu? How can you say so? They are my family. They didn't outcast me but I left for their security. I am living away from them just to make the preparations under which they will follow me in the future. Don't you remember the definition of family I gave to you? I have prepared for my involvement. Let me do my job!
Bhanu: (dissatisfied of my generosity) Everyone grabs the opportunity to exploit your goodness.
Me: It's not everyone. It's me myself. In my view, the definition of 'I' encompasses all of you. Cool down yourself Bhanu. Any update from college?
Bhanu: Yeah! A presentation programme has been scheduled the next week. Groups of five will be made and they will prepare on various topics being studied in the academia. Each one will have its captain and s/he shall be the foremost presenter of the whole research while everyone shall have to speak of particular parts of the research. There may be arguments from the audience and the captain in consultation with his/her team shall answer. It's an exam that will determine the weightage of our written answers in the semester exams. It's a new initiative taken by the college.
Me: NICE! But what about the one who are learning from distance?
Bhanu: They will attend the oral tests taken by the professors and maybe the principal himself.
I sent the messages to dad that I had prepared for the amount that would be required in his wedding. "With your permission, I wish to bring it to home. Please state the amount that would be required in the wedding."
Me: Okay, lets' sleep now. We will discuss further in the college.
The next day, the Utkarsha informed me about the programme. There were about 18 groups in the class among which some had chosen their captains while some had not. The teams whose captains have the best presentation skill were to be awarded an honorary certificate in Presentation skills from the college. The Utkarsha members except Bhanu were chosen as the captains of their teams. Bhanu and Bismita, who were together in a group, argued to be the captain of their group. When the list of the teams was submitted to the program conductor Professor Prakhar, the team of Bhanu reached to him to have him settle the argument. Bismita Pathak, 25, was an experienced and highly talented girl in the class. She was amongst the most senior students for she had achieved two more academic certificates from the college. Professor Prakhar persuaded Bhanu to stay back and Bismita was titled the captain of her group. Bhanu, dissatisfied with the Professor, approached to the Utkarsha. Mukul asked her to be calm and accept Bismita's superiority over her. Taking note of the research items, it said:
1) Research Questions
2) Background of the subject
3) Analysis of the subject with detailed tables and statistics
4) Limitations and Objectives
5) Summary and the conclusion
I asked the Utkarsha to bring the complete list of research topics provided to the temas in our class. During the interval, Jaidev brought it to me. It read:
I- Analysis of Bonded Labour System in Bharata
II- History and Development of Trade Union in Bharata
III- Industrialisation in Bharata and Industrial Disputes Act of 1947
IV- Employee culture and its contradiction with Start-up Bharata
V- Codes of Criminal Procedure and its Implementation in modern Bharata
VI- Ordinance to repeal the Bharatiya Standards Act, 1985
VII- Changes in International Foreign Policies and it's impact on Bharata
VIII- Corporate Laws and the skyrocketing growth of Corporate sector in Bharata
IX- Collegium System: Evolution and Criticisms
X- Invigilators of Human Rights Act in Bharata
XI- NHRC and UNDHR: Similarities and Contrasts
XII- Formulation and Implementation of Mines Act and Regulations
XIII- Involvement of Intelligence Agencies into the legal structure of Bharata
XIV- Environmental law and its enactment
XV- Bar Association of Bharata vs. the Judiciary
XVI- Democratic structure of Bharata and its legal complications
XVII- Influence of Bharatiya Public Limited Companies in the world
XVIII- Civic knowledge of Constitution of Bharata
I was given the VI topic, Jagriti IV, Mukul XII, Jaidev XVI, Achyut XIV and Bhanu XVII. Everyone got busy in preparing the research items as they were assigned to do. It was a new initiative taken by the college in all of its faculties through which the students can have an attitudinal and presentational growth in their cognitive evolution process. However, the vivas and internship programmes were conducted at the end of the semesters but for round-the-clock involvement of the students into their field of studies, this programme held vital importance.
Bhanu came to me with the same complaint she had it earlier. I asked her to prepare the research as a captain and keep good touch with Bismita. I began to work on the history of Bharatiya Standards Act, 1985 and the then economic situation of Bharata. I studied the need of the act at that time and its further improvements drawn in the upcoming financial years. The significance, objectives, challenges, criticisms, amendments, enactment and growth in revenue were taken into consideration. The newsletters that dictated the opinions of the parliamentarians on the said Act and the views of economists all round the nation provided me an acute analysis on the ordinance that required repealment of the said Act. As the Government prepared to launch GST regime in Bharata, it was needed to bring the other acts drawn by Consumer Affairs Ministry in conformity to the revolutionizing finance and business sector in the nation. Bhanu had too worked on the rules and regulations that govern the public limited companies in Bharata and how the government through their media expanded its global relations with the motive of expanding and stabilising the economic potential of Bharata in the world. Her captain had asked her to prepare on background of the subject.
Over the days before the programme, the Utkarsha didn't get much time to hold meetings and have discussions on the subject matters. It was the time when everyone wished to prove their leadership qualities and invested his/her time in doing so. I and Bhanu were having our dinner when she groused on Bismita's attitude towards her team members. She said that Bismita was too straight forward and stubborn of her opinions. I could recall similar stances arising in the classroom. Had I got enough time to explain about a leader to the Utkarsha, they wouldn't have misunderstood a boss as a leader. But, to be a leader, one must experience the feelings of followers as well as the behaviour of his/her leader and then only, the Utkarsha is born.
Me: Bhanu, it's for sure that the presenters will take their research files on the stage. But, you have to by heart the whole of your research on the said topic.
Bhnau: (bamboozled) What? I can't do that.
Me: If you can't do it, you can't be the captain. That's just.
Bhanu: Oh no! But I believed you would help me somehow.
(Bhanu, in the thought of being favoured by me, couldn't understand the value of leadership.)
Me: No, Bhanu. I am just showing you the way that has justice for the character you wish to play. Take this research file and ask me anything as you wish.
Bhanu asked me about the statistical data on the Standards and the points drawn in the objectives and limitations of the research in an unsequenced manner. To her surprise, I answered all her tricks.
Bhanu: (curious) Is this your complete research file?
Me: No. This is the overview of my research that I have drawn alone. My team members are still doing their job. Whenever they are in any confusion on any point, I help them to have proper understanding of the subject. At the same time, I do never provide them complete statements that they can copy. I want them to analyse the facts, opinions and views of different persons and then, they shall note it down in detail or in concise however appropriate. So, if you wish to lead the team, you must have regular updates on the works of your team members through them or any other media and you must be ready to help them in need. Tomorrow, you must go to Bismita's home and have a proper analysis and discussion on her documentation of the research.
(break)
Is she a native of Jaigarh?
Bhanu: YEAH! I am surprised to know that you are still unaware of the talents around us. Now, don't ask me how did I know about her? And it's your job to be a guest at Bismita's home tomorrow.
I prepared my daily chart and before going to bed, I checked my phone once if Dad had left any message for me. He had left a message in the day. It read, "What amount have you prepared?"
I pondered on how to explain him the truth. So, I texted him, "I have won an award equal to one crore rupees. How much will be required in the wedding Dad?"
Dad: (instantly replied) Really? How did you earn such a big amount?
Me: Dad, Rivaaze Vastra Udhyog Pvt. Ltd. awarded me the amount for my contribution. Actually, I have a Toyota Fortuner 4×4AT car and remaining amount in my account.
I couldn't understand what was going on his mind but he asked me to return home and he shall have further discussions on the topic. I called Bhanu while she was studying her research at her table to inform her that dad had called me back to home. She was happy for me. I called Dakshit instantly. The conversation went on.
Dakshit: Hey Agastya! How do you do?
Me: I am fine Dakshit. Sorry for disturbing you this time.
Dakshit: Oh c'mon Agastya! Anytime for you. Are you in any problem?
Me: No, not a problem. But, a good news.
Dakshit: Really! I will have a sound sleep then!
Me: Dad has asked me to return home.
Dakshit: Wow! That's great news.
Me: Actually, my brother Rudra is engaged. And I have informed Dad that I have accumulated a considerable wealth. So, the problem is that I have cash with me. Dad won't accept it anyway. I want you to transfer an amount of fifty lakhs in my account.
Dakshit: That's fine Agastya. It will be done if you provide me three percent extra charge.
Me: 3%. Can't you settle at two?
Dakshit: Haha. C'mon Agastya. Generally, I don't let anyone bargain with me. But, it's ok if you provide 2%.
Me: Thank you Dakshit.
Dakshit: You are welcome Agastya. Good night.
''The next morning when I will reach home, Soumya will get surprised.'' I said to myself and slept. When Bhanu came to sleep, she kissed my cheek and had her head on my shoulder.
I was ready by six in the morning. I texted Dakshit regarding the transfer. He sent a voice message that said he remembered.
Bhanu wished me a safe journey. Covering a distance of about two hundred sixty kilometres in a car was quite tough but it was much less than the overwhelming joy that I would receive on reaching home. It was about to ten when I stopped at the gate of Vinita's home. She left the washing machine open when I swiftly approached at her gate just to see who had arrived in such a beautiful luxury car. When I got off, Vinita had no sense in her excitement. She blinked her eyes to test if it was a dream.
''Pranam jiji!'' I bowed down to her and assured of the reality. I asked her not make noise. I entered while Divya met me at the entrance. I urged her to keep silence and involve Soumya into some work. She casually entered the room and asked her a mathematical question on her phone. I approached from behind and upon looking the question, I answered it in seconds. Soumya was amazed to hear a peculiar voice and as she turned up, I cried ''SURPRISE! HAHAHA! ''
''Mamuuu!'' she cried and hugged me at once. She had tears rolling down her eyes. I could understand the weightage of her tacit words about how badly she missed me those days. I wiped her face, kissed on her forehead and hugged once again. Vinita was overwhelmed on seeing the scene. Parineeti and Pramod too came inside. I hugged all of them.
''Soumya, your mama has further more surprises for you. Come out and see.'' Vinita called everyone to have a look on the car.
Soumya: (exclamation) Wow! Toyota 4×4 AT Fortuner, Crystal Black car with so many amazing features. It's awesome mamu. Is it yours?
Me: It's ours my dear.
I urged Vinita to take leave for some time and come on a ride to my home. She asked permission from her mother-in-law and got on the car. Soumya sat adjacent to me. As I stopped at the gate of my home, Mom Mohini came downstairs to see who had come in the car. She was amazed to see Vinita amd her children in the car. Before she asked any question, they left the way for me to surprise mom. Mom joyfully laughed out. I bowed down to her. Dad and brothers too came down stairs to welcome me home. They were all amazed to see me in the car.
Dad: (making a remark on my driving) It's only four hours you left Jaigarh and you are here?
I kept silence.
We climbed upstairs and gathered in the room where grandma was combing her hair. I bowed to her and she was stunned on seeing me grow. Had I left home to earn wealth while continuing my studies, Grandma was terrified of my wellness.
A notification buzzed into my phone that displayed an account transfer of fifty lakhs in my account in Laxmi Development Bank. I replied thanks to Dakshit. Vinita jiji and Mom and the little children moved to kitchen to prepare my favourite 'gajar ka halwa' and 'dal vada'. Brother Bhargav announced us some exciting offers on 'fashion and clothing' to purchase required attires for brother Rudra's wedding ceremony.
Dad: (sarcasm) You may buy anything you like Bhargav. Your brother Agastya has earned enough wealth for all of us.
Brother Rudra: (giggles) After leaving P.G., where did you take shelter Agastya?
Soumya: Wao! You have no idea where and in what condition your younger brother lived after leaving home. Commendable mama! (Soumya too made sarcasm over my brothers and dad.)
For your information, let me tell you. He lived with his girlfriend Bhanumati.
Dad: (furious) Who this Bhanumati is? Will you answer it too Soumya?
Vinita entered to call all of us to have the special dishes but when she heard of live-in relationship, she paused to give other details to dad.
Vinita jiji: Actually, it wasn't Agastya who chose to live with Bhanu but the next morning, when she found him sleeping on the balcony of Shri Hari temple, she urged him to let her serve the utmost of love towards him. So, if you can recreate the scenario on your psyche, Agastya did the right of what one should have done. And if you are sceptic of the girl, let me inform you that she is a beautiful girl with a pure soul. I have known her for years living here in this town. Her dad works in Ahmedabad while her uncle and grandparents are here in the town. You may ask anyone about the family or she herself.
Dad: Okay. I believe what you said is truth. But the matter of concern is live-in relationship. I cannot allow this. Agastya, you are always ahead of us. Can't you sometimes just follow our traditions? What's so wrong here that you want to catapult the whole system of livelihood we have been living for years?
Me: I am ahead of everyone in the world, dear Dad. The world faces me and I face it. I am neither a leader nor a follower. I am neither an aficionado nor a carper. I am as clear as crystal on my vision to be all-admirer of the all-pervading in this cosmos. It's on you people that you may accept me now or sometimes later in your life. You have no option to live a life keeping me aside. Dad, if you live with the contradictions of our culture just like most of the people do, I am sorry to say that you gonna have a tough life. But, if you live the generosity of our values, you will understand what I did and am doing is either good or great.
Dad: (questioning my character) Tell me why did Dakshit award you such a big amount? You must have played a political ploy. Ain't I right?
Me: Obviously, I did plan a scheme to let Rivaaze Vastra prosper multiple of times. I know that you loved the first season of 'Paridhaan: Ek Katha, Ek Pratha' and you were passionately waiting for the second season. Tell me, why did the second season have around 15 days gap in between and it re-aired only after the Republic Day of Bharata.
Dad: (thought for awhile) There may have been any problem.
Brother Hemanta: What's your contribution there?
Me: So, if want to know about my contributions, ask the people then. I have nothing to answer. But the truth is I have rightfully earned the award. I never cheated anyone. Dad! If there is anything that I can do for you right now, please order me the rightful! Or I have a long way to go still during which I shall need all that I have earned until now and whatever onwards. And I am sure that you will achieve nothing out of this scepticism and sarcasm. That Agastya, who used to be infuriated by your comments, has now learnt the subtle art of listening and speaking.
Dad: (commended the transcendence in my attitude) The difference in you is notable! (break) So, what does your bank account say?
Me: It says it is well off to build the castles you dreamt of. It's half of the octa cardinal number.
We had had the dishes prepared with love by mom and sister Vinita. She prepared to leave while Soumya urged to stay some time longer. I was in the hall texting messages to Bhanu on the updates of college.
Soumya: (came to me) Mamu! Now, I know that grandpa has called you for money. How mean is that? I supposed the family has realised your worth and called you back.
The autonomic network system of heart drew a simpering on my face.
Soumya: (perplexed) Why are you smiling?
Me: Because your suppositions are amazing Disha. Dad had sent me to earn wealth so, he will definitely ask, no?
Disha: C'mon mama! It's been only a month. Please, don't make a fool of me.
Me: Disha! A wealthy is always favoured and an impoverished is supposed to be cursed. There's nothing grisly about it. Wealth is a good trait of social being. We generally suppose that there is love in between the family members but the actual fact is that almost every individual in his/her life wishes to be happy. Maybe the greatest of personalities today and yesterday have suggested one to find happiness within but happiness is earned. Just as the metaphors drawn by the poets like silvery like moon, we have synonymously understood love and happiness but they have no comparisons in their true sense. There are only a few countable people who choose love over happiness in their life and let's thanks to our mother earth for it has born such pupils.
Soumya: (smiling) And I know one of them!
Her smile is the most precious reason of my life adorned with a vision. It's an irony that the world affairs have a deep impact on her psyche and I can't behold the smile for long. She looked out of the hall where dad and brothers were having conversation and her bounty of happiness was chewed up.
Soumya: Mamu! Don't you want to enjoy life like everyone does? Like we often sleep late and wake up late, we enjoy music and movies, have travelling fun, tasting new dishes everywhere and much more living a carefree world.
Me: Hahaha! You are so cute Soumya. All that you said now do not envisage my vision. See, until we pass matriculation, we all travel on a one-way. During the journey, brother Rudra watched there are mysteries to uncover in this physical world. Brother Bhargav watched that the economic principles are amazing that can aid one to earn a decent living. Brother Hemanta watched that fantasies recreate the world with various modifications in the old one. You watched that being worried of others leads oneself to depression while no one cares. Thus, living a carefree life is awesome. I watched that all the beings on this earth mutually lived together and above and beyond all the norms and rules created to sustain life, there is love acting as the strongest force that buttresses and retains life on earth. We become what we experience and we experience that we are latently attached to. The people who understand the logic behind words and actions happening all around fall into love with the ONE.
Disha: Nice observation mamu! But I actually didn't understand.
Me: I am there with you Soumya. If you believe me, you can have me do the jobs that you couldn't solve. We are complete together.
Soumya had a call. Vinita asked her to come home. ''Will you leave today mama?''
Me: Yes, after lunch.
Soumya: I am too moving to the capital for pursuing CA. I don't know when shall we meet again.
(Her expression suggested her obsession to live away from home. And she prepared to leave.)
Me: Wait Disha! I will drop you home.
(When she dropped off at her home, I called her back to draw a note on her feelings.) Disha, someday if you wish to go on a long ride for maybe no particular reason, call me at once.
Had she climbed up to the gate, she ran downstairs and hugged me in the car. ''Love you mama!''
I came back home. Dad asked me to transfer half of my balance into brother Bhargav's account.
Dad: We care for you too Agastya but the matter of fact is you alone aren't the priority for anyone of us!''
Mom arranged and served the dishes on my plate.
Mom: Come, son! Have your lunch!
After half-an-hour, I prepared to leave. Mom urged me to stay for the day. Even grandparents didn't wish me to return the same day.
Dad: Stay here tonight. May you go back tomorrow in the morning.
Me: Life is in motion Dad. If you choose to rest in between, you are missing the timing of your goal. I have to go. Pardon me.