California, USA. One of which is the city 'San Ramon'. I stand on the campus of San Ramon's 'California High School' with a bag on my shoulder. School hours are over. All the students are coming out of the school building in groups. I looked at the students looking for a specific one. A certain one I don't know, never seen. All I know is that he looks different than others. Then someone came into view. Black haired. Walking quietly forward. A book in her hand. I stood up shaking a little.
As she approached I stood in front of her blocking the way. I could tell from her expression that she was frightened by my sudden arrival. She looked at my face.
She asked me in a trembling voice, 'Do you want to say something?'
I smiled. ' Hi, I'm Dominic. Dominic Sherwood. A member of the school football team.' I extended a hand to the girl.
The girl looked at my hand for a while. But did not shake hands. She looked at my face again. Probably trying to understand something. I continued with a smile on my lips.
'I know you, Dominic. you are my senior. Your other friends are Liam, Tom, Adam and Alice. You are one of the popular gang of the school.'
I couldn't help but be impressed by the girl's response. She is new to school but knows the information fairly well.
'Wow! I see you know well even though you are new!'
'And here you make a mistake.'
Hearing the 'mistake' word from the girl's mouth piqued my curiosity. I frowned at herand asked, 'What kind of mistake?'
'Smriti!'
I and the girl standing in front of me heard a call. The girl I've been talking to all this time is looking back. Her name is Smriti.
'So your name is Sirti?' I mispronounced. And it seemed natural to me.
A girl with red hair, a lighter complexion than Smriti came to stand next to us. She said to Smriti,
'Why didn't you wait for me?' The girl looked at me. She pointed at me and asked Smriti, 'Is he your boyfriend?'
Smriti tried to say something. But could not for the girl's words. But she keeps banning the girl. The girl extended a hand towards me and said,
'Hi, I am Tanushree Dastidar. Smriti's cousin sister and new to your school. '
I realized Smriti was talking about what was wrong. But I was glad. The new junior deliberately revealed her identity to me. Smriti is worthy of all thanks. Smriti looks at me with a scared look. I smiled arrogantly and shook hands with the girl named Tanushree and introduced myself.
'Okay, you finish talking. I am moving.' Tanushree said looking at both of us and started walking along the path.
Smriti looked at me fearfully and begged, 'Look, Dominic. I know you must have a motive behind meeting the new junior. But I beg you, don't make my sister part of any of your dirty games.'
' I'll think about it. Thanks for now. You have greatly advanced my work. See you tomorrow.'
I winked at Smriti and continued on my way. On the way I chanted the girl's name 'Tansi'. I mispronounced though. But I'm not worried about that.
---
In the morning I packed my essentials and packed my bag. I stood on one side of the room and looked around. This apartment is my favorite. It sheltered me cheaply when I had no roof over my head. I have feelings for this apartment. I am reluctant to leave this apartment. But I'm helpless. I am human. Cement is not an inert material made of sand like this apartment. I have to fight to survive. So I have to leave this retreat.
Mr. Shekhar has settled the house rent. I returned the keys to the owner of the house and left. He prayed for my bright future.
The morning light is spreading all around when I encounter Mr. Shekhar's huge house. I don't know what the future holds for me. But I am sure that Tanushree is going to take revenge. In return, I'll be able to pursue my studies and not have to worry about tuition fees. I've decided to leave this job after graduating. I'll use them as they use me for their needs. And that is probably the only rule in the world.
Mr. Shekhar is sitting on sofa drinking tea. He is wearing a night suit. I said to him as soon as I entered,
'Good morning, Mr. Shekhar.'
He looked up from the laptop. He looked at me and smiled politely. 'Dominic! Good morning, my child.'
I stood close to him. He saw me standing and said, 'Hey, are you standing? sit down This is your home.'
'For work,' I reminded him.
I understood from Mr. Shekhar's face that he was saddened by my words. He removed the round frame glasses from his eyes and said,
'Dominic, to tell you the truth. Tanushree says I have appointed you to the job. It's true. But I will see you in the eyes of my son. It is unbelievable to you. But you will find proof in my work. So, this is your home. And you will have me as a guardian for all your needs.'
I do not know the truth of Mr. Shekhar's statement. But I liked what he said. A servant came and gave me tea. I drank it with Mr. Shekhar's permission. Then he stood up with me. He looked at my bag and said,
'I believe all the things you need are already kept in your room. Still, if you need anything, you don't have to tell me. You have enough funds in your account. You spend freely.'
'On my account?' I was quite surprised.
'Didn't you notice last night?'
I shook my head not bowing to his words. I did not notice anything else because of the various thoughts that caused this suddenness.
We entered a well-furnished room on the second floor. Mr. Shekhar smiled and said,
"This is your room."
I took a few steps into the room and looked around. This room is twice as big as the apartment I left. Of course, a rich person like him should have such a room in a high-rise building.
'If you cross the two rooms, it's Tanushree's room.'
I was once again surprised by his words. I looked at him. He smiled wickedly.
'Dominic, your past is not unknown to me. Tanu will annoy you in different ways. She can insult you. But I want to tell you something. I would suggest you develop a friendly relationship with her again. '
My heart rate increased. Yes, it happened because of fear. I was expecting something like that. So my torturous day was about to begin. Maybe I deserve it. As Mr. Shekhar left, I sighed and tried to calm myself down. But I could not remove the fear. If only I could start all over again!
TO BE CONTINUE …