The classroom was lively. In one of the cluster, a beauty was resting on chest of a handsome and proud boy. The pose perfectly showcased her twin beauties. However, the rich, suave, handsome lad was not interested in the scene. Been there, done that. It was not worthy of drooling again and again. But her face ...yeah, he could still waste time watching her face, see those fleeting expressions. Sabrina Kosher, if she knew that her days as girlfriend was numbered, would have done anything to increase the interest of Patrick Channing, as known as Prince Charming , one of the playboys of the year. Not knowing that her desperation would feed his ego and make him happy but inspite of it, he would still discard her. Bree was not new to the game of love and breakup but this one was a fine specimen. Not only was he rich and handsome, he was good in sports and studies too. Can't blame the girl for dreaming a bit, right? But even this rosy dream had a prickly thorn in it. Parker Shahji, call me 'Park'. A student latched tightly to Prince, practically acting as a majordomo.
She pushed the thought of that hateful man aside and went to gushing about the new Dream- N series of VR pods. Look at the sleek design. What a curve! Despite behaving like a brainless b***, she was still a student attending Saint Augustine. How can she be empty head?
N series had released a batch of new VR pods, the most cuting edge technology was implemented in them. Billions of credits, merely for a gaming pod. Even her rich background didn't allow her to squander such a huge amount for a plaything. To Patrick though, this cost would be negligent. So she was trying many ways to get one for herself as a gift.
"Mmm, truly beautiful. The syngery rate is highest yet. Playing games in this pod would be really worthwhile," Patrick replied finally. His languid voice didn't change even a bit as he continued, "But giving it to you will be just waste. You don't spend much time in VR games."
Sabrina quickly adjusted from the rollercoaster of reaching her dream but being denied in the end. " Darling, don't say that. I didn't play before because not many games interested me. But I really like the new game. From the time l enjoyed the trailer in VR mode, I had made my mind to play it. If I play it in N series pod, I am sure it will be even more enjoyable. Look, this review. He says that due to higher syngery rate, this game felt even more real and beautiful. We can enter the game together to enjoy it. Isn't this a brilliant idea?"
Whether it was Abu, Massey, James or Park, they all swallowed the mirth spilling from their mouth. This girl didn't even know why syngery rate was important in VR games but she still wanted to enjoy it. The pod would be definitely wasted on her.
The charm quotient was slowly dripping as Sabrina waxed about the pod. Patrick got bored. He turned around and got a splendid idea. Other than changing landscapes called by public as girlfriend, his favourite pastime was ruining dreams and ideologies. As he was in Saint Augustine, he had held back a little. That's why he spent more time gaming. There, with money and power, he was powerful enough to destroy the petty ideologies and hard work of the others wantonly. But his link with Saint Augustine was ending soon. His background and his self smarts were enough to ensure he would give the exams whatever happened. So why not enliven a bit and make this place even more memorable for some poor sap?
" You know," he started, " I am planning on gaming seriously with this new game. So I really don't mind you playing with me. But giving a N series just like that....Tell you what! We'll pretend that this is a game. I give you a task. Based on how well you do, you will be awarded suitably for completing the task."
Sabrina was happy. Finally, a maybe instead of categorical No. She looked at her task giving NPC a cute look, asking for more details.
"This may well be the last class we may attend together. Make it memorable.Get someone punished. Better yet, marked permanently."
Saint Augustine would not accept anything less than the best. If they did any wrong, it meeted out hefty punishments including black mark on the record which could haunt the student through out his life. So, a mark- temporary or permanent - was a huge deterrent to students. It could not be washed away with money, power or connections. And Patrick wanted someone to enjoy this unique charm of the college.
Did Bree even hesitate? No. Did any of the boys around the couple stop them? Heck no. The boys other than Park banded together with Patrick because they were of same mould, they were tyrants. Patrick became leader only because his influence, money, connections - basically his power was far more than others in the group.
The boys got interested in the game. They too actively searched for good candidate as the recipient.
Not that one, he is boring.
Oh, she is a good candidate. It would be fun to see a girl pushing another girl.
Puh, that boy is gross. He is always crying.
Search, search. Over thousand students, nearly eight hundred of them who could be messed up. Over two hundred who were very near their bottom line. Just choose one who is alone, aloof and watch him break down. What more fun could there be?
When they finally zeroed the candidate for the 'prank', Bree's smile went up a notch. She knew a bit about him. That's enough to start a conversation and get it going from there. For her Dream N series VR pod, she would give her all.
She put on her Cashmere , one of the kind jacket (gifted by Patrick), walked and sat next to a student who was immersed in reading.
"Hi, You are Atharva, right?"