UNIVERSITY ARC

How could I face her now? I was unable to understand what had just happened. Still, a small part of me held onto hope—maybe she would understand.

As I approached the classroom, my mind was racing with ideas. I saw her sitting at her desk. She was clearly furious.

She noticed me as I walked in and immediately approached me, slapping me hard across the face.

|"Manoj, can't you at least get a job? You're better than everyone else in this class, yet look at you now—shameless enough to show your face to me. Rahul got the job you wanted. How pathetic."|

When she slapped me in front of everyone, I had no idea what to say.

|"But, listen first. Someone was behind this. Please trust me, Kusuma."|

|"Oh, are you now trying to blame others for your mistakes? You have no shame to say such nonsense, Manoj."|

I tried desperately to explain myself, but the entire class had already started mocking me.

|"This must be fate, Manoj. I was wondering how a poor loser like you could ever compete with us. It's all so ridiculous."|

|"Now you're in your rightful place—a loser forever. Ha-ha."|

|"You really are a poor scumbag. How could someone like you ever think you could be on our level? These lecturers must be out of their minds to support you. I can't wait to see how they react to your first failure."|

.

.

.

.

I couldn't bear their words any longer. My so-called pals, the ones who always had my back, weren't here—they were in the hospital. Without them, everyone felt bold enough to raise their voices against me. If my friends had been here, they would have silenced these brats by ripping their tongues from their lips.

Kusuma became increasingly frustrated as she listened to their taunts.

|"Manoj, don't ever talk to me again or try to contact me. I'm breaking up with you. Go, live your entire life in this poverty. Goodbye, loser."|

My mind has ceased working. I can't hear the noises around me. Kusuma's words echoed in my ears.

What? My heart shattered into pieces. Was this really happening? How can she say that? Is she serious about it?

All my classmates began laughing at me. I couldn't stay there any longer.

The pain of a broken heart consumed me as I returned to my hostel room, overwhelmed by guilt.

After my buddies found out what had happened, they rushed to our room.

They perceived me as a statue, sitting in the dark with no expression. They were a little concerned about seeing me in that scenario.

|"Manoj, you messed up Rahul pretty badly. He suffered significant bruises and required a few stitches on his nose."|

Hearing that bastard's name again disturbed me.

|"Friends, please, just leave me alone. I hope you understand."|

They were angry with Rahul, but also sad for me.

|"It's okay, Manoj. We'll give you some space."|

|"Thank you, guys. Thanks for understanding."|

They left the room without hesitation.

I couldn't take it anymore. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, with no way out. I began to doubt my own worth and talent. Without Kusuma, without success, I felt like nothing.

Her rejection was a constant reminder that I wasn't good enough, that I didn't deserve happiness. As I wandered through the empty streets, lost and alone, I couldn't stop wondering what I had done wrong.

Was it my lack of wealth and status? My inability to provide for her? Or was it simply that I wasn't good enough for her? Maybe she was just as money minded as the others.

These questions swirled in my mind, pulling me deeper into despair. I felt like I was suffocating under the weight of my own failure.

What happened just this morning? It will never leave my mind. It was a stepping stone for me to develop as an individual.

.....

* This Morning: 9:00 a.m.*

Do not hesitate, please. It's possible, Manoj. Consider your project. Indeed! I'm capable of it. Yes, I can do it.

As I waited outside the seminar hall, excitement and nervousness built up. When my name was finally called, I entered the room with great anticipation.

They asked for my name and searched for my research report. When it was projected on the screen, I immediately sensed something was wrong.

|"Sir, that's not my report. Something is wrong. Please check again"|

I felt a little worried.

They checked again, but the result was the same.

|"Mr. Manoj, this is your report. You submitted it with your own hands. You are wasting our time. Please go ahead and explain."|

I feel tense inside. I asked for a recheck..

|"Sir, please excuse me. This is not the report I submitted. Something went wrong. Could you check again, sir?"|

They appear a little irritated..

|"Look, Mr. Manoj, this is your last chance. If you can't start, then please leave. Many candidates are still waiting outside"|

They said impatiently with a slice of negligence. Why should I leave?

I couldn't believe what was happening. This wasn't my report, but how could I leave? It represented months of hard work. I tried to defend myself, but they wouldn't listen.

Security escorted me out.

...…

By interrupting my thoughts with a buzzing sound, a message came. I just ignored it.

What reason did I have to continue this miserable life?

Just then, another message interrupted with a buzzing sound. Who could be messaging me now? Annoyed, I reached for my phone to switch it to silent mode.

But then, a message caught my eye. By seeing the sender, I was shocked.

What? Is it real? Who would be texting me from that location right now?

I opened the message with growing curiosity.

Message:

"Mr. Manoj Vardhan, you are now free. Your family has lifted all the restrictions imposed on you. Starting tomorrow, you will regain your place and fame. Please read the remaining instructions carefully. We request you to kindly follow all the procedures accordingly. Thank you, sir."

Oh my God! Is this real? Has ten years already passed? Yes, it's correct.

I cried, overwhelmed with happiness. I had never felt such joy before.

I want to visit my mother, father and family. I had been missing them for about ten years.