UNIVERSITY ARC
As you already know, my name is Manoj. I am now twenty years old. Through sheer determination and talent, I earned a place at Oakridge noble university, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
I still remember the words that I heard the name "Oakridge noble university" for the first time in my life in an advertisement.
Oakridge boasts a wide array of courses in technology, medicine, arts, performing arts, law, fostering an environment of diverse academic excellence.
Each course is represented by specialized campuses, and every month, twenty to thirty organizations visit to recruit the best students. This makes Oakridge a globally renowned institution, offering unparalleled opportunities.
The university also has a scholarship program for talented students with limited financial means. However, this isn't an act of charity. Scholars must sign a bond, committing to repay the financial support once they secure employment, without any additional interest.
On the surface, this seems like a win-win situation. The university gets its investment back, and students get a chance to succeed. But there's a catch: what happens if a candidate doesn't land a job?
To mitigate this risk, the university administers a rigorous exam, and only those who pass with a high score are eligible for the scholarship.
For those who succeed, like me, it initially seems like everything is falling into place. However, the real challenge lies in dealing with classmates. Most students at Oakridge come from affluent backgrounds, and the socio-economic divide often leads to friction.
Many of the wealthier students look down on us, often treating us with disdain. Despite this, some classmates stand by us, offering support and encouragement.
With introductions out of the way, I focus on my current project—a technological innovation aimed at conserving resources. This project is particularly important to me and represents months of hard work.
Finally, the day arrives to present my project to the visiting recruiters. Those who impress the panel will have the opportunity to join a multinational company. My friends rally around me with their well-wishes.
|"Best of luck, Manoj! If you land this job, I can boast about helping you financially and impress more girls. Isn't that awesome? Hehe"|
|"Yah, Ramu. I think you already implemented your idea, didn't you?" |
Did he mean it or was he just kidding?
Ramu was a nice guy. He makes overt advances toward our class girls. It's a pastime. However, I've never understood how these girls can just fall in love with him.
|"Manoj, if you succeed, I'll treat you to some delicious food you've never had before. I swear on my love for food"|
|"So sweet of you, Suresh. I'm looking forward to that treat."|
I'm feeling appreciative. He had a good heart. But, was that what he was offering me? It was barely, I believe, just for five minutes. He can't hold off his hunger for me for very long, of course.
|"Manoj, remember when we first met? It was the best moment in my life. I've spent more time with you guys than with my girlfriend. If you get selected, please don't forget us. Visit us at least once a month. We're like a family now."|
His words moved my heart. Oh, Keshava. You'll miss me, right? I will never forget what you did to me in the past. Without your assistance, I could not have gotten this far.
I reassured them,
|"I won't forget you guys. But now, it's time for the seminar. I have to go."|
I handed my phone to Keshava since electronic devices weren't allowed inside.
But, all of the sudden, the scene completely reversed. It was one of my nightmares. I will never forget it in my life.
I sat on a bench outside, feeling devastated, thinking about the mistake that had occurred.
But suddenly it hit me: this project was really essential to me. There was a danger it may be abused. If they were aware of its potential, it was not good. It might be quite risky for me. No! It cannot happen. I was simply overthinking it.
As I walked toward the gate, I heard someone talking nearby. I went to see who it was.
It was Rahul, my classmate. What was he doing here? Was he also participating? Wait, he was handing money to someone.
Hey, it was one of the officers from the seminar where I had presented my report!
|"Sir, as promised, here's the money as I promised."|
|"Young man, I must say, the report you requested to be changed was the best I've ever seen. His idea is unique. Even our senior official was impressed. If he had presented it, he would have definitely gotten the job. But he doesn't even realize his project was tampered with by you."|
Rahul's eyes were sharp, looking straight into that person's eyes. He was ordering him.
|"Sir, that's none of your business. You got the money you wanted, so just leave now."|
The officer hesitated and immediately left, but I stood there in shock. What? Rahul did this? How could he be so mean and deceitful? I wanted to confront him.
I was seething with anger. Damn it! My phone—I had given it to Keshava. There is no evidence to prove.
I was furious with him.
|"Rahul, I heard what you said to him. How could you do this to me? What did I ever do to you?"|
He tried to play dumb, acting indifferent and he asked, feigning ignorance.
|"Hey, Manoj, how are you? What are you talking about?"|
What? Was he really going to pretend? Did he want to mess with me?
|"Don't play dumb, Rahul. I heard the entire conversation between you and that officer. Now, tell me—why did you do this to me?"
|"So, you know the truth. You heard everything, right? Well, go to hell. There is no evidence for proof. Now, you can't do anything, you poor scumbag. I'm going to get that job soon. Hahaha…"|
What? He was smiling? How dare he!
I lunged at him, ready to fight.
It was already lunch break. My friends had been searching for me and finally found us. But they were already too late. I couldn't hold back. We started brawling.
Rahul kicked me in the stomach. Oh God, he's also a little bit strong.
I shouted,
|"You damn, Elephant. I'm not leaving you."|
I fell to the ground but quickly got back on my feet. Ramu came running toward me and pulled Rahul away. This was my chance. I smashed Rahul's face.
Oh yes, he was bleeding. I couldn't stop myself. I hit him again and again, targeting his nose. His face was completely out of shape. My friends struggled to pull me off him.
Rahul was writhing in pain on the ground, screaming and shouted.
|"Hey, you skinny runt! How did you get so strong all of a sudden? How could you beat me?"|
I could see it in his eyes—he was afraid of me. I knew he wouldn't dare tell anyone about this. He wasn't foolish enough to lose his dignity by admitting he got beaten by me. How could he explain losing a fight to someone like me?
Finally, I stopped. His face was a mess, like a punctured football. My shirt was covered in blood.
My friends took Rahul to a nearby hospital and then brought me back to our room and again left me to treat Rahul.
How could Rahul do this? I struggled to gather my thoughts, staring blankly at the paper in front of me. Was this really the outcome of all my hard work?
I wanted to file a complaint with the company, but they rejected it because I had no evidence. What could I do? Why is money so powerful?
....
*This Evening*
I opened my eyes in a blink of a second. That thing, I will never forget in my life. For how many times I would think about it, there is no use. I can't change the fact.
Why should I live this miserable life? For whom?