UNIVERSITY ARC
As I was enjoying the party, a voice suddenly pierced through the music and laughter, loudly calling my name. I turned to see Geetha, our class leader, approaching with a sly smile that only fueled my irritation. My happy expression vanished instantly, and memories of how she bullied me in college flooded my mind. She used to mock my old clothes and worn-out shoes. I had a gut feeling she was here to humiliate me again.
Trying to hide my unease, I replied politely.
|"Yes, Geetha, how can I help you?"|
Geetha smirked, her eyes gleaming with malice.
|"Oh, look who we have here! Girls, it's Manoj. Where's Kusuma, Manoj? Didn't she come with you? I invited almost everyone from our class, but I haven't seen her even once at this party."|
One of the girls snickered at Geetha's words.
|"What a silly question, Geetha. Don't you know? Kusuma dumped him right in front of all of us."|
Geetha's eyes sparkled with fake innocence.
|"Oh, is that true, Manoj? Did she really dump you?"|
Ramu noticed the exchange and gathered the others. I was hesitant, the thought of Kusuma resurfacing again.
|"Yes, Geetha, she did. Now, what do you want?"|
|"Oh, but your face doesn't look like that of a loser. I thought you were the only genuine guy she had. And here you are, shamelessly showing your face with a smile."|
The other girls began mocking me, piling on.
|"How shameless! If he was truly loyal, he wouldn't be happy after losing her. Was his love fake?"|
|"Yes, of course. You can tell just by looking at his eyes."|
.
.
.
My friends wanted to stand up to them, but I stopped them. There were too many important people at the party, and I didn't want to cause a scene. Swallowing my anger, I questioned her again.
|"Geetha, what do you want? Just get to the point."|
|"Don't act all high and mighty, Manoj. I do have a problem, and only you can help."|
All of us were surprised.
|"A problem? And only I can help? What is it, Geetha?"|
Geetha smirked again, her eyes brimming with malice.
|"Clean the table, Manoj. I'll even tip you, as much as you want. The waiters are busy, and you're the perfect man for the job."|
Was she serious? She didn't even have the shame to ask this in front of everyone.
Her words were dripping with disrespect, implying I was only good for menial tasks. My friends couldn't hold back any longer. Keshava stepped in, his voice firm as the others joined him.
|"Geetha, just because you're rich and the class leader doesn't mean you can boss Manoj around. He may not have money, but he's hardworking and genuine. You have no right to treat him this way."|
Geetha's anger flared as she doubled down.
|"You're all just middle-class nobodies, too cheap to understand me. Get lost! It's my birthday party, and I won't be disrespected."|
Keshava continued to defend me, but I stayed calm, keeping my eyes locked on Geetha's sneering face. I tried to calm him down.
|"Keshava, let it go. It's just a small thing. Don't blow it out of proportion. I'll clean the table."|
|"Manoj, don't. You're here because we asked you to come. You don't need to do this."|
I forced a smile, masking my discomfort.
|"It's fine, Keshava. This is nothing new. You know I used to work in a restaurant. It's the same job I did there."|
I offered to clean the table, despite my friends' protests. Keshava could only watch helplessly, knowing he was the wealthiest among us. Geetha kept mocking me, calling me a worthless scumbag.
|"Yes, Manoj, now you're where you belong. That's the difference between you and me, you poor scumbag. Oh, by the way, I was the one who suggested Kusuma break up with you. How could she stay with a slumdog like you?"|
Her words cut deep, but I was used to it by now. My friends were furious, but I stayed composed.
As they argued, Geetha's parents noticed the commotion. I expected them to blame me, but instead, her mother apologized and scolded Geetha.
|"Geetha, apologize to him right now."|
Geetha was stunned, unable to accept her mother's order. All eyes were on her.
Feeling trapped, Geetha reluctantly apologized, clearly angry. I didn't want to cause trouble for her parents, so I accepted her apology. I had assumed they were like her, but I was wrong—they were kind. Still, I knew Geetha wouldn't forget this, and she wouldn't leave me alone. If things escalated, I could teach her a lesson in respect, but for now, I decided to let it go.
As the party ended and we returned to our room, I couldn't help but think about how to balance my two different worlds.
Keshava suddenly burst out, angry with me.
|"Manoj, you're always so kind to her. I don't like how you deal with her."|
|"It's fine, Keshava. You know how she is. Don't take it too seriously."|
He angrily flopped onto his bed, muttering to himself.
|"I've said my piece. Do what you want. Goodnight."|
He was mad at me, but I knew I'd teach Geetha a lesson one day. It just wasn't the time yet. Oh, and I nearly forgot—my mother's sudden visit today disrupted my plans. I was supposed to claim my golden card, which my father created for me when I was nine.
If I can successfully claim that card, I'll have access to funds. That golden card could change everything.