UNIVERSITY ARC
After our conversation, Suresh complained about his hunger. We decided to head to the college canteen, where Suresh impatiently awaited his meal. He declared with a sense of urgency.
|"I need at least four plates this time. I'm starving."|
Keshava, trying to lighten the mood, teased him.
|"Come on, if you eat that much, what will I have? You're always so hungry. And I'm the one who ends up footing the bill. Please don't waste my money."|
Suresh's exaggerated hunger was a bit much to handle, but Keshava's good-natured comments showed his generosity. He never showed favouritism and treated everyone equally, regardless of their financial status.
I was eager to learn more about Keerthi, Keshava's girlfriend. I was intrigued by the prospect of meeting her and learning about the kind of person she was. Keshava had mentioned that she would come with her friends the following day.
That evening, as my friends and I searched Keshava and returned to our room, we were surprised to find Keshava and Keerthi standing across from each other, gazing deeply into each other's eyes.
"Oh no, I'm still a virgin. How am I supposed to handle their romance?" I thought, feeling somewhat out of place. Just then, they noticed us.
|"Hey, why are you standing there? Come inside. Keerthi, these are my friends. Friends, this is Keerthi, my girlfriend."|
Keshava introduced us.
Keerthi greeted us with a warm smile.
|"Hello, I'm Keerthi. It's nice to meet all of you."|
Keshava trying to explain the situation.
|"Don't get the wrong idea. Nothing's going on here."|
Ramu, always quick to grasp the situation, responded with a grin.
|"Relax, Keshava. We understand. We're not misinterpreting anything. You two go ahead and enjoy yourselves. We've got some errands to run. See you later!"|
We headed outside and made our way to the canteen. Suresh, oblivious to the underlying tension, was puzzled.
|"Ramu, I didn't quite catch what you meant. Why did we leave? I didn't even get a chance to introduce myself to her."|
|"Oh, Suresh, you're hopeless. When you're so fixated on food, you miss everything else. Keshava just needed some privacy. They haven't seen each other in a long time. I figured it was best to give them some space."|
|"Oh! I see. Ramu, you're so perceptive.|
|"Huh? You're the clueless one. When all your attention is on your meal, you can't think about anything else. Right, Manoj?"|
Suresh shot aback.
|"No way! You don't understand the value of food. You're the clueless one."|
We spent a few minutes bickering and laughing, enjoying the camaraderie.
Meanwhile, in our room, Keshava and Keerthi were having a private conversation.
|"Keshava, you were a sports captain in school and you're wealthy too. But why are you sharing your room with these 'less fortunate' people? They don't seem like a good match for you."|
|"Why are you saying that? They're my friends, Keerthi. Why do you think that way? All the other rooms were booked, and this was the only one left."|
|"No, Keshava, don't misunderstand. I don't have any issue with your friends. My concern is with my own friends."|
|"What's the problem, Keerthi? Is something wrong?"|
|"Yes, Keshava. I didn't want to invite my friends, but they insisted on coming to see you. They're eager to meet you, and since they're single, they might try to set up one of your friends as a potential boyfriend."|
|"It's okay, Keerthi. They seem genuine and decent. Maybe one of your friends will like someone from our group."|
|"No, Keshava. The real issue is that they know about your background. They expect your roommates to be just as wealthy and sophisticated as you are."|
|"It's fine, Keerthi. It's just a lunch. Don't worry too much. It's getting late; I'll drop you off at your hotel."|
At that moment, Keerthi received a call from her friend.
|"Hey, Keerthi. How's your boyfriend and his friends? They are awesome like him, right?"|
|"Don't ask, Manasa. If you're so curious, you'll meet him at lunch tomorrow. Until then, please don't ask me anything."|
|"Alright, Keerthi. It's just curiosity. See you then."|
After the call, Keshava then took Keerthi to her hotel.
The next morning, we all woke up with anticipation. Keshava already started his arguments with us.
|"Oh no! Why aren't you ready yet? Keerthi is already here to visit us!"|
Ramu, more anxious than I was, quickly said.
|"Already? Give me five minutes, Keshava. We'll freshen up and join you."|
|"Please hurry. Keerthi and I will wait downstairs."|
After a few minutes, we were ready. My friends and I went downstairs to meet Keshava and Keerthi.
Keerthi looked stunning in a traditional dress, and it was clear why Keshava was so taken with her. However, she seemed a bit uneasy when she looked at me. I greeted her with a small smile.
|"Is there a problem, Keerthi?"|
With a hint of embarrassment, she responded.
|"Your name is Manoj, right?"|
|"Yes, Keerthi. Why do you ask?"|
|"Manoj, your friends look fine, but… could you perhaps wear something more presentable? Please don't take it the wrong way."|
I understood her concern but had my reasons for wearing this particular outfit. I intended to present myself to her friends in this way. My instincts told me something might go awry at her treat. I couldn't shake off the feeling.
|"No, Keerthi, I'm sorry. This is the only dress I have right now. Please forgive me."|
Keshava stepped in to smooth things over. |"Come on, Keerthi. We're just going for lunch. It's not a big deal. Manoj, don't take it personally. Keerthi's friends are also joining us."|
That explained my uneasy feeling. It seemed something might not go as planned.
Keerthi, sensing my discomfort.
"|Sorry, Manoj. Don't misunderstand. Let's head out."|
She called a cab, and after a twenty-minute drive, we arrived at a luxurious hotel. The grandeur of the place surprised everyone, except ma and Keshava, who was accustomed to such opulence.
As we stepped out of the cab, Keerthi tried to manage the situation.
| "You all come in after Keshava and I go inside the restaurant."|
We agreed and waited until they entered. When we followed, her friends were already there, dressed in elegant attire. One girl, in particular, stood out with her golden hair, looking as if she were the wealthiest among them.
While I was tempted to excuse myself to the washroom. I needed to be cautious. If anything went awry, I planned to leave without a trace.
|"Hey friends! I need to use the washroom."|
They nodded in agreement, and I went to make a call to Raksha.
|"Raksha, is everything alright?"|
|"Yes, brother. There's no immediate threat. I've contacted a person to review all nearby CCTV footage, and everything appears clear."|
|"So, everything is fine? Is there anyone who might know about me here?"|
|"No, brother. Everything's under control. If you encounter any issues, call me immediately."|
I ended the call but still felt uneasy. Perhaps I was overthinking things. I hoped everything would be fine.
Returning to my friends, I noticed Keerthi's friends looking at me curiously.
|"Who's this person? Do you know him, Keerthi?"|
|"Yes, Madhuri. He's one of Keshava's friends."|
Suddenly, their expressions changed, and one girl's shock was palpable.
|"Hey, thief! What are you doing here? Are you here to eat or to claim you work here, or are you saying this restaurant is yours?"|
Another friend, Vandhana, enquired.
|"What? Do you know him, Manasa?"|
|"Yes! I remember him now. A few days ago, my uncle and I went to the Nexus Silicon bank. There was a guy who claimed he had an account there. A girl argued with him, and he was escorted out. This is the same person!"|
|"Really? So this is the guy you mentioned? How pathetic. How could someone like you, judging by your appearance, have an account in the most prestigious bank?"|
I realized I was in deep trouble. What was I going to do now?