Chapter 36 Nalanda University
Karn was running late for his train as he hurried out the front door of his house, luggage in hand. A taxi was already idling in his driveway, the driver waving Karn over impatiently. Karn quickly made his way over and opened the backseat door, sliding into the worn vinyl seat.
"You're the national champion, aren't you?" the driver asked excitedly as he pulled away from the curb. Karn nodded politely, but didn't offer much in response.
The taxi driver launched into a spirited monologue about his young son, going on about how the boy idolized Karn and dreamed of becoming a champion weightlifter himself one day. Karn made the occasional murmur of acknowledgment, but stayed quiet, lost in his own thoughts and preparations for his upcoming competition.
After a few failed attempts to draw Karn into conversation, the taxi driver eventually fell silent, conceding that the Karn was not interested in small talk.
