Read the Previous Chapter V
here.
CHAPTER VI
“Roohi…Roohi,” her class teacher called, while she approached
Roohi in her typical strut.
Roohi didn’t hear her voice. She was
floating in seventh heaven. It was the first time she had topped her class. Her
teacher patted on her shoulders bringing her out of her reverie.
“Congratulations for making it to the
top this time, Roohi. I knew you were always smart. But to beat the topper by
ten marks is remarkable.”
Roohi was all smiles as she said
“Thank You Ma’am”.
“Keep it up Roohi” said the teacher patting
Roohi’s cheeks.
The class bell rang. All her
classmates shouted, cheered and dragged her towards the school canteen. They
were demanding a treat. And she was only too happy to spend her pocket money.While
she was rejoicing, a lone girl stood near the entrance to the canteen- the
ex-topper. Roohi could feel the envy in her eyes. Roohi’s pulse was racing and
she could feel the hate waves emerging from the bespectacled girl. Roohi could
almost read her mind. The girl must be thinking of strangling her for usurping
her coveted position as class topper.
She ignored her and turned to watch
the smiling faces of her friends. Roohi felt like she had been crowned as the
winner of a beauty pageant. It felt nice to be on top.
Mumma will be happy with the report
card. And Pa and Cyrus would surely give more chocolates..
Roohi smirked and made a mental note
to talk to Cyrus that night about all that happened in school. She already
liked him, he was like a brother she never had. She couldn’t wait to head home.
***
"Mumma, is dinner ready?"
asked Roohi in a cheerful voice. She was bubbling with happiness.
"Yes sweetheart, get to the table & call Cyrus Uncle
and Dad as well,” replied Tara. When they sat at the dining table, Roohi had
brought her test papers along with her, in hope of earning some extra
chocolates.
"Well done Little Einstein! Your
performance in the Math test today was splendid. So, you will get two
chocolates before the meal & two after it," Cyrus said, and gave two
chocolates to her.
Tara sniggered while watching Roohi
munching the chocolates happily. Shekhar was engrossed in his own thoughts not
being cognizant of what was happening around.
"I have found a room nearby my
office at Churchgate, so I will be moving there tomorrow” announced Cyrus,
while dipping the soft chappatis into the dal.
"Why? Why are you shifting? Are
you facing any problem living here?" Tara enquired.
"No, no there’s no problem
living here. But as I said, I wanted a place to stay until I found a room of my
own," Cyrus said.
"If you don't have any problem
then why do you want to shift? You could live here till your internship gets
over. It is a matter of just two weeks. Right, Shekhar?" Tara turned
towards Shekhar for approval.
Such hospitality from Tara amused
Cyrus. He knew that they wouldn’t allow him to leave. He was merely being
formal.
Shekhar heard Tara’s question. He was
busy analyzing those moments from last night to ascertain how his manuscript
had turned into ashes. Lost in thoughts, he was pushing around the food on his
plate and had not eaten anything.
Cyrus looked at him when he didn’t
respond to Tara. Perceiving that he was expected to answer, Shekhar stammered
"Oh y-y-yes,” without any idea as to what he had agreed.
Sensing that something was wrong,
Tara stood up from her chair and went closer to Shekhar. "Are you fine, sweetheart?"
Tara placed a kiss on his forehead. Sweat glittered on Shekhar's forehead even
though the AC was in full blast. It worried her.
"What's happening Shekhar, are
you alright? Do you have a fever?" Tara enquired while touching his
forehead. His temperature was normal. What was wrong with him? She wondered. Shekhar
moved Tara’s hand away.
"Don't worry, I am ok." Tara was puzzled by Shekhar's behavior, but
gave him a hug.
"Darling, you are working too hard. Just give it a rest", said Tara
massaging his shoulder.
Roohi had finished her dinner and was
now enjoying her chocolates. Cyrus couldn’t take his eyes off the pair. He
tried to interpret what was going on. His face remained stern but he kept
gazing at Tara without blinking.
Update: Read the following CHAPTER VIII HERE
Update: Read the following CHAPTER VIII HERE
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