[Neelkantha]

Part 205 – Next Part Of Raju's Story

Pihu’s POV-

I was listening intently to every single word Raju spoke. As soon as Raju paused for a moment, I asked him, "Raju, you must be tired from all that talking. Would you like some water? Tell me the rest of the story after you’ve had a drink." Raju replied, "Alright." I got up from the bed, went to the kitchen, fetched a glass of water for Raju, and handed it to him. Raju took the glass from my hand and drank the water. After he handed the glass back to me, I returned it to the kitchen. Then, coming back into the bedroom, I lay down beside Raju. I said to him, "So, go on, did you go to your Madam's cabin?" Raju replied, "I had no choice but to go. Because if Madam calls and I don't show up, I’d be in for a world of trouble. Terrified as I was, I made my way to Madam's cabin. It was already after closing time. Most of the students, teachers, and other staff members had already gone home. I had heard that Madam often stays late to work, and usually all alone, too. There’s just a watchman on the premises. Anyway, I stood outside her cabin and knocked on the door. From inside, I heard Rozina madam’s deep voice say, 'Come in.' Praying to God, I stepped inside her cabin. The room was quite spacious. Right at the back of the room stood a large table, and in front of it were arranged about twenty or twenty-five chairs. Madam was seated in a revolving chair behind that table. Leaning over the table, she was busy working on her laptop. As I entered the cabin, she glanced at me once and gestured for me to come closer. With trembling legs, I somehow managed to walk forward and stood before her table. This time, Madam didn't lift her eyes from her laptop. Still working away, she gestured for me to sit in one of the chairs placed in front of her table. I somehow managed to sit down. And then, I just sat there. For the next 20 minutes, Madam neither looked at me nor spoke a single word to me. She simply continued working on her laptop. At one point, I felt as though she might have completely forgotten that I, too, was present in the cabin with her. To remind her of my presence, I thought about giving a slight cough. However, when I attempted to cough, I discovered that my throat had gone completely dry; not a single sound escaped it. Once again, I sat there in that chair, feeling like an utter fool, while Madam continued with her work. I had heard that this was uncharacteristic of Madam; she is known to be extremely punctual. She avoids doing anything that would result in a waste of either her own time or anyone else's. In fact, even when she summons any students to her cabin to reprimand them, she scolds them as quickly as possible and sends them back to their respective classes so that their time isn't wasted. But my situation was different. I had now been sitting there for over half an hour, yet during that entire time, neither Madam nor I had uttered a single word. There was absolute, pin-drop silence in the whole cabin. The only intermittent sounds were the faint hum of the wall-mounted air conditioner, the monotonous ticking of the wall clock and the rhythmic clicking of Madam’s fingers typing on her laptop keyboard. Aside from these three sounds, there was no other sound to be heard anywhere in the cabin. Sitting there like that, I began to feel bored. It started to feel as though Madam was testing my patience, seeing just how long I could endure sitting there in silence. I felt that if I were to say or do anything, I would surely get scolded. Consequently, I remained seated there quietly, neither speaking nor making a move. A little more time passed in this manner. By now, I had been sitting there for nearly 45 minutes. I glanced at the wall and saw that it was approaching 6:00 PM, and I had no idea how much longer I would have to sit there idly. While I don't inherently mind sitting around like this, there was one other complication: the warden of the hostel where I live is a man named Sukhvir. He was a burly, 50-year-old Punjabi Jatt (a traditional community based in Punjab) man. I have never in my life encountered anyone as obstinate as him. That man would have the hostel gates locked shut after 7:00 PM. Thereafter, the gates would not reopen until 6:00 AM the following morning at any cost. Furthermore, if any student failed to return to the hostel before 7:00 PM, they would be denied entry altogether. And, as if that weren't enough, a formal complaint regarding the student would be lodged with the university authorities. Because of this strict rule, no student ever dared to return to the hostel after 7:00 PM. Every single student would make sure to reach the hostel before the clock struck seven in the evening. For no matter how much one pleaded or begged after that time, the hostel doors simply would not open before 6:00 AM the next morning. And since the students inside the hostel had access to every necessary amenity, no one ever had any reason to remain outside after 7:00 PM. But today, as luck would have it, or rather, my misfortune, I faced a double whammy: not only was I bound to face a scolding from Madam, but if I arrived late, I would be denied entry into the hostel. That prospect was even worse than Madam’s scolding; for if I failed to gain entry, I would be forced to spend the entire night out in the open, perhaps on the roadside or at a bus stand. Nothing could be worse than that. I was deeply immersed in these anxious thoughts when, suddenly, I heard a loud, sharp bang noise. Startled, I looked up and glanced ahead. I saw that Madam was looking directly at me, and as she did so, she was pounding her hand against the table, creating a loud, jarring bang sound. The moment I looked up at her in surprise, she stopped banging on the table. Trembling with apprehension, I continued to gaze at her.”

“Madam looked at me and said, ‘Were you asleep? I’ve been calling you for ages.’ I (Raju) replied fearfully, ‘Sorry, Madam; I was thinking about something else. My attention wasn’t on you.’ Picking up the intercom from her desk, Madam remarked, ‘That is your real problem. You think too much.’ Saying this, she spoke into the intercom: ‘Send two cups of tea to my cabin right away. And tell my driver to go home. I’ll be leaving late today, so I’ll drive myself. Oh, and tell him to leave the car keys with the watchman before he goes.’ Having said this, she hung up the intercom. Madam had asked for two cups of tea. She had also mentioned that she would be leaving late today. This meant that today, my troubles were truly about to begin, from both sides. There was Madam, of course, but then Sukhvir would be waiting to give me a hard time back at the hostel. For a moment, I thought about calling the hostel to let them know that I was currently in Madam’s cabin at her behest and that I would be late getting back. However, I couldn’t muster the courage to do such a thing right in front of Madam. My luck had truly run out today. After putting down the intercom, Madam looked at me again and said, ‘You were thinking about something again, weren’t you? Tell me, what was on your mind?’ At that point, I decided to tell her the whole truth. I said, ‘Actually, Madam, it’s already six o’clock.’ Madam raised her eyebrows slightly and asked, ‘So? What’s the big deal if it’s six o’clock?’ I replied, ‘The hostel where I live closes its gates at 7:00 PM. After that, no student is allowed to enter. That is what I was thinking about.’ Hearing this, Madam leaned back in her chair, resting her back against the rest, and settled in more comfortably. Then, looking at me, she said calmly, ‘Don’t worry. On my way home, I’ll drop you off at your hostel myself. Seeing me, perhaps the people will allow you inside. Stop worrying about that for now. I’ve called you here to discuss something else, something even more important than that. Do you understand?’ I said nothing more; I simply nodded. Madam was just about to say something else when there was a knock on her cabin door. Madam called out, ‘Come in.’ At that very moment, the peon entered carrying a tray with two cups of tea. He placed the two cups on the table and was just turning to leave when I stopped him and asked, ‘Could I get a glass of water? My water bottle is empty, and I’m thirsty.’ The peon nodded and left. A short while later, he returned with a glass of water, handed it to me, and departed. I drank the water. Madam said, ‘Finish your tea first. Then we’ll get down to business.’ With some trepidation, I picked up the teacup and began to sip. Madam was sipping in her tea as well, but her gaze remained fixed upon me the entire time. She kept watching me intently. Then, while sipping her tea, she began asking me questions about myself, where I was from, who was in my family, how I had fared in my studies previously, what my results were like in the 10th and 12th grades and in college, what my future aspirations were, and so on. I answered every single question she asked with precision. While conversing with me, Madam did not appear angry in the slightest. In fact, ever since I had entered this cabin, not once did I feel that she was upset with me or that she had summoned me here merely to scold me. I felt that she hadn't called me here to reprimand me, but rather to discuss something entirely different. Once we had finished our tea, Madam’s demeanor turned slightly serious again. She leaned forward in her seat, then reached over to the side of the table, retrieved a few files, and placed them on the tabletop. She opened each file and slid them across toward me. I saw that they contained papers related to my previous tests and assessments. I was still looking them over when Madam asked me, ‘Do you understand anything by looking at these?’ Without saying a word, I simply looked up at her. Madam then picking up two files herself, she said, ‘This is your file from last year, and this one is from this year. These two files contain every single test paper you’ve submitted. After tallying them carefully, I’ve come to feel that your mind has drifted a bit away from your studies. Hasn’t it?’ Now, what could I possibly say in response? I certainly couldn’t tell her that my poor results were entirely due to the fear and dread she instilled in me. If I were to say something like that, I’d be in deep trouble, she might even have me thrown out of the place. So, I simply said, ‘No, Madam, that’s not the case at all.’ Looking at me over the rim of her glasses, Madam replied, ‘If that’s not the case, then what is this? And why is it happening? Last year, every single one of your results was absolutely top-notch; why, then, are you consistently performing so poorly this year? Look here, see what you were supposed to write as the answer to this question versus what you actually wrote. You’ve made silly mistakes just like this in every single test you’ve taken this year. And what I simply cannot understand is: why? If you were weak in your studies, you would have been weak from the very beginning. It’s not possible, is it, for you to suddenly become weak in your studies overnight? If that is the case, then I need to know the reason behind it. Only then can we find a solution. Right? So, if you have anything at all to tell me regarding this, speak up freely, without any fear or hesitation. Because I absolutely do not want a promising student like you to end up being nothing more than just average.’ Having said this, she looked at me and waited for my response.”

“But at that moment, I had no answer to offer her. I simply couldn't figure out what to say. In truth, there really wasn't any specific reason I could share with her. Seeing my silence, Madam spoke up again, ‘You went home a few months ago, didn't you?’ I nodded and replied, ‘Yes, it was my maternal uncle’s wedding.’ Madam continued, ‘All your troubles seem to have started right after you returned from your uncle’s wedding. Since then, you’ve started performing poorly in all your tests and exams. Why is that? Did something happen at the wedding that caused your focus to shift away from your studies?’ The moment I heard Madam say this, thoughts of you (Pihu) immediately flooded my mind, specifically, the memory of our sexual encounter during Ani mama’s wedding. But obviously, I couldn't tell her about that! So, I said, ‘Nothing of the sort happened, Madam. Everything was perfectly normal.’ Madam looked at me and asked, ‘Do you take private tuition anywhere?’ I replied, ‘No. What the teachers here teach is sufficient for me. I haven't felt the need to take separate tuition. Although, I do occasionally use the internet for help.’ Hearing this, Madam shook her head and said, ‘No, that won't do. I think you need a tutor, someone who can guide you properly.’ I argued, ‘But Madam, the mid-term session is currently underway. At this time of year, every tuition batch is bound to be full. Besides, no private tutor would be willing to take on a new student in the middle of the academic year. So, what am I supposed to do?’ Hearing my point, Madam fell deep in thought for a moment. Then she asked, ‘Yes, you’re right about that. Well, couldn't one of the teachers from our own department tutor you?’ I replied, ‘Actually, none of our teachers offer private tuition. And even if they did, I’m not sure if any of them would be willing to tutor me individually.’ Madam then leaned back in her chair once again. She said, ‘In that case, things have become a bit difficult.’ I replied, ‘Madam, couldn't you just help me out yourself? If you put in a word, any teacher would be willing to tutor me.’ Madam said, ‘I could certainly ask. But I can't force anyone to do so. I asked, ‘Then what am I supposed to do?’ Looking directly at me now, Madam said, ‘There is one way I can help you.’ I asked, ‘What is it?’ Madam replied, ‘Instead of asking someone else, I could tutor you myself, if you wish.’ I liked the proposal of her very much. I said, ‘If you were to tutor me personally, nothing could be better! I am absolutely ready to study under your guidance.’ Interrupting me, Madam said, ‘Wait. Listen to everything I have to say first.’ Upon hearing this, I looked at her expectantly. Madam continued, ‘Look, I don't usually provide private tuition to anyone. However, you struck me as a bright and promising student; that is the sole reason I’ve decided to tutor you, specifically to help you out. And in return, I won't charge you a single penny. But, and this is crucial, if word gets out that I am tutoring you for free, every other student will insist on studying with me as well. And I wouldn't be able to turn them down, either; because, in my eyes, every single one of my students is equal. I cannot extend special favors to just one of them. That is why I am telling you: you must not mention to anyone that you are receiving private tuition from me. Do you understand?’ I immediately nodded and replied, ‘I understand completely, Madam. Please don't worry; I won't let a single soul get even the slightest inkling of this.’ Hearing my assurance, Madam smiled and said, ‘Good! Now, listen. I won't be able to tutor you in the mornings. I can only teach you in the evenings. You don't have any problem with that, do you?’ I replied, ‘Madam, honestly speaking, I don't have any problem with that at all, but I did mention to you...’ I explained to her, ‘The doors to our hostel are locked at 7:00 PM sharp. After that time, no one is permitted to leave the premises. Given this situation, how am I supposed to come to you for my studies at night?’ Upon hearing this, Madam paused to think for a moment, then asked, ‘Who is your hostel warden?’ I replied, Mr. Sukhvir, Madam.’ As soon as she heard the name, Madam began typing something on her laptop again. She then took a printout, signed it, and affixed her official stamp. She placed the document inside an envelope and wrote Sukhvir's name on the front. Handing the envelope to me, she said, ‘Give this envelope to your warden today itself. I have outlined everything inside. I hope you won't face any further difficulties from now on. I will also send you my home address via WhatsApp; you can arrive tomorrow evening after 7:00 PM. Well, let's wrap things up for today. I'll drop you off at your hostel.’ Saying this, Madam stood up. I rose as well. I was overjoyed that, starting tomorrow, Madam herself would be personally tutoring me. Furthermore, after spending so much time talking with her, I had come to a realization: she wears a facade of feigned arrogance, a mere disguise, so that her students remain intimidated by her. Yet, in reality, she possesses a very gentle heart. Had that not been the case, she would not have taken the initiative to concern herself with my situation, summoned me to her cabin, discussed my specific difficulties with me, and devised a solution to resolve them. I was truly delighted to have had this conversation with her.”

“That evening, Madam herself drove me all the way back to the hostel. Upon seeing me step out of her car, the watchman promptly opened the gate. Before I went inside, Madam cautioned me once again not to mention this to anyone and to hand her letter over to Sukhvir. As soon as I entered the hostel, I went straight to Sukhvir and gave him the letter Madam had written. After reading it, Sukhvir cast a surprised glance in my direction, though he didn't say much else. He simply told me that he would inform the watchman that, starting tomorrow, I was permitted to stay out of the hostel until late at night. No matter how late I returned, I was to be allowed inside; the hostel's 7 PM rule would not apply to me. Hearing this filled me with delight. I felt an urge to tell Alex about it. For one thing, since he didn't study in my department, there seemed to be no harm in confiding in him. The second reason was that I knew I wouldn't find any peace of mind until I had shared this news with him. Yet, despite all this, I decided not to tell him. The reasoning was that, even though Alex wasn't in my department, if word somehow got out through him, I would find myself in deep trouble. Weighing these consequences, I chose to remain silent. However, there was another complication. If I were to go to Madam's place in the evenings for tutoring, as was now the plan, I would obviously be returning late; this could arouse suspicion among the other students, who might wonder where I was coming from at such a late hour. I needed to have a plausible explanation ready in advance. Staying awake late into the night, I racked my brains and concocted a story. According to this narrative, in light of my poor academic results, Rozina Madam had personally arranged for me to enroll in a private tutoring program. Furthermore, it was at her specific request that I had been granted permission to remain outside the hostel until late at night. This story, I reasoned, would serve its purpose perfectly, solving the problem without creating any further complications. And so, with that thought in mind, I drifted off to sleep that night. The very next day, I received a message on my WhatsApp. I checked it and saw that, Rozina Ma'am had sent me her home address, where I was scheduled to arrive today at 7:00 PM. Just then, I received a call from Rozina Ma'am. When I answered, she said, ‘Listen, today is your first day of tutoring with me, so you will come to my house with me today. Starting tomorrow, you can make your own way there. Understood?’ I replied, ‘Alright. I’ll be waiting for you outside the university.’ Saying, ‘Okay,’ she hung up the call. Once my classes were over, I went outside the university and began waiting for her. Our classes usually ended by 5:00 PM. After waiting for about an hour, I spotted Ma'am's car approaching the university entrance. The previous night, she herself had driven me all the way to my hostel. I had assumed that today her driver would be behind the wheel. However, when her car pulled up right in front of me, I saw that she was driving it herself once again. Just as I had done the day before, I started to head toward the back seat to sit down, but she stopped me and said, ‘Not in the back. Come and sit in the front seat today. We can chat on the way there. My house is only half an hour away from here.’ Taking her advice, I got into the front passenger seat of her car. She then set off toward her home. After driving for about fifteen minutes, Ma'am pulled the car over at a restaurant. Leaving me seated in the car, she went inside the restaurant herself. About five minutes later, when she emerged, she was carrying a rather large package in her hands. It likely contained some food items. She placed the package on the back seat, got into the driver's seat, and said, ‘Since this is your first time visiting my home, I picked up some snacks and such. Generally, I don't care for fast food myself, but thanks to you, I get to have a 'cheat meal' today.’ With that, she started the car and turned it once again toward her home. After another journey of roughly fifteen minutes, the car came to a halt in the parking lot of a large apartment complex. I noticed that this apartment complex was a multi-story building. This meant that Madam lived in one of the flats within this very building. After parking the car in the lot, Madam stepped out herself and asked me to get out as well. She also instructed me to bring the food packet along with me. I retrieved the food packet from the back seat of the car. After locking the car, Madam asked me to follow her. I walked behind her and entered the apartment complex. She first approached the building's watchman, pointed me out, and said, ‘This boy will be coming to my flat every evening starting today to study. Take a good look at him, and let him in daily.’ Upon hearing Madam's instructions, the watchman nodded and asked me to sign a large register. I did so. Then, both of us headed toward the elevator. Once inside the elevator, Madam said, ‘I live on the ninth floor. My flat number is 914. Just come directly there.’ We took the elevator up to the ninth floor. From there, Madam led me toward her flat, which was locked from the outside. Madam unlocked her flat, stepped inside first, and then invited me in. As soon as I entered her flat, she closed the door from the inside.” (Contd.)

[Next Update is on Thursday (29.10.26) between 11 am to 2 pm]