I sneaked into the classroom just before Prof. Jain closed the door. He is one of the strictest, yet most popular professors in the college. Students hardly miss his class.
Drenched in sweat, I signalled Amitabh to pass on the water bottle. There was no response; I turned back. He was not there. I looked at the other side of the aisle and could not find Jaya. I grew anxious. I left a message on our common WhatsApp group.
Amitabh was our institute Rank 1 during the first year. He rarely misses any class. Even when he has a fever, he will take a Crocin and show up. But what happened today? What made him miss the class, that too, Prof Jain’s class? I was getting apprehensive. I created a medical situation and left the room.
I immediately ran to Dorm 18. 3rd floor. The room was locked. I asked the guard, “Bhaiyya, Amitabh ko dekha hai kya?” He signalled ‘no’.
I thought of going to the library but dropped the idea, as Amitabh would have rather attended the class.
I paced towards Dormitory 13 to check if Jaya was there. I saw Sonu sitting at the girl’s hostel gate. He was one of the most famous guards in the campus. I asked if he had seen Jaya. He replied, “Bhaiyya mujhe kya pata.”
I went to the nearby corner and took out a cigarette. I cursed myself for not enquiring with Amitabh, when I saw him putting medical papers in his bag yesterday. Amitabh had never hidden anything from me. We are friends for more than a decade now.
It was the second semester when I realised Jaya has a secret crush on Amitabh. On the other hand, Amitabh had hardly any time for anything other than books. With well-coordinated efforts, I brought both Amitabh and Jaya to the Pani Puri shop just across the campus. They both liked chaat and also each other. Slowly I stopped going there, giving them more space.
I thought of going to that Pani Puri stall again to check; my phone rang. Amitabh was on the other side. I yelled, “Kahan hai be?”
He replied softly, “Please come to Sector 2 wala Registrar office.”
I immediately hopped on my bike.
I could not believe what I saw. Both were waiting for me to sign on the marriage certificate as a witness. Amitabh said, “Sorry yaar, Jain sir ka class tha isiliye nahi bola. Tu sign kar yahan, phir batata hoon.”
I looked at Jaya, she was blushing. I signed.
As usual, the three of us got adjusted on the bike, and drove towards the campus. I was still unable to understand – chal kya raha hai? I stopped at that same Pani puri stall.
Ram recognised me. He said, “Sir aap nahi aate aab?”
Without answering him I snapped, “3 plate de!” and turned towards both of them.
I asked, “Bhai ab bata, cigarette bhi khatam ho gaya hai tum log ke chakkar mein.”
He came close to me and whispered, “Wait for 7 months.”
I was exhilarated. I hugged them both and turned towards Ram.
“Bhai 1-1 plate aur laga!”
References
One Arranged Murder
