‘I kicked the ball exactly as it was mentioned in the handbook.’
‘No wonder you won the game then! Are we in any way below par? But how can we match our looks with yours?’
‘Stop making a fool of me. I am not that handsome!’
‘But that is quite evident from the end result. We take such pains to fuss over our appearance but nothing favourable comes about—but you look radiant and have received great benefits without having had to spend a dime.’
‘Did she say anything else?’
‘No, she did not say anything else. But I did notice that she stood watching you quite intently.’
Chakradhar’s joy knew no bounds; his heart swelled with pride—those who saw his radiant countenance committed it to memory. Nevertheless, he had as yet to pay a dearer price for the immense ecstasy he experienced. The session was about to come to an end and his friends harboured a desire to have a treat at his expense. It was a matter of minimal deliberation. On the third day he received yet another billet-doux.
The time for separation is fast approaching. I can only wonder at the distances that will keep us apart. I would have liked to have a celebration in honour of our everlasting love for one another. If the expense is a burden on you, I am willing to take on the responsibility entirely myself. My friends will accompany me for the celebrations. The students and the professors of the college will also be invited. If only your religion and your lifestyle and my parents would acquiesce to one another, there would be no need for us to be so disheartened. Goodbye!
Yours,
Lucy
Chakradhar was thrilled to receive the letter. He said to his friends, ‘Let us get together over dinner before we part ways. Let us invite Miss Lucy also.’ However, he was short of funds. His family was quite perplexed over his unreasonable demands for money. But Chakradhar’s sense of decorum could not permit him to face the embarrassment of making Lucy bear the expenses of the party. He would rather die than suffer such ignominy. He made all sorts of pretentious excuses and got his wife’s people to send him the cash. Grand preparations were under way for the party. Invitation cards were printed; new liveries were purchased for the waiters; orders were placed for English as well as Indian cuisine. The English fare was ordered from the Cankas Hotel. This saved much trouble. The cost was rather high, nevertheless, things became quite convenient for Naim and his friend Girdhar who would otherwise be put through much trouble. Girdhar was responsible for the preparation of the Indian cuisine.
The preparations went on for two entire weeks. Naim and Girdhar went to college only to enjoy themselves. They were not concerned about their academic performance. All they did was while away their precious little time. It was suggested that a poetic symposium be conducted after the party. Invitation cards were distributed among the poets. To cut a long story short, all the arrangements were made to host a grand party. All his friends had a great time at the party to which they dragged a couple of ladies. Naim also managed to convince Lucy to accompany him.
However, it is sad to say the outcome of the party was in no way advantageous for Chakradhar. The wretched fellow was destined to suffer even more embarrassment and humiliation at the end of the term. His friends were merely interested in having a good time but poor Chakradhar nearly died with shame. He thought to himself, The time for parting is close at hand. Perhaps we may never meet again. What better occasion might I have to declare my feelings? Why shouldn’t I pour my heart out to her? Chakradhar’s restive sensibilities, overwhelmed with the desire to confess, were raring to discharge themselves. Around him, people were having dinner but he sat quietly in a corner, craving to fulfil his desire. Why stand on ceremony now? Why hold back now? Why not give voice to grievance? Why weep silently? As he sat by himself, Chakradhar fortified himself with such thoughts and waited for an opportune moment. When the party was over, paan and cardamom had been distributed and farewell speeches had been delivered; Lucy too addressed the gathering in her melodious voice. Then as the poetry symposium gathered momentum, Chakradhar moved behind Lucy quietly and accosted her on the way. Seeing him approach her, looking quite bewildered and stupefied, Lucy thought something dreadful had happened. She said: ‘Well, Panditji, what is the matter? Why do you look so perturbed? Is everything all right?’
Chakradhar’s throat welled over with passionate feeling. He said plainly, ‘Now we will part ways for good. How can I endure separation from you? I fear that I might lose my emotional equanimity.’
A shocked Lucy responded, ‘What do you mean? Are you under the weather?’
‘Ah! Dear, darling! You ask whether I am under the weather. I am dying! I am dying! My life is at its lowest ebb.’ Having said this, he tried to grab hold of Lucy’s hand. At first she felt quite disconcerted by his frenzied reactions; then, beside herself with anger, she said sternly, ‘You have spoken to me insultingly. You will be sorry for this!’
‘Lucy! You are so indifferent and so unsympathetic at the end of the term! You have no idea how agonizing it has been for me to pass these days. My heart aches for you! Your letters gave me reason to live; without them, I would have died long ago!’
‘My letters? Letters I wrote? I did not write any letters!’
‘You forget so easily, dear, darling! Do not be so cruel. Your letters, so full of tender, loving feelings, will remain always in my memory. At your request I altered my appearance, gave up sandhya and havan and embraced the facets of your lifestyle. Do not play such cruel tricks on me. Place
