Unfinished Business
2097 Words
Unfinished Business
Khushi hurried to the class room holding bunch of papers in one hand and a small water bottle in other. She adjusted her spectacle slipping of her nose carelessly and heaved in relief when she spotted Sunitha mam.
"On time? Khushi enquired
"Yes. Said Sunitha mam smiling at her and handed her a large envelope.
"Oh. Khushi effortlessly adjusted the envelope along with the papers she was already carrying and grinned at Sunitha mam.
"I don't know why you are excited. Said Sunitha Mam nodding her head. "Invigilating exams is the most boring job and invigilating arrear exam is like walking on knife. Most of the students are tend to malpractice and if anyone gets caught along with them even we will be taken to task.
"Don't scare me, mam. This is my first time.
"And that is why other staff put forth your name for this and opted for vacation.
The college was closed for semester holidays and only students who write arrears were present. This was Khushi's second year as lecturer and the first year she was acting as invigilator. Khushi loved her profession and ought to love every aspect of work associate it. Though Sunitha mam's words made the task sound irksome, Khushi didn't let it kill her bubble. However, it is true that four staff approached her before time table was put on to switch their exam duty with her. Everyone had their own story to tell why they needed the two week vacation. So, Khushi ended up taking exam duty for four papers instead of one. Not that Khushi had any plans for vacation this time, so she might as well work.
"Anyways you know the drill, right? asked Sunitha mam
Khushi nodded mentally recollecting what has to be done. Then she with a long sigh entered the class room.
"Good Morning students she said to class half empty class. She heard few mumble their wishes, while others just stared at her as if she was an alien. Ignoring the awkward feeling Khushi asked, "So, no more students going to join us?
No one replied her. So she decided to quit the being friendly' act and began to distribute answer sheets. Khushi with great difficulty was trying to cut open the sealed envelope to get question papers, when she heard a gruff male voice ask her, "Do you want help?
Khushi turned to her left to find a tall man with broad shoulder standing near the door clutching a paper and pen. Man, yes not a boy but a man. Definitely, in his mid twenties. He looked very out of place midst the bunch of kids.
"Excuse me? she said narrowing her eyes.
He walked towards her casually and handed her the paper.
Name : Arnav Singh Raizada
D.O.B : 12.02.1992
Batch : 2010-2013
His basic details were followed by names of four subjects that he supposedly has to write arrears.
"Four papers four years! snickered Khushi insinuating his failure at not clearing the papers even four years of completing his actual graduation year
"Nayy! Eleven papers four years. He said with an unapologetic grin
Before Khushi could react to that, he took the envelope from her hand and easily broke the seal open. "Make it fast, I have places to go. He said handing her the question paper set.
Khushi had special eyes for the queer student (can she even call him that?) Arnav. Sunitha mam warned her about students going to any extend to malpractice and Arnav definitely seemed like a person who would do that. How hard is it to pass all your undergrad papers in four bloody years?
Khushi's hawk like eyes was trailed on Arnav, when he looked at her winked. Khushi's eyes widened at his audacity and she marched towards him.
"Yes? he asked nonchalantly spotting her beside him
"How dare you? she mumbled only audible to him
"Why? he asked pretending to be innocent
"I will complain to your HOD. She said determined
"Complain what? That I am writing my exam?
"No, I... Khushi stopped before uttering those words. No one will believe her if she says he winked at her.Whatever, just write your exams. She walked away with a scowl.
Arnav casually put his hands inside his pocket and Khushi appeared beside him in a puff. "What? he asked narrowing his eyes at her.
"What is that? she asked pointing towards his pocket.
Arnav rolled his eyes before taking out a hair band and tying his hair to a pony tail.
"Very sweaty. He mumbled fanning his hands
Khushi gave him an angry glare before walking away. Throughout the exam period Arnav was trying to instigate Khushi and she was trying to spot any valid mischief. When he handed over her his answer sheets, he was the last one in the exam hall.
"If I didn't know well, I would think you are attracted to me... he glanced at her ID card "...Ms.Gupta.
"Excuse me?
"Oh! So much attention to me these three hours.
"I was doing my job. Trying to find if you are indulging in malpractice.
"So you weren't checking me out?
"In your dreams. Khushi waved off
"I have three more exams. Said Arnav grinning
"Whatever.
Khushi easily spotted her fianc's car in front of the college's gate.
"Hey! she greeted him with a smile and hug as she entered inside the car. "Thanks for picking me up.
"Anytime baby. All well?
"Yeah. Just few students very irritating.
"You wouldn't have to face this if you had taken vacation leave. We would be in Maldives now.
"We already spoke about it, didn't we? I am taking a break from working after exams are over, so don't complain.
"Break for our marriage. He said grinning
Khushi shook her head at his excitement and looked out of the window.
***
Khushi was walking back to the staff room after exams to handover the answer sheets to HOD, when Arnav cornered her.
"Why did you do it? he asked
"What did I do? she asked taking a step backward to create distance between them.
"Didn't you tell Mr.Nair I have chits to copy in exams?
"Why would I tell him that?
"Then why was he checking my pockets?
"I don't know. Maybe he was trying to feel you up. Khushi said nonchalantly
Khushi didn't think she uttered anything wrong until she saw his sly gaze and mysterious smirk.
"Do you know how feeling up feels? he asked
Before Khushi could comprehend his words, his hands very slowly and fleetingly grazed her waist making her gasp.
"What the hell!!
"This is what happens when you tell me off. He warned walking away from her
"But I didn't...
"It doesn't matter now. He shouted as he descended down the stairs.
***
It was the last day of exams and Khushi never thought she would be this happy about it. Certain someone was getting on her nerves and she was glad that exams are over.
"Thinking about me? asked Arnav as he stood beside Khushi near the water tank.
"Why would I?
Arnav shrugged his shoulder as he saw her gulp down water.
"Last Exam, huh? So when can I see you after this?
"If you pass.
"If I pass or if I fail?
"Huh?
"Only if I fail I will come back to write another arrear and then I can see you. He said grinning.
"Very funny.
"Funny? I am serious.
"I really don't care if you pass or fail. I am moving out of the country in few months after getting married.
"Is that subtle way of telling me that you are taken and I need to put more efforts to woo you.
"No, it is my subtle way of telling you go and write your exams.
Arnav grinning at her irritated face he moved back slowly not taking his eyes off her face and before he turned round the corner he winked at her.
Khushi was standing far away from the college gate. The sun was hot enough to scorn the skin and so Khushi was standing under the shade of the tree waiting for her dutiful fianc to pick her up.
Khushi checked the time for the fourth time mentally cursing him for being late. She was about to walk back to college when someone pulled her behind the tree holding her wrist.
"What the -...
Khushi was pinned to the trunk of the tree and a grinning Arnav stood in front of her.
"What ill mannered behaviour is this? she asked angrily
"Why? asked Arnav innocently
"Let me go.
"Why, Ms.Gupta. Let me have a fair share of you before you become Mrs. Before Khushi could admonish him for his behaviour, she found his lips brush hers and he placed a lingering kiss.
"If you continue this behaviour of this then I am not going to let you do any of this even after I become Mrs.Raizada from Ms.Gupta. Khushi warned pushing Arnav away
"Baby you are truly mean in this professor avatar of yours.
"And you are besharam in this student avatar of yours.
"How?
"How? You are asking me how? What were you thinking touching me in the corridor the other day?
"That is because I was pissed off at that Nair for checking me for chits.
"So?
"So, I wanted to cool down myself as I wanted to prepare for exam well. Certain someone has given me ultimatum to clear all papers and get graduation.
"Because I cannot marry a person who doesn't even hold a degree to his name.
"And what about I being called the most priced artist of the country or one among top ten richest millionaires in India? Doesn't it matter to you?
"It doesn't matter. I have masters and soon will be pursuing PHD after we move to London, so I want you to hold at least one degree. Khushi said with finality as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Ok meri maa I will pass this time.
"Sure? I saw you write only thirteen pages in International Business paper.
"Pass... I will only pass not become a university topper like you so, thirty pages is enough. Now, let us go home. I am hungry and mom will be waiting to hear from her future bahu complains about her son.
"God! I don't know how I fell for an uneducated like you. Khushi mumbled as they both walked towards his car.
"Because you found me, in your words, strikingly handsome and immensely sensible. Arnav said chuckling as they both settled in the car.
"Whatever! If you don't pass this time then I am going to postpone our wedding. Khushi warned
"If I don't pass this time then I am going to kidnap you and marry on gun point.
"Ha ha ha Khushi mocked
***
THREE MONTHS LATER
Khushi was sitting cross legged on the beautifully decorated bed on her special night in front of her laptop. Arnav was leaning on the bed post with a grumpy face looking at his wife.
"Khushi. He called
"Don't. Khushi warned as she tapped something on the keyboard.
"Khushi It is our first night. He pleaded
"Didn't you know while planning the wedding on the same day when your exam results will be out?
"How would I know? Am I principal of the college?
"No, but the principal of the college is your best friend's father. So clearly you tricked me into marrying you.
"I swear results were supposed to come out last month.
"I don't care. I want to check your results now itself. This stupid college server, always down.
Arnav patiently let his wife whatever she wanted. A result is the last thing he cared about while having a beautiful girl in his room, in his bed. But, she will never understand his plight.
"Arnie she shouted
"What? he asked petrified. If he didn't pass now his wife wouldn't think twice before leaving him here until he clears all papers and go to London alone.
"Baby you have cleared all papers. Said Khushi grinning and hugged him tightly.
"Thank god. Sighed Arnav in relief
"But... said Khushi breaking the hug, "Only 56%.
"Damn woman that is more than I can. So, don't tell me I have to score 90%.
"No. Said Khushi laughing at his shocked expression.
"Now one unfinished business is over and I can concentrate on next. Said Arnav with a mischievous smile.
"Which unfinished business? asked Khushi narrowing her eyebrows.
"You. mumbled Arnav slamming his lips on his beautiful wife.
- Writer
