Page 252 - Musings 2021

Jai: (interrupting) I’ll explain sir, the other day I needed some photos of myself in our school
uniform, you know, because I didn’t have any of them in my home, lest it may be required
any time, and these two guys also thought to have themselves clicked with me today because
it’s always good to have some of those with you (smiling hesitantly).

Mr. Reddy: So you guys felt the shortage of them at the same time, huh? Even in school, I see
you guys asking for a washroom break together in the midst of class. Teachers have
sometimes sensed the identical nature of your answer sheets. What’s this synchronization
between you three? I don’t understand.

Jai: No, sir, it’s not like they don’t have any of them, just that they thought of having some of
them for future use in case they fall short of them soon.

Mr. Reddy: (in a low but firm voice) I really don’t want to create a scene at a public place.
But you guys compel me to do otherwise.

Manav: Apologies for any misunderstanding, but trust us, we stayed out this late due to
genuine reasons.
Mr. Reddy: Do your parents know about this?

Manav: Yes, sir, how can we not inform them?

(Awkward silence follows until Mr. Reddy gets an incoming call, which he receives)

(The boys murmur amongst themselves while paying their bus fare)

Jai: That was a close shave. If we make it through this journey safely, I’ll pay for your lunch
for three consecutive days.

Manav: It would be better not to engage in conversation with him, else the way Akash has
been making decisions for us today, I fear he will get us into trouble with his words yet again.

Akash; It has been you two who have been speaking all the time with him. Also, why do you
sound like I hatched a conspiracy with Reddy to get you caught by him? We three are equally
in trouble right now. Start thinking about the possible excuses if he threatens to call our
parents, the class teacher, or even the Princi….

Jai: (interrupting) you haven’t spoken one sentence, which did any good to us today. Thank
you so much for making it look even worse.

Manav: No, I’ll take anything but not him calling my parents now. I had convinced my Dad
to get me the smart watch, and I won’t let this guy come in between to ruin my hard work of
pestering him all these days.

Jai: We aren’t here to listen to you flexing right now. No one bats an eyelid about your watch.
Just try not to mention much about parents. That’s the key.

Manav: It’s a smart watch, though, but yeah, understood.
Akash: Also, the speed of this bus isn’t helping our case. The longer time we stay here,
Reddy will get more opportunities to devour us.

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