Page 253 - Musings 2021

Jai: I see no difference between you and my morning alarm. The moment I listen to you both,
I am reminded of the dreadful life that awaits me.

Akash: If you avoid yourself getting into trouble more often, both would sound good, trust
me.

Jai: Irony, rest in peace. What do you think, which human being on this earth suggested for us
this front seat so that every passenger entering gets a beautiful view of us? It’s not our day
today, and definitely not your day too.

(He lets out a facepalm. Mr. Reddy stops talking on the phone, pays the fare and sits still for
two minutes. The boys wonder what would happen next)

Mr. Reddy: Why don’t you guys travel by school bus?

(A brief pause)

Manav: We feel it is a bit overpriced. You can always travel on a public bus by paying a
fraction of what you would pay for the school bus.

Mr. Reddy: Money should not be an issue for people who spend their time outside junk food
eateries after school.

Jai: No sir, we hardly get enough time to have our lunch. We do feel hungry by the time
school ends.

Mr. Reddy: If I were you, I would go home as soon as possible and have a hearty meal there
itself. Why don’t you say you need an excuse for loitering?

(Silence, except for the honking of the vehicles outside and sound of the crowd in the bus)

Manav: (whispering) for how much more time will we be able to bear his taunts?

Akash: I’ll take them happily, given the situation we’re in. I never thought I would like to
hear Reddy reprimanding me.

Jai: Yes, go on with this. There are still chances of us making it through this journey.

(The three boys now contemplate starting a conversation with Mr. Reddy, sensing the
lightening of the situation until Akash speaks up)

Akash: Sir, where do you live?

Mr. Reddy: Why?

Akash: Nothing, we just thought of enquiring about extra classes at your home. We have
heard positive reviews about them.

(Akash is pulled back instantly by the two boys)

Mr. Reddy: (visibly surprised) at this moment, I can’t think of any vacancies. Sorry for that.

(Another brief pause, and Mr. Reddy looks out of the window)

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