chapter 5

Desperate TimesBack to College – Year 2002: Semester 1We were already half-way into the first semester when I rejoined, and my attendance was zero. Teachers pitied me because they were aware of my ‘orphaned’ condition, but given I was there on scholarship, our dean was not happy. Our mid-terms started soon, and as expected, I failed miserably, and that was enough to be called to the ‘dean’s office.’“Ishana, you were the brightest student before, and that’s why you were given a full scholarship, including hostel fees,” the dean started, and I just stared.“Your attendance record is abysmal and not to mention the marks. How do I justify it? How will I explain your disappearance to our board?” He berated, and I just listened. What could I have said to explain to him? I was sure he didn’t lose his entire family in a flash!“I understand you faced family issues,” he continued in a relatively sympathetic tone. A tear trickled down my cheek. I wiped it quickly. “But I am bound here. You have to keep the flawless record from now on and be in toppers list, else we would be forced to cancel your scholarship.” His last words came crashing down on me. “We would rather spend money on an eligible candidate.” He finished, and I was dumbfounded.“Studying is not an issue with me,” I spoke after a pause.“Good, and that’s what we expect out of you. Don’t forget that such privileges are only extended for a limited time. Now, don’t make us regret our decision,” he warned again and dismissed me. It was my first ever meeting with the dean, and it didn’t go well.  “Yes, I am desperate, but I am not taking money from either of you,” I retorted for the hundredth time. Ever since my meeting with the dean, both Shiva and Sarv were insisting me to take money from them.“Consider it as a loan. You can return us whenever you start earning,” Shiva continued with her persuasion. “Yeah. And our parents have asked us to share money with you, Ishana,” this was Sarv’s argument. But I was adamant.“So, what will you do? Go out with us and not eat? Won’t buy new clothes and continue to be a ‘Sag-Doll’?” Shiva snarled at me. Even Sarv shirked at the words ‘Sag-Doll’. They both knew how much that phrase hurt me.I winced, but she didn’t soften her expressions. She was glaring at me. “No, I will take up a job,” I declared, and where Sarv just hung his head, Shiva started laughing.“You have more than half of the semester to catch up on. And you have to score so high that you have to be in the toppers list. Fail to do it, and you will have to say goodbye to your scholarship and studies. When will you find time to do a job?” She had a valid point. I had to study real hard to score well. And if I didn’t, let alone borrow a thousand bucks, I might have to borrow my whole tuition fees from them. I was speechless.“We’ll see. Let’s study for now,” I dismissed. “You may shy away from your problems Ishana, but you very well know that problems do not shy away from you…” Shiva babbled as we opened up a book and started studying.  I spent every waking moment catching up with my studies. Two weeks down, and I was pretty comfortable with my curriculum.Though I was keeping very busy now, the thought of Rakshit didn’t evade me. I missed him terribly. Life in Delhi was more expensive than my anticipation. And in one month, I had borrowed three-thousand from my friends. They never complained and always were ready to help, but I felt embarrassed. Call it my ego or high-headedness, but I found it demeaning. Hence, I decided to look for a job. Desperate times, desperate measures. We were lucky to be a part of Mohta’s. It was one college that provided students with everything. Studies, extra-curricular activities, and even jobs. Though it was our fourth month there, I had not seen any part of the college except where our classes were held. Hence, one evening, I decided to take a stroll. Our campus was vast – there were so many faculties, so many grounds, so many halls, and so many student societies. I was stunned to see it all. It was like a revelation to me. I looked around and found a small pamphlet on a notice-board. It read:Assistant needed. Contact Pratham – Photography Department.‘A job!!!’ I couldn’t contain my happiness. Maybe if I get this job, my troubles would be over. I searched for the photography department and went inside. “Hi, I am looking for Mr. Pratham,” I asked a boy politely. He was engrossed in a file that had many photos of girls.“Babe, every girl here is looking for Pratham,” he scoffed, without even looking up.“It’s about the assistant job,” I added quickly.“Yeah, every girl wants that assistant job,” he muttered as he licked his fingers and dramatically flipped the page.I just stood there, and without even sparing me a glance, he pushed a paper and pen towards me. “Your name and details here. Pratham will contact you if he wishes to.”I started writing my name when he finally looked up. “Seriously?” he spoke, eyeing me from top-to-toe.“What?” I asked, shocked.“You want to be a model?” he smirked, pointing at me.“No, I am here for the assistant job,” I corrected him.“Just the job of an assistant?” he eyed me skeptically. I nodded. “Wow, wait here. Pratham will definitely meet you.” And he disappeared behind a door. The grin on his face made me very uncomfortable. Maybe it was a mistake coming here. I started stepping back when he came out again, laughing.“Pratham will meet you.” I resisted slapping the smug off his face.“Come on,” he literally pushed me in the cabin and stood behind the person who clearly looked like the boss. It was a small office, whose walls were plastered with photos. “Take a seat,” Pratham spoke in a deep voice. He seemed a few years older than me. He had a tanned oval face, neatly trimmed hair and a strong-muscular upper body. He had an air of dominance all around him, except in his eyes. His eyes said he was caring, kind, and mischievous – just like any other boy. “Sit,” the first boy repeated. I contained myself and obeyed.“Who are you?” was Pratham’s first question. “Ishana–” I started, but he cut me. “This job is for Mohta students only. We don’t hire outsiders,” he gave me a piercing look.“I am a Mohta student. BA English,” I added quickly.“Why haven’t I seen you before?” folding his arms, he raised his eyebrows suspiciously.“I had family issues,” I mumbled, and the boy behind him gasped. He clasped his hand on his forehead and whispered something in Pratham’s ears. I couldn’t help but realize that he had muttered words ‘Sag-Doll’ in his ears. Pratham’s expressions relaxed a bit. It seemed as if a big realization had dawned upon the duo.“You are hired,” Pratham declared. Clearly, it was an unusual decision because along with me, even the other boy’s jaw dropped in shock. “Ankit here will share the details.”The boy, Ankit, bent down to speak something else in Pratham’s ears but he didn’t pay heed to it. He extended his hand for me to shake, I obliged. After giving me a long searching look, he spoke, “Congratulations, you are now Pratham Khatri’s assistant. Your monthly salary would be ten-thousand. Your working hours would be flexible, and you will work as per my schedule. And you have to do everything I ask of you. Agreed?”“Everything you ask of me?” I was slightly worried now. I very well knew all the things a man can ask from a girl, and I was not ready for that. Screwing his eyes, he spoke, “I don’t indulge in cheap activities. Our relationship would be strictly professional.” “So, you are okay with the terms?” Ankit asked weirdly.“Yeah…” I shrugged. “Cool. Now get to work both of you. I don’t have hours to spend with you,” and with this, Pratham just left. I stared after him, shocked. “Welcome to Pratham’s group. You are going to regret this day,” Ankit murmured. I looked at him curiously, he too was staring at the door.