Radha, why have you done this to me? Why did you leave me? I agree I was not perfect but my love for you was true. I can live without you, but I don't want to.
All these thoughts were driving me crazy while I was listening to songs. Somehow I managed to collect my tears and hide them when my roommate reached the room.
“Hey Pj, when you go home, remember to bring me some sweets this time"
“Oh, I almost forgot it's Friday today, I better hurry or else I will be late to catch the train."
Within my formal clothes, I took Erickshaw to the university gate. The train was at 17:00 hrs. It was already 16:00 but I was not much worried as trains were usually late. I reached the station and bought my ticket. Waiting for the late train to come, I decided to remember my Radha one more time. I started to play music and went back to Radha's memories. After some time, the train arrived.
I went towards the general coach, as the system has divided it. After complete scanning of one coach, I finally found a seat. My journey was not long, but I still dreamed of fantasy coming true.
You know that common fantasy of boys travelling alone on a journey. May a beautiful girl sit with me? Nothing will happen next, I know.
The fun part, fantasy came true. A beautiful girl from Ludhiana station entered my coach. Luckily the front seat was empty. She was wearing a beautiful white marathon shirt, with purple rose-shaped earrings. Her long hair tied in pony style was making me turn towards her. No doubt she was the only beautiful girl on the train at that time. When she entered, it was like everything else faded away. The crying child in the next seat, the annoying loud talking aunty, everything was mere a blind spot for me. I couldn't even notice that my phone was ringing. I noticed her smiling at me.
Oh! Somebody is getting the beautiful's attention ๐๐๐
It was not me. It was my ringtone. She found my ringtone funny. After some rings, it ended. I started to think of find ways to initiate a conversation. But again my phone rang. This time she laughed. I declined the call and made eye contact with her.
“Sorry, that was not an appropriate ringtone for this time."
“Oh, never mind, but for what time is it appropriate by the way?"
“Hehe, it’s just a ringtone for making beauties smile."
“Oh! Someone flirting? But I liked that"
“Thanks. You an athlete?"
“Yeah, I am joining a marathon for charity" she said with proud in her voice
“That’s good, you must be proud of yourself"
“Yeah, I am."
I guessed I just gave a conversation killer sentence from my side but she continued it, Wow!
“You don't like sports?" She said with some exclamation on her face
“I do like sports, I like sports players"
“Ha-ha, Good one. Good Humour" She said with a Laugh
“Thanks, Maybe it's the only thing I am good at" I replied joining her laugh.
Our conversation went on for around half-hour. Discussed all my and Radha's stuff. She heard it well without being annoyed.
It was her station. She dropped at "Gill" station. I waved her goodbye. I recalled that I have not even asked her name. How rude of me. I shouted loud ,
“Hey, I forgot to ask your name"
“Radha", she replied. “But not yours"
“Good name, I am Pj, Always of my Radha, not yours" I replied.
The rest of my Journey went in thoughts of Radha. But the confusion was about which Radha I was now thinking about. The one whom I have never seen or the one who just left? Anyways first-time fantasy was completed and my journey was too. I was home. I was at Dhuri.
Once upon a time in a distant village, there lived a young boy named Sagar who had an intense fear of studying. His parents, however, were determined to see him succeed academically and constantly urged him to hit the books. Sagar's notebooks were in pitiful condition, their pages tattered and worn. He cared so little for them that he gave them no respect. The only exception was his diary, which remained in pristine condition due to its importance for his final assessment.
The village Sagar and his family resided in was quite remote, beyond the reach of the local authorities. The college he attended was no ordinary institution. Here, teachers had a rather unconventional method of handling disputes with their students. The rule was simple: whoever lost a dispute was subjected to a peculiar form of punishment – they were set on fire by the victor. Needless to say, this unusual environment led to a distinct lack of camaraderie among the students and teachers.
Sagar, being a first-year student, found himself in a unique role. He was supposed to serve as an assistant to a senior student, obediently following their every instruction. Little did he know, his obedience would soon be taken advantage of. His senior was embroiled in a fierce feud with a teacher, one who had never been defeated. Their highly anticipated showdown was scheduled for the following month. In this grim place, where no one seemed to like anyone else, Sagar was the odd one out.
The day of the senior's duel arrived, but Sagar had a habit of arriving late to college. His tardiness led to a delay in the match, much to the senior's chagrin. However, fate had more in store for Sagar.
As the days passed, the time for final exams drew near. Sagar's scores were dismal, hovering at a mere 10%, his diary being the sole saving grace. Learning of his academic failure, his parents were devastated and suffered fatal heart attacks. To make matters stranger, their souls did not find their way to the afterlife; instead, they became wandering ghosts. This was due to an unfulfilled wish: they had longed for their son to secure the top position in his college.
Sagar, however, paid little heed to his parents' passing, for he was now free from their constant lectures. Time moved on, and he entered his second year of college. Unbeknownst to him, he was chosen to take his senior's place in the impending battle with the undefeated teacher. When the fight concluded, Sagar found himself on the losing end.
Desperate to avoid the fiery fate that awaited him, Sagar managed to negotiate a three-day grace period. He immersed himself in water for the entire duration, hoping to saturate his body so it wouldn't catch fire. When the three days had passed, he returned to college without fear, confident that he couldn't be burned.
The moment of reckoning arrived, and Sagar's teacher was eager to enforce the rule. But in his jubilation at avoiding the flames, Sagar forgot about the risk of his clothes catching fire. When the teacher set him ablaze, Sagar's clothing ignited, leaving him naked in front of his peers.
Shamed and humiliated, Sagar fled back to his home, burning his books and notebooks in an attempt to erase the memories of his failures. Among them was his beloved diary, which contained a special hymn dedicated to Hanuman Ji. His actions marked a turning point.
Leaving behind his troubled past, Sagar journeyed abroad. In a foreign land, he found love and married a woman who didn't believe in the supernatural. Determined to share his beliefs in gods and ghosts, he embarked on a mission to change her perspective.
Back in his homeland, however, the souls of his parents and his discarded notebooks took on a strange and malevolent form. They transformed into restless spirits, hell-bent on tormenting his wife. Tragically, she fell victim to their otherworldly wrath, and they left a blood-written letter, demanding Sagar's return if he wished to see his wife again.
In a desperate bid to rescue his beloved, Sagar returned home, only to find her lifeless body. His parents and notebooks had also become vengeful spirits. They attacked him, leaving him battered and terrified. In the direst of circumstances, his diary and his wife's spirit rallied to his aid.
Guiding Sagar to a safer place, they urged him to recite the Hanuman Chalisa, a powerful hymn. With a picture of Hanuman Ji in his pocket, he began to sing. As he chanted, the diary and his wife began tearing the pages from the malevolent books, hurling them across the house. As the final verse of the Hanuman Chalisa echoed through the air, the entire house burst into flames. The evil spirits were consumed by the inferno.
When the fire subsided, all that remained was a card, bearing good wishes from his parents, wife, and notebooks. The physical forms of his parents and wife lay lifeless on the floor, finally at peace.
With a heavy heart, Sagar laid his parents and wife to rest in their homeland. This experience left an indelible mark on him. He pledged never to neglect his studies again, and he was determined to excel. He achieved academic success, eventually opening a printing press called "Dear Diary" with the proceeds from his endeavours.
In his later years, Sagar sold the printing press and donated all the proceeds to charity, demonstrating his commitment to giving back. Then, one day, he disappeared into the wilderness, never to be seen again, leaving behind a legacy of determination, transformation, and a profound connection to the supernatural world.
I was speechless. She asked it so simply that I had no answer to it. Now I realized that I am in a problem. I started to think for various possible answers which I can give her. I was showing her a smile, but inside me a whole tornado was going on. Fortunately, this tornado was stopped by hourly bell. Oh God, I love that bell. Without wasting even a single minute I stood up. I was about to move that she spoke again
"Pratap, Happy Friendship Day"
What should I answer now? Isn't this going too fast? Somebody wake me up from dream please.
"Happy Friendship Day, Ms. Mandy"
Finally, I went out of the class, directly towards my hostel. Mandy talked to me, for the first time in a year she talked to me. That's amazing. But she will surely ask for an answer of the same question tomorrow. I must have the answer to that. But how will I tell her that she looks exactly like her, My First and only love: Radha.
Hostel room was empty, turned on the Boat Rockers 200 and started to play music. Music which was favorite of Radha. She was my favorite. I started to play same old Hindi sad songs. The music that directly touches the heart, the lyrics which remind me of my story. My story with her. My story with Radha.
Radha was a common friend of me and my old school classmate Preet. Preet introduced me to her on Facebook, I guess when I was in the first year of my Botany.
Yes! I am a business student right now, but I had dropped one year from Botany. Why Dropped! Because of her, Radha
Radha was so amazing. The way she talked to me even being strangers. She was the reason I installed messenger for the first time. The fun part was, I have never seen her, but I was totally in love with her personality. You know the first impression, she rocked at it. I chatted with her for almost 24 hours continuously on the first day. She was interested in me too. Otherwise, why would someone talk to a stranger for almost whole day??? Was this love at first sight? Yes, it was, but not sight, it was love at first contact and it was so strong.
So, I got an absent. During the whole class, I was depressed. I did not give much attention to the lecture. The teacher gave me bad looks, but I ignored. How dare he gave me absent?? I was late just by 4 minutes, not even 5. Now I can never get my attendance to 100%. I was just talking with 'inner me' that the hourly bell disrupted my attention. I was the first one to move out. Even before the teacher said to leave. I didn’t care for him to say that. I was a busy man right, Mr. Teacher!
Now it was the class, for which I am always excited. It was the soft skills class. The only class infect for which I am always excited. I went straight to the room, no water, no restroom time, directly to the class. I took the second seat. Why was I excited for the class? Ooh, it was Soft skills? Maybe that's why?? No way. I mean, yeah, I am a bit better at it, but the reason was something else. The soft skills class was elective subject so 2 or maybe more sections were merged in that class. In other words it was her class. No, not the teacher. Although she was beautiful too, no offense. It was actually the girl of another section. I was into her from the first year. I have been following her to her classes. Sometimes I even missed my classes because of her. Many times we had eye contact but I never had the courage to talk to her.
The class started. All the students were present. She was sitting just by two seats left to me. I was full with anxiety. I was thinking about her that suddenly madam asked me to join her in front.
“Now Pratap will give us a demonstration of how to sleep in class" Madam giving me bad looks pointed out.
I went in front and was in a bit of wonder now what to do? But me being me, I took advantage of the time.
“Yeah, sure mam, with your guidance, I will definitely share my tips of such a talent" I said jokingly.
“Oh, go ahead. I am feeling so positive to hear you"
“I hope I will stand on your standards mam"
Now here comes my little demo on how to sleep in class.
“Sleeping in class is a symbol of intelligent students. Good Morning to one and all present here physically and mentally, my name is Pratap aka Pj. Now I will give you some tips about how to sleep in class without getting caught. First of all never sleep in class if you are having habit of snoring “the class busted out in laugh. I took a quick look at her face, she was smiling. This gave me more confidence to entertain the whole class.
“See guys, try to take first seats if you want to sleep because teachers usually ignore them due to chaos from back benchers. Back benchers, if you guys want to sleep, carry a towel cloth with you. Make sure it is below your forehead while you are sleeping. This way your head will get some heat and if you got caught make the reason that you are sick. Teacher will most probably check your temperature from forehead and pass his or her judgement." my demo was too good.
“Nice job Pratap. You are a good speaker"
“Thank you mam"
Learn from him. How to be calm at such situations and use your brain to enjoy the opportunities. But Pratap I don’t want to see you sleeping next time in class. Everyone open your books now, it’s time to start chapter 3: The signs.
I walked back to my seat. Surprisingly she spoke to me for the first time.
“That was nice Mr. Pratap”
“Thank you Ms."
“Ms. Mandeep, actually don’t call me that. Call me Mandy"
Call you Mandy?? Is she saying we are going to talk again?
“Thank you Mandy"
“And don’t mind, now can I ask why you used to follow me last year?"
I was shocked. I was not prepared for such situation. I didn't saw that one coming. I talked to myself, No doubt it's true, if beginning of the day is bad, your day will go bad.
Going to start my first blog. I heard it’s a good idea to move on. So here I am, unaware of what to write or what you mean by blogging. By the word blogging it seems to mean something like daily diary writing. So I am going to the same.
Hello, my name is Poker. It's a weird name, I admit. She used to say the same. Who is she? Good question! Keep up with me and we will run through all this crazy life.
Let's start with the morning. It's a good morning. Woke up late as I slept late. Late for class for sure. Oh, I forgot to give my details, make anyone care about that?? Even if they don't, it’s my blog ๐. You guys already know my name. I am a student of business second year right now. I am studying in Lovely Professional University (LPU) Jalandhar. Writing this blog is one of my tasks given to me in class. We can say it a task or a suggestion. Whatever it is I am doing it.
So I was late for my class. It was 8:30 in the morning. The class was at 9:00 am sharp. If we get late by 5 minutes, we don’t get attendance.
"Wake up you sleepy head", my roommate almost dropped me out of bed. "Make your ass move fast or we will get late for class."
“What’s the time dude? Are we late", I woke up, rubbing my eyes.
“It's 8:30 already, we will get later today for sure."
"Oh shit, what happened to my alarm? Why didn’t it work."?
“It worked dude. You snoozed it and slept again."
Damn this snooze button. I started to think whether to go to class or not. It was for sure that I am not going to get my attendance today, so joining the class without attendance would be a good choice? I was just wondering in my 'inner me' world, I got a phone call. It was from Priya, my classmate.
“Hey, Good morning Pj."
By the way I am Pj,
“Good Morning Priya.
"Pj, can you please mark my attendance, I can be late today."
“Oh sure, I will try"
"Thank you, my roll number is 34"
“Bye"
Now I have the reason to attend the class. I got up from bed, keeping the debate with the inner me aside. Had my bath, Dressed up for class and ran for class. It was already 8:58 when I left my hostel. When you move outside your hostel you see many more students who got late, I was not alone. I ran towards my Block and reached in iconic 5 minutes. I know it’s not that fast, but iconic for me.
I entered the class at sharp 9:04. I did not have the attendance. So sad for me. I was too puffed to argue with the teacher. I simply took my seat and started to work. It was my first absent so far in this semester. May be that's why it pained more or it was the fact that Priya was in class and she got the attendance.