“Chapter 5!”
“Since we have decided to perform a play for cancer children, who will be arriving as guest at our campus. The most votes were given to once again Romeo Juliet! Seriously guys, in my ten years of teaching I never saw anyone go beyond the love birds. Please, be more creative..” Cried Mr Bose in an exhausting tone.
“So, are we doing Romeo and Juliet or not?”
“Sanskar, my dear boy..” Mr Bose shot him a sharp look, “I’m aware you would ask something so splendid, like always you weren’t bothered by what I have to say?”
“So, what is it? Romeo Juliet or not?” Listening to Sanskar Mr Bose was sure Sanskar was immune to his talk. “Ah! Why I didn’t transfer when I had a chance?” Sighed Mr Bose to himself. “The play that had been chosen is Romeo and Juliet.”
All the class cheered leaving only two people who made a face, one was quiet obvious Mr Bose other was Ragini, whose continuous suggestion was dismissed, she wanted the play to be about Ninja, she even got her costume prepared and went ahead and got her a sword though Swrara kept reminding her everyone at school might not share the same idea as her “..who’s listening?” Swara emitted a long sigh.
With coming days cast was decided for the play, it was Sanskar suggestion Ragini play as Romeo’s part, ‘he bet none of the boys in their class are more manly than Ragini is!’ His suggestion was actually approved by his classmates which only push Ragini to draw her sword on Sanskar, which she was carrying from her ninja costume. “Watch your big mouth maggot, no matter how you see me as, I’m nothing but a gorgeous princess.” Upon listening to Ragini even Swara couldn’t control her laugh let alone class who were thanking Ragini for having such a good humour.
“Ohh, what a irony?” Sanskar jeered, taking her childish sword off his throat, “I completely feel for you Ragini.” He faked a sorry face, “No!..actually..No! I don’t!” He sneered, treating her with his arrogance.
Ragini bit her lips in anger, ‘Sanskar Maheshari, you picked a fight with a wrong girl.” She called out loudly which only entertained Sanskar’s ears. “I agree to play Romeo!” She announced which only caused more unexpected faces, including Swara and Sanskar. “Since I’m Romeo, than I should be allowed to choose my princess, It’s only fair, right?” She addressed leaving others with not much choice to disagree. Sanskar didn’t like where it was going, he has more or less idea whose Ragini’s Juliet would be, but before he could protest the whole class has favoured in to Ragini’s terms, their eyes gleaming on Sanskar, seemed like they were having fun, their looks made it evident they were seeking pleasure in Ragini’s plan.
Sawra didn’t wanted to be part of their trivial squabble, she left to her seat and immerse herself in a book.
“I can’t wait to see you all dolled up for moi, my princess.” Ragini whistle as she walked passed Sanskar. Her words send chill down his spine. “Women’s are scary!” He shuddered.
“Sanskar, the Juliet. Ohhh.., can someone tell, when the wait will end to meet our princess!” Sanskar friend teased him, Sanskar threw a angry look at them , making them go quite. “Oh! I hate my life..” he kicked the table nearby.
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At cafeteria Sanskar forced Laksh to his complains, and on the other hand Ragini was torturing Swara with her tantrums.
“Swara save me, I don’t want to be in a play with that jerk, please! You have to do something Swara! Swara! Swaraaa_pleaseeeee…”
“Stop before I kill you out of stress,” Swara breathed a long sigh, “Ragini stop pulling a puppy eyes on me_ aargh! Somebody kill me_” Swara sighed, “I hate myself for always giving into you_ fine, I will help! I I’ll take your place.”
“Thank you Swara, I know I can count on you.” Ragini looked content, munching on her sandwich.
“Will you be able to sacrifice your sister in your stead?” Swara asked nervously, hoping Ragini would reconsider it, after all swara thought, Ragini is aware how much she hate Sanskar.
“Gladly!” Ragini responded with a glee, and left the place with a happy note.
“I knew it, I shouldn’t have agreed.” Swara quote herself. “Notes to me: Never give in to Ragini, Never!” She reminded herself strictly.
On the other side of the cafeteria, looked like it was Sanskar’s turn to annoy Laksh.
“I understand you don’t want to play Juliet, but I’m sorry brother I can’t help you, I’m not a part of your class and don’t mind me saying this, but you have bought this upon yourself. What was the need to propose Ragini as Romeo, now you must reap what you have sown.”
“Help me, will you? Your suppose to be my brother.” Outcry Sanskar, “I only proposed Ragini as Romeo because she made fool out of me last time and I wanted to teach her a lesson.
“So, how it’s going?” Laksh made a remark, “seems to me once again you had made a fool of yourself.”
Sanskar made a long face_ “Fine! I don’t need your help bro, I’ll manage.”
“How I suppose?” Laksh was not giving him any break, by now Sanskar was feeling frustrated, he got up to leave. “OK, I’m sorry_” said Laksh, he forced Sanskar back to his seat and added, “I got an idea.” All of a sudden Sanskar felt, Laksh tone has become melodious, ‘tell me…tell me..?” Was written all over his face.
Laksh smiled at his brothers child-like curiosity but had plan of his own in helping Sanskar. “Let me take your place.”
“But your not part of our class?” Sanskar said absentmindedly.
“But of course I’m your brother, what choice will they be left with_ if we fake your injury on very day, the play is on. Who else can know your lines more than I do_since you will be practicing a hell lot at home.” Laksh smirked, right brother?”
“Ahh…right!” Sanskar stretched still struggling to understand what just happened? “Why are you doing this, why do you want to make fun of yourself in front of whole campus just for me bro? Why?” Sanskar sounded puzzled.
“It’s not just for you!” Said Laksh getting up from his seat.
“Wait! I can’t let this happen, I rather play the Juliet part than having others make fun of you bro.” Sanskar declared.
“Go back to class Sanskar, it’s already decided, it’s not going to change.” Laksh left, which only made Sanskar more annoyed, “it was suppose to be a play, why is it turning so serious. Whatever!” He composed himself and a smiled played on his lips in excitement, “Sorry bro, Sanskar play by his own rules!”