Intimacy - Part 12

As days passed, Rakesh’s expectations, slowly faded and there wasn't any tiniest change in Aarthi. The semester came to an end and the next one dawned. The students were given an hour of ‘Personality Development’ session, once a week, to prepare them for campus interviews. Various dimensions, right from dressing to communication, were taught to them. Aarthi found it all interesting. She took the sessions seriously, but it was purely an hour of relaxation for most.

It was one of the session about Debates. The organiser, divided the pupils into six groups and gave a topic to every pair of groups, to debate on. Fortunately or unfortunately, Aarthi and Rakesh were placed in the same group. Aarthi was absolutely gutted. She wanted to request the organiser, to change her group. But, she was afraid that, it might look kiddish on her side, to do so. She decided to face the music, after all it's gonna last for an hour.

Rakesh never showed any emotion and he never felt anything about it. He was focusing only on his task. Rakesh’s group sat in a circle and he started jotting down the points, suggested by his team. They need to talk for the topic, “public is aware of the law, jurisdiction and its proceedings”.

“Let me write down your views briefly and we can decide on the points that each one of us will handle, later”, said Rakesh.

“Ya, sure. I feel the awareness is increasing rapidly through social media like Facebook and people don't hesitate to share their own experiences and legal formalities that should be taken care of”, said one of them.

“People are increasingly reporting crimes to the police and are more inclined in getting legal assistance”, said another.

“Law should be strengthened further for safety of woman. Women’s safety is a question, even at this time of the modern era”, said Aarthi.

Rakesh hesitated for a second or two and continued, “But that point sounds irrelevant to the topic”. And the discussion continued.

“But, law should be taught at school or at least college level. It must be made, a part of curriculum. One cannot Google all the time, to understand how the system works”, interrupted Aarthi. Rakesh looked at her. He is seeing her this close, after a long time. The previous time was, when he scolded her, in the middle of the street. But, he did not notice, how pretty she was, then. Now, with single plait, jasmine strand, pista green salwar, twinkling eyes, Aarthi was looking heavenly.

pennalla pennalla oodha poo
sivandha kannangal rosapoo
kannalla kannalla alli poo
sirippu malligai poo

siru kaivalai konjidum koiya poo
aval kaiviral ovvondrum panneer poo
mai vizhi jaadaigal mullai poo
manakkum sandhana poo
sithira maeni thaazam poo
saelai aniyum jaadhi poo
sitridai meedhu vaazhai poo
jolikkum shenbaga poo

பெண்ணல்ல பெண்ணல்ல ஊதா பூ
சிவந்த கன்னங்கள் ரோசபூ
கண்ணல்ல கண்ணல்ல அல்லி பூ
சிரிப்பு மல்லிகை பூ

சிறு கைவளை கொஞ்சிடும் கொய்யா பூ
அவள் கைவிரல் ஒவ்வொன்றும் பன்னீர் பூ
மை விழி ஜாடைகள் முல்லை பூ
மணக்கும் சந்தன பூ
சித்திர மேனி தாழம் பூ
சேலை அணியும் ஜாதி பூ
சிற்றிடை மீது வாழை பூ
ஜொலிக்கும் செண்பக பூ

Rakesh wanted to smile at her. But, “We have to talk for the topic and not against it. This point is totally against the topic”, said Rakesh and bend down his head, to continue writing.

The raging anger and the overflowing hatred, ceased Aarthi’s brain from working and she stopped giving suggestions. The discussion continued and Aarthi stayed silent throughout.

“Would you like to say something?”, asked Rakesh, looking at Aarthi’s eyes. The twinkle disappeared and frustration seemed to be overflowing, in her eyes.

“As if you will accept, whatever I say”, replied Aarthi hastily.

“Well, if you can say something, that is relevant to the topic, then it will be appreciated”

“Alright, if you know about all the things of the world, then why bother asking me?”

“It doesn't make any sense”

“Yes, I know. All that I talk will be nonsense to you”

The organiser noticed the altercation. He went near them, to stop the scene. Aarthi and Rakesh went silent, when they saw him.

“What are you both doing? Why do you want to argue like that? If you have difference in opinion, resolve it by talking like pros. This session is for team building and not for ego building. Better you both build a good rapport with each other and try to work together”, said the organiser and moved on.

The whole class watched the picture, without even the slightest murmur. Then slowly giggles and chuckles were heard from all around. Aarthi felt ashamed and the bad mood ruined her day.