Short Story from College days
© Anand Vishnu Prakash, YourStoryClub.com
Ashwin finished his breakfast in the hostel mess and then he started heading for the college. He remembered the resolution he had made about staying truthful. Ashwin had decided that he would never ever tell a lie again in his life. He would set an example for others to follow.
As soon as he entered his class, he was greeted by his friends, Swapna and Monica. Swapna was her usual modest self wearing a white chudi and Monica looked stunning in a tight top and jeans.
Swapna said, “Ashwin. You look good in this shirt”. Ashwin said “thanks”. Monica interfered and said “when a girl praises your looks, you cannot simply say thanks. You must tell her how she looks too”.
Ashwin said, “oh. I should say how Swapna looks. She is in the usual boring dress” and then he muttered slowly “fully covered”. Swapna looked shocked. To ease things up, Monica said “what happened to you Ashwin? Why are you being rude to her?'”.
Ashwin replied “I am not being rude here. I just said what I felt about her dress truthfully”. Swapna looked away furiously pretending to be disinterested in the conversation.
Monica said “so what would you say about my dress Mr.Truthful?”. Ashwin said “your dress looks very good” and then added “I wish you look good as your dress”. Monica laughed and said “your sense of humour is good”. Ashwin replied sincerely “I am not being humorous. I just said what I felt like”.
Their conversation broke as the professor walked in and started taking the class. A little while later, the professor asked a question to Anita, one of their classmates. She did not know the answer.
Then the professor called out “Ashwin” expecting him to answer his question. Ashwin stood up and said “Sir, I don’t know the answer to your question” and after a pause, he added “infact I do not know the question itself”. The professor was furious but he somehow managed to continue the class.
Later in the day, the friends assembled in the canteen for their lunch. Pradeep asked Ashwin “what happened to you dude? You seem to be acting crazier than your usual self”. Ashwin said “Oh. Did I?”.
Swapna jumped at the opportunity and said “usually you are such a sweet guy and today something has happened to you”, Ashwin said “nothing. I am just fine”.
Monica said playfully “sir is just trying to be truthful. So please don’t mistake him”.
Pradeep said “guys. The weekend is approaching. I was wondering if we all can hit beach in my car like the way we did last month”. Monica said happily, “yes. It is a great idea”. Swapna said “yup. It would be a good break from the routine”.
Monica looked at Ashwin and said “why are you not saying anything?”, Ashwin said “about what?”. Monica said “I mean. Err.. The beach thing”. Ashwin said “I am wondering what should I say to avoid this outing”.
Swapna asked “why? You don’t like coming with us?”. Ashwin said “it is not like that. But I can’t stand this pompous guy if he starts showing off like he did last time”, Pradeep appeared to ignore this comment but Monica and Swapna quietly shared an understanding smile.
Later in the evening, Ashwin retired to his hostel room. He was feeling tired. His mobile phone rang and it was his mother. He picked up the phone and said happily “hi mom”. She said “Hi Ashwin. Had dinner?”. He replied “I had. Why did you call mom?”. She said cheerfully “why do I need a reason to call my son. I felt like talking to you and so I called”. Ashwin said “but right now, I am feeling sleepy mom. So I don’t want to talk to anyone”.
His mom hung up the receiver with a thud without saying another word. Ashwin understood that his mother was angry. But she would be fine soon. He reflected upon the day’s proceedings. Many people were annoyed by his truth experiment. It was probably not a good idea to be so open. Somehow he should find the right balance between staying truthful and not offending anyone. When he started thinking of how to accomplish this balance, he dozed off to sleep.
__END__
