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VIVEK
SNEHAL HAD BEEN VERY supportive during their visit to the engineering colleges. She was enthusiastic and self-motivated. She gave a good presentation to students and appealed to them efficiently to enroll the courses offered to gain further knowledge in computer science.
Vivek often found her stealing glances at him as she spoke to his uncle and Arjun. Her face blushed when Vivek asked for her opinion about the marketing tips. She seemed attracted to me.
Arjun had said she had been engaged, but Vivek hadn’t asked anything about her personal life during the interview. He believed she came from a well to do family; she behaved so politely with everyone in the institution.
His eyes filled with fatigue as he worked until midnight to reading the project details and writing the computer programs. He had gathered enough information on the internet that should enable him to develop the projects for the courses he offered. He was proud of himself for the initiative he had taken to make his venture stand out from the rest.
He went out of his room and his mother was preparing breakfast. She found fulfillment in serving him the food on time and she tried to keep Vivek happy.
Vivek also made sure she remained cheerful by spending a couple of hours with her in the evening.
He stood near her in the kitchen. The smell of hot idlis and sambhar masala wafted over. “Hi, Mum.”
“Breakfast is ready.” She turned to him and smiled.
“Thank you.” Vivek inhaled a deep breath. “I know, you will not let me eat out in the restaurants.” He sat by the dining table.
“What were you working on so late in the night?” Prabha served him the idlis. “Don’t stress yourself and spoil your health. You must sleep well to stay fit.”
“I have told you already, I’ve planned to teach students how to develop software projects at the end of the semester.” He took a bite of idlis and chewed. “I was implementing a few programs in the night. I hope students will like the concept and some more will get enrolled.”
“It’s good that you’re offering something useful to your students. I’m sure you’ll be successful in your endeavor. Good luck with your initiatives.”
“Thank you.” Vivek smiled.
“Be cautious when it comes to spending money.” Prabha knotted her brows. “It will always be wise to save instead of paying for unnecessary needs.”
“I know.” Vivek took the last bite of his breakfast. “I’ve noted the expenses made so far and planned well for the future.”
“How are your colleagues, Snehal and Pooja, doing?”
Vivek’s chest tightened. Why is she asking about them?
“They are doing well.” He controlled his urge to speak about Snehal. He wiped his hands to a pink napkin and went to the living room.
After exchanging a few more words, Vivek left for his institution.
The road was crowded with cars, motorbikes, and taxis. He had to stop his car for a few minutes until an inspector in white-khaki uniform cleared the crowd. The smoke from the vehicles choked him. He raised the windows and started the air conditioner.
At his institution, Priya rose to her feet. “Good morning, Sir.”
“Good morning.” Vivek focused his gaze on her. “Have any new students approached in the morning?”
“No new enrollments, Sir.” She paused and then said, “Snehal is conducting her class.”
“Okay. If new students approached, send them to me.” He went to his office.
Vivek, standing near the door, looked at Snehal. She was writing on the whiteboard, describing the subject. She was beautiful in her pink silk sari with a pale red border. Her long entwined hair was tucked with a jasmine string. Her fair face glistened in the daylight streaming through the window.
While Vivek continued to stare at her, Snehal shifted her gaze towards him. She stopped teaching. She came out of the classroom.
Vivek was embarrassed as Snehal might ask why he was standing there, looking at her. He hastened to enter his office. Should I tell her the reason why I was standing there?
“Hello, Vivek.” Snehal’s face lit up.
“Yeah, Hi.” Vivek composed himself.
“Do you’ve something to talk about?”
“Well-”
“Yes, tell me,” Snehal said, her voice soft.
“I need to talk to students for a while.” Vivek sighed. At last, he found some reason to tell her.
“Now?” Snehal arched her brows.
“After you finish your class,” Vivek said.
“Another half an hour, and I’m done.”
“Sure.” Vivek sounded confident.
Snehal went back to the classroom.
Vivek sat on his black, leather-cushioned chair. His heart was still racing after meeting Snehal. He has attracted to her seductive smile and the fragrance of the jasmine perfume lingered. He hadn’t expected Snehal would come out of the classroom to see him.
Snehal seemed interested in him. But Vivek needed to know more about her before he made any conclusions. He would talk to Arjun and ask about her personal life.
Snehal was studious in her profession and conducted classes regularly. She had a good command of her subjects and taught with confidence. Having her in his institution for the basic languages would be an added advantage. And her percentage-based salary worked out well. It’s a win-win situation for both of us.
Had any students enrolled for Java and .net subjects, he would have been busy mentoring like Snehal. He hoped some students would approach and register after he announced his new project-based teaching concept.
Vivek spent the next twenty minutes going through the list of students and the fees paid by them.
Snehal approached, holding her C++ book. She smiled, her gold earrings dangling. She placed the book on the table and sat in front of Vivek.
Two weeks before, Snehal never took a seat without Vivek’s permission. Now, she behaved rather close to him. She had become friendlier.
“You’re exhausted,” Vivek twirled a paperweight.
“I am used to it.” Snehal smiled. “I have told the students to remain in the classroom. You wanted to talk to them, right?”
“Yes.” Vivek rose. “Let’s go. It’s about the software projects we talked about. I want you to join me.” He went out of his office.
“Have you decided about the type of projects you’re going to talk about?”
“Yes, I’ll tell them everything in detail.”
Snehal followed him.
Vivek pushed open the door and entered the classroom.
All the students rose. Vivek gestured them to sit back, and he sat on a chair.
Snehal pulled a chair and made herself comfortable.
“So, I’m sure you all are enjoying the subject taught by madam Snehal.” Vivek raised his voice.
The students nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Okay, the purpose of this brief meeting is.” Vivek straightened in his seat. “I have something interesting to offer to you at the end of the course.” He paused and said, “We’re teaching you how to code for a software project. You’ll be given specifications to implement a pilot project based on the knowledge you have gained.”
Vivek waited for the students to talk.
One of the students raised his hand. He stood. “Sir, we don’t have much practical experience. How can we develop a project?”
“We’re here to help you,” Vivek said.
Snehal cleared her throat. “I’ll teach the example programs in the theory. They will be helpful to develop the pilot projects we’re talking about.”
“If you teach us the coding, it will be a good value addition, Madam,” another student said.
“And you’ll be given a certificate mentioning you’ve developed a software project,” Vivek said.
“It will be helpful when you apply for jobs,” Snehal added.
They all interacted for a few more minutes before Vivek adjourned the session.
Vivek didn’t have anything to do there and would work on the projects at home. He left the institution in the afternoon.
In the evening, his phone rang. It was Pooja.
Why did she call now? “Hello, Pooja,” Vivek answered.
“Sir, I have some news for you.”
Vivek’s chest lightened. “What’s that?”
“New students came to know about the courses we’re offering. They were interested to know about the projects.”
“What did you tell them?” Vivek leaned forward.
“I told them to meet you tomorrow.”
“Did they mention the kind, of course, they’re interested in?” Vivek wanted to know if anyone were interested in java and .net.
“Many were interested in java and .net. A few more wanted to enroll for the C and C++. They were keen to know about the projects after the end of the course.”
“It’s all right. I’ll be there tomorrow and interact with them.”
“Okay.”
Vivek collapsed on the couch, contemplating. He made a wise decision to introduce the projects. No doubt it had attracted many students. A word of mouth would surely help.
The charming personality of Snehal would also make the students approach.
Pooja was seated in her seat when Vivek entered his institution in the morning. After they exchanged the greetings, Vivek said, “Can I see the students’ registration book?” He was curious to see the register after he had announced the project-oriented teaching.
Pooja handed him a long and thick account book. Vivek flipped through the pages with his heart racing. The number of students interested had almost doubled. And many wanted to learn java and .net. It would give him enough work and earnings.
“Did anyone make the payment?”
“No, Sir,” Pooja said. “They want to talk to you before paying.”
“Alright. They’ll come again if they are interested. Vivek went and sat in his office. Snehal was teaching. Her voice filtered through the classroom walls.
She approached him after finishing her class. She seemed tired and inhaled a heavy breath.
In her light red mixed pink T-shirt and blue jeans, she looked beautiful. Her not so long entwined hair was tucked with a jasmine string. The smell of flowers hung in the air.
“Did Pooja tell you some more students came and enquired?” Vivek asked.
“Yes, she did tell me.” She sighed in relief. “I think your announcement about projects had its effect.”
“Snehal, let’s not lose this opportunity to make our endeavor a success.” Vivek looked into her eyes. “I know you are studious, but we need to put that extra effort to stand out from the rest.”
“I know. Well begun is half done.” She smiled. “We’ll make sure this semester ends with satisfaction, and these students will refer our brand to their juniors.”
Vivek nodded. “Absolutely”.
Later that afternoon, students started approaching to know more about the project-oriented learning method. Vivek and Snehal explained in detail about the concept and helped them enroll and collected the first installment of fees. Vivek was content seeing the surge in the registration. I don’t need to worry about paying the bills this semester.
“Hi, Mum.” Vivek entered his home, smiling.
His mother was making a garland out of marigolds to adorn Lord Krishna.
“You‘re late today.” She continued weaving.
“Yes. I had to extend my period for some more time.”
“How is it all going?”
“Pretty good. Snehal and Pooja are working well.”
“I’m glad to know.” She rose. “Let me get coffee for you.”
Vivek sat on the couch and heaved a sigh in relief. His hard work along with his uncle and Arjun had really paid well so far. He had his mother’s blessings and he was confident he would surely do better in the future.
I should treat everyone by taking them to a restaurant for dinner. It’s time to celebrate success.
His mother came with a coffee in her hand. “You seem to be exhausted.”
“No. I feel confident only after I do something; either it’s a coding or taking a class.” The aroma of hot coffee wafted in the air.
Vivek took a couple of sips and placed the cup on the table. “Mum, how about if we all have dinner at Punjab?”
“Um....”
“Yes, Mum. We have all worked towards the progress and it’s time for me to treat everyone.”
His mother smiled. “I don’t have any objections, Beta. Do what you feel good for you.”
He grabbed the phone and said, “I’ll invite uncle, Arjun, and my colleagues.”
He called them and told to meet at Punjab’s restaurant at seven o’clock.
It was a quarter to eight when they sat by the table inside Punjab. The lights – yellow and dimly lit – created a cozy atmosphere. A song by Jagjit Singh serenaded the ambiance.
Arjun didn’t attend because of his wife’s doctor’s visit.
They talked about the traffic they had to overcome, and the choice of the hotel until Vivek said, “Uncle, I really thank everyone for making my venture a success. Arjun and you helped me in many ways to overcome the initial hurdles.” He turned to Snehal and Pooja. “I’m glad to have you both with me. You shared the necessary marketing strategies. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been possible to come this far.”
A waiter in white uniform and red turban approached and took the orders.
Vivek grew upset seeing Snehal and Pooja seated alone at the far end of the table. He wished to join them and speak with Snehal. It is an opportunity to build a good relationship with Snehal.
“Excuse me.” He rose and went towards Snehal.
Snehal’s eyes widened when Vivek approached her. “Hi, Snehal” He turned to Pooja. “Hello, Pooja.”
They wished him back.
“I don’t want you to become alone.” Vivek sat beside Snehal.
“Snehal, you told your parents will not permit you to attend the party.” Vivek smiled. “I hope you convinced them, eventually.”
“Yes, my Mum permitted even though Dad was not agreeing.” Snehal sounded soft.
“I’m glad that you have made it.”
Vivek wished to know more about her personal life. He wished to ask her about her fiancé but controlled his urge to do so. Snehal hadn’t mentioned about her engagement, and let her speak about the matter. If she doesn’t mention about it, she is definitely not interested in her would-be husband.
“You said you have an elder sister, correct?” Vivek asked.
“Yes, she is married,” Snehal said.
“Where does she live?”
“Mysore.” Snehal’s face lit with a smile.
“Have you ever been to Mysore?”
“Yes, I visited a couple of times,” Snehal said.
“Did you visit Brindavan Garden?” Pooja asked.
“Yes, who will miss having gone all the way?” Snehal smiled.
Meanwhile, the waiter arrived and served the food to everyone. The smell of Indian masala wafted in the air.
Vivek mixed a paneer curry with tandoori roti and shoved it into his mouth. He chewed for a few minutes, contemplating. I should ask Snehal about her marriage. If I remained silent, I never know what’s in her mind.
“Snehal, if you don’t mind, I have a question for you.”
“Yes, tell me, what is it?” Snehal stopped chewing the food and looked into his eye.
“What have you planned for your marriage?”
Snehal stared down and coughed. Her face blushed, and she drank water, composing herself.
Vivek was surprised and shocked to see her response. There must be something wrong about the matter. Otherwise, she would have told him about her engagement wholeheartedly. Vivek decided to remain quiet, not to trouble her anymore.
“Are you all right?” Pooja asked her.
“Yes, I am,” Snehal said.
Snehal changed the subject and spoke about their business achievement so far. Pooja too supported her while they conversed about Digital India. Vivek remained surprised why Snehal never answered his question.
All relished the hot and sumptuous north Indian food. It was half-past ten in the night when they went back to their home.
Vivek tried to decipher Snehal’s problem while he drove back home.