Manish had no choice now. "Excuse me." "Yes?" What a voice. She must be a singer.
"Those seniors sent me. They want your introduction. If you don't mind. I am being ragged."
Please. "What introduction?"
"Your name, which college, hobbies, you know that kind of thing."
Date of birth."Oh, OK. My name is Prema Maheswaran. I am from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Madras. I like reading books. OK?"
What about singing? "Thank you very much." Manish turned to go back. "Wait, what is your name?"
Hooray! "M-M-Manish. I am in your section only." "OK."
Swami and Thomas waved their hands excitedly as Manish walked back to the seniors. Avoiding their eyes, Manish reported, "Sir, her name is Ms. Prema Maheswaran. She is from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Madras. Her hobby is reading books. Sir." "That's all? Why didn't you ask her something else?"
In front of the entire college??!! "What books does she read? Who is her favourite author? Which branch is she in?" "Sorry, sir." "You have no guts, man. Rajeev, I think you must demote Corporal Crap and train him some more."
Rajeev, aka Thug#1, took charge. "Do you see that lady in red t-shirt in the corner? Her name is Miss Lily. Go and tell her, 'Miss Lily, Don't be silly.' Go fast before she finishes her chai." Manish gulped, looked at his feet and pleaded, "Please, Sir. She may get angry, sir." "Not at all, she is a very friendly lady. She might buy you a cutting, you know. Ask her that also, if you can share her chai." "Please, sir. Please." "Corporal! You will be demoted to Sepoy and run around the campus five times today if you don't move your ass immediately! GO!"
Manish moved slowly, praying that Miss Lily would finish her tea and return to her class immediately. But she seemed to be in no hurry. She was sitting with a couple of friends, and they were busy talking. Manish looked back, hoping the seniors were only joking and would ask him to get back, no such luck. The canteen was not too big and soon he was standing at Miss Lily's table.
Miss Lily looked up. There was a peel of laughter from the thugs. Manish stood there, not daring to lift his eyes up. She asked him, in a not unfriendly tone, "What do you want?"
Manish: (silence)
Miss Lily: "Did those guys send you here?
Manish: (nodding)
Miss Lily: "Are you supposed to ask me something or tell me something?
Manish: (nodding)
Miss Lily: "So speak up! I am not going to eat you up.
Manish: (croaking) "Miss Lily.... Miss Lily.... you are... you are...
Miss Lily: "What?
Manish: "Silly.
Miss Lily's friends laughed loudly. Miss Lily began to smile, then made her face strict. "My name is not Lily. And I am surely not silly. Next time you want to speak to me, call me Mala and look into my eyes. Now go away."
Manish said a silent prayer, glanced up slightly and saw that Mala was now smiling. He took courage and ventured, "Ma'am I am also supposed to ask you to share your chai with me. They told to tell you, ma'am." Mala stood up, held Manish's shoulder and walked him back to the seniors. "Rajeev, you cheapskate! You are not only ragging this poor fellow, you also want me to buy him chai! You buy him chai now. And the next time anybody calls me Miss Lily, you've had it." The last statement seemed to be for the benefit of the entire canteen because it was shouted out loudly.
Rajeev, too stunned to react, found his voice after Mala was back at her table. "What nakhras! Oye chotu, ek chai for this bachcha. Mere account mein daal dena." Turning towards Manish, "Dismissed. Enough for today. I will see you tomorrow, same place, same time."
This is Episode 7 of the Hostelitis saga. Check all episodes here. The Preface can be found here. 
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