`You? Why? Tired of being a nerd?' Radhica asked.
Now, Radhica was a gym freak. She used to spend an hour daily at the gym toning and running! And she had arguably the fittest body in the whole school. She was a little short alright, but she had a kick-ass body! And that was the reason the swimming team captain wanted her in the team. She wasn't a great swimmer, and hardly ever won, but she was a treat to look at. Though over the school uniform, it was hard to imagine what she hid inside. Girls used to envy her a lot. On the other hand, Naman was a little fat and a little creepy, but otherwise he was really cute.
`I think it's good to be thin. And non-ugly,' Naman said.
`You are not ugly!' Radhica said.
`I agree,' Ananya said.
`C'mon people. You don't have to say that. I know what I am.'
`You don't!' Radhica said.
`I really need to lose weight. And you know...I don't even look good,' he said.
`Yes, you need to lose weight, but other than that, you're just fine!' Radhica said.
`Is it so? Would a girl like you ever date someone as bad looking as I am?
`Will you stop saying that? Looks are not the end of the world, Naman,' Ananya said.
`Exactly! Screw it, Naman.' Radhica added.
`I think they are.'
`Okay, even if they are, you look just fine. And yes, if you were just a little thin, and looked just like this, and would have asked me out in a nice way, I might have considered!' Radhica said and smiled at him.
`Really? he asked with his eyes wide open.
`Who knows!'
Ananya just stayed shut and enjoyed this conversation. Though not for long, as the teacher walked in. Ananya and Naman switched place so that she could talk to Yuvraj when he enters class, if he did! Finally, he did. He smiled as he entered the class. The teacher gave him an earful for being late and non-serious and he smiled through it.
`Where have you been?' she asked him as he sat next to her.
`I have been busy,' he said. Naman and Yuvraj looked at each other exchanged those stupid silly smiles again.
`If you smile like that once more, I will break your nose, Yuvraj!' she said, `I seriously need you to review my debate.'
`I will do that.'
`You look distracted?'
`Who? Me?'
`Yes, Yuvraj. And what are you so busy with?'
`Just stuff.'
`Fine,' Ananya said angrily. She hoped Yuvraj would notice but he didn't. It became very clear to her, that she was growing fond of Yuvraj. And his growing proximity with Natasha made her very uncomfortable. But still she just wanted to talk to him...
And Radhica and Naman were making it very difficult for her to do so, by talking and laughing so loudly between each other!
The class ended.
`Yuvraj?'
`Yes, Ananya? Oh...that debate? I will read it tonight.'
`No, I wanted to talk about something else.'
`What?'
`Umm...' she weighed her words.
`Is it about Naman and Radhica?' he said excitedly.
Ananya turned around to look where Yuvraj's eyes were. Few seats away Naman and Radhica were talking to each other and they looked happy. It looked like something was cooking between them.
`Naman likes her,' Yuvraj said.
`Naman likes every girl!' she said.
`No, in a very sweet kind of way...' Yuvraj said.
`But this is not I wanted to talk to you about.'
Just as she said this, Yuvraj's phone started ringing and he had to leave. Ananya stood there alone. She looked at Naman and Radhica and felt a little bad for herself.
inally the day came. When Ananya woke up that morning, she was happy. She was happy that out of the thousands in her school, she was the one chosen to represent her school for what was the biggest and the most prestigious debating competition in Delhi.
Any school in Delhi was judged only on two parameters. The Debating Team and the cricket team. Well, closely followed by the football team. Though the last two were totally guys' playing area but the first one was open to all...and hence the competition was tough and the stakes were high. Traditionally, The Bishop Boys were champions at this...and at cricket...and football...amongst others (Like the most good looking guys, the smartest guys etc.)
But slowly and steadily, the other schools were stepping up their efforts too. Last year, DPS R.K. Puram had come very close to beating them, but it didn't happen. The Bishop Boys had won it and won it fair and square. They were simply that good.
That day, everyone sat in the bus and left for The Bishop Boys School. The day before, Ananya had convinced Yuvraj to come for the competition. He refused at first because Natasha didn't want to go, but ultimately he agreed. Ananya and Radhica were sitting on the last seat of the bus going over their speeches one last time. Naman, Yuvraj and Natasha were sitting at a distance, enjoying their day off from school.
`Where is Rishab?' Radhica asked.
`He is taking his own car,' Ananya said.
`So, why do you think Natasha didn't want to come?'
`...obvious reasons Radhica...what if that guy is there...what was his name? Rana!'
`Hmm...' Radhica said.
Radhica's phone beeped. She checked it and her lips curved into a strange big smile.
`What's it?' Ananya asked.
`What's what?'
`Why are you smiling? Who messaged?' Ananya asked and looked up to see there was a momentary eye contact between Naman and Radhica!
`No way!' she said. `Is it Naman?
`What? No!' Radhica tried defending herself. But Ananya in a quick fluid motion snatched her phone from her and read the message.
You look cute today!
Not that you don't every other day...
Best of luck.
P.S. - I ran 5 kms yesterday.!
I am on my way. :D
`What the... What is this, Radhica?'
`It's nothing, Ananya. Will you concentrate on the debate?'
`Don't lie! What's the message all about?'
`Nothing, Naman is just being sweet...'
And you?'
`What me?'
`Look at you, Radhica. You are blushing.'
`I am not. It's just that he is being so sweet. All the time.'
`Didn't you just tell me days ago that he was a creep?'
`Do you think so, Ananya?' she asked nervously.
`No! Not at all. I think Naman is very sweet,' Ananya said
,...and I just told him that he needs to lose some weight.'
,...and when he does? What then?' Ananya asked.
`We will see that later!'Radhica said and shyly looked down at the paper.
`You are so vain...' Ananya said.
`Whatever, you are dating Rishab. What's vainer than that?'
`I am not!' Ananya said.
`Whatever,' she said and both of them laughed.
`But do you like him?' Ananya asked.
`I don't know.'
After a half an hour drive they reached the school. It didn't matter whether one had seen The Bishop Boys school before or not, it never ceased to amaze anyone. It was like the Hogwarts of Delhi. It was huge and there were cute and handsome guys all around. There were students with walkie-talkies in their hands who escorted all the students of The Presidency Convent inside the school. It was all jazz.
The students from all the schools couldn't help but look all around. Huge, well maintained buildings, nice looking lush green lawns and football fields. The school in itself was enormous.
`I wish I could just stay back here!' Radhica said.
`I wish I grow old and die here,' Ananya said.
And then, they started talking about the boys around them. Ten of the ten boys they saw around them were dateable! And at least nine out of those ten looked marriage material to them! Soon, the two of them were ushered into the room where all the participants were. It wasn't exactly a room. It was a huge conference hall, wit
h huge pictures of winners of previous debates hanging from the walls. They later came to know that the hall was the debating club room!
Rishab was waiting for them there.
`Hey,' he said, `How do you like the place?' he smiled.
`It's incredible!' They both echoed.
`I am glad you like it,' he said.
`Like it? I love it! No wonder you want to come back to this school so much.' Ananya said.
And the guys! It's like an acting school in New York! They are all young Brad Pitts here,' Radhica added.
`Thank you,' Rishab said.' Fine, you two stay here, I will just go meet all my friends. And if you need anything, just call me.'
`I don't think we will need you. Though we might want to meet your friends,' Radhica said and chuckled.
Rishab left the two girls looking around with wide eyes, awe and surprised.
Every few minutes, a different guy from the organizing team used to enter the hall and ask if they needed anything. Every time a guy walked in, the girls sighed. It seemed like every guy was perfect. Everyone spoke like a top debater of a top notch school. If normal guys spoke like this, they wondered what their debaters would be like.
`My day is already made,' Radhica whispered, `Did you see? Every guy! Every guy here talks like a dream... and all of them are so...'
`I get it,' Ananya said.
Ananya had noticed that. As they had entered the school, every guy that they had seen was in the proper school uniform, not a hair out of place and everyone smiled at them, not in a creepy fashion, but in a we-welcomeyou-toour-schooll kind of fashion. They had a charm which was strictly nice-guy sorts, complete with a tinge of playboyishness in them.
Exactly at the time that the event had to start, everyone was escorted into the auditorium, which was of the size of at least two football fields. The entire Bishop Boys School was there, and yet, there was a pin drop silence. It was as if there was no one there! It was incredible. They were amidst a sea of dream-looking boys.
`Incredible,' Ananya said.
`I swear!' Radhica said.
Everyone was shocked. This school really deserved to be where it was, everyone thought.
Then, the Head Boy of the school started talking. He looked like an English movie actor and spoke like a US presidential candidate. All the girl participants were clearly drooling. They didn't listen to what he was talking about and just kept looking at him.
Anyway, the debate started.
School after school, participant after participant came and delivered. There were interjections raised, there were some pretty nasty arguments too. Luckily, both Radhica and Ananya were amongst the last speakers for that event so their nerves had more or less calmed down by the time it was their turn.
`Best of luck,' Ananya whispered in Radhica's ear as she took the stage.
Radhica rocked it. As Ananya saw her walk up to the stage and speak confidently into her mic, she felt more and more proud with every passing second. Radhica put forward her points and justified them in a way that no one could raise any question at anything she said. She left no gaps open.
As she said "thank you" in her mic and walked backstage to where Ananya was waiting for her, the auditorium erupted into a huge round of applause. Ananya joined in, clapping profusely, smiling at Radhica.
`How was I?' Radhica asked.
`Honestly...'
`Yeah...'
`I am jealous.'
`Really? I did okay?' Radhica asked nervously.
'Are you kidding me? You were amazing!'
`Thank you!'
`The guys down there seemed pretty happy,' Ananya said and motioned to some exceptionally good looking guys sitting in the audience. Radhica looked at her and winked.
She was up next. Radhica wished her luck. She didn't need any. She was wonderful. All the anxiety she'd felt before stepping up to the stage vanished as soon as she held the mic. Like she always did, she started in a low voice, greeting everyone pleasantly and introducing herself. And then, she started her debate. Slowly, her voice turned stronger and gained conviction. She spoke in a way that had everyone convinced of her points.
She killed it.
The last to come were two guys from The Bishop Boys School. As if it was not enough that they looked like the golden eyed boys from those Twilight movies, they took the stage on like they owned it (Well, they did.). Anyway, they blew the competition to pieces. Not that Ananya and Radhica were not awesome, but their confidence had taken a huge beating. They were no longer hopeful of their chances. All the participants were asked to leave the stage and join the rest of their classmates who were sitting amongst the crowd while the results were still being compiled.
`You were awesome!' Yuvraj told Ananya.
`Was I?V
'Yes, you were. So were you, Radhica.'
`Thank you,' Radhica said. `Weren't the Bishop Boys so much better? I don't think we stand a chance.'
`You were better.' Naman said and smiled at Radhica. She smiled back.
Ananya and Radhica were very nervous. What made things worse was that there was only one position in this competition. No runner ups, no second position! Just one top position and that's it!
Finally the results were to be announced. The incredible looking Head Boy came with a sheet in his hand and started announcing the results. Their hearts were in their mouths. The crowd had suddenly grown silent. Everyone waited with bated breath as the Head Boy mouthed those words.
He announced, `The Best Interjector-RadhicaMalhotra! The Presidency Convent!
And the entire auditorium burst out into a huge applause. It was as if The Bishop Boys had won! They were equally appreciative of someone else winning! It was very strange to see such a sight. Ananya was really happy for Radhica! She hugged her and Radhica went up to the stage and stood next to the Head Boy.
'And, the best debater of this year at The Bishop Boys Debate competition, 2011 is...' he paused for effect and everybody held their breath, `ANANYA ROY!'
And the auditorium burst into applause again! The entire Presidency Convent team just stood there looking at each other blankly, because something this big had never happened before! Only, Ananya was still a little sane because she was new to the city and the school and she didn't know what all that meant! Finally, when everybody came back to their senses and realized they had really won, they hugged Ananya and she went up to the stage and both of them received their certificates. It was a clean sweep - Best Interjector, Best Debater and Best Team!
As the Head boy helped Radhica down the stage, he introduced himself, `Hi. I'm Avinash Sachdev.'
`Hey! Radhica,' she smiled.
`Yes, I know. Everyone does.'
She grinned.
`Nice debate there! Congratulations,' he said.
`Thank you.'
`Umm...do you mind if I add you on Facebook?'
`Not at all!'
`Great! Will catch up with you then,' the gorgeous boy said.
She nodded.
And it was not the last time that day that guys approached them. As the auditorium was being vacated, a lot of guys came up to these two, and introduced themselves and congratulated them on their victory. Everyone was behaved impeccably and no one was too intrusive. Ananya and Radhica just kept stealing discreet glances at each other and smiling.
Anyway, finally the crowd filtered out, and they all went and sat in their canteen, which really looked like an upscale restaurant. Even there, a lot of guys from that school came to them and congratulated them on their win and told them about how awesome they were.
Both Ananya and Radhica spent quite some time on the phone, because all the teachers were calling and congratulating them. It was then, when Ananya realized that what she had achieved was really something big. Finally, about an hour or so of disbelief and congratulatory messages and calls, everything settled down.
And then, as they sat together in the canteen, Naman said, `Both of you seem to be enjoying all the attention!'
<
br /> `Are you jealous?' Ananya asked.
'Any guy would be! Have you seen them? It's like they have been engineered to mock us,' Naman said.
'Aw. You're cute,' Radhica said.
`Whatever. But I wouldn't be surprised if some of the girl students don't leave this school ever!' he said.
`We were thinking along the same lines,' Ananya said.
`Where is Natasha, by the way?' he smiled wickedly. He knew. It was apparent that Radhica had told him about Natasha and Rana. Just as they were talking, Rishab came and sat next to them.
`It must suck not to be in this school anymore? Right, Rishab?' said Yuvraj, who had been quiet all this while said. Yuvraj had been busy, constantly calling up Natasha but she was not picking up her phone.
`It does. But The Presidency has girls! And very beautiful girls!' he said and looked at Ananya.
`Rishab?' Yuvraj asked him, `Have you seen Natasha?'
`Natasha?' he said, `Yes. She is upstairs. With Rana. Why?'
`Rana?Yuvraj asked, a little shocked.
Shit.. Naman, Ananya and Radhica had the same shocked expression pasted across their faces! Rishab had assumed that Ananya had told Yuvraj everything about that day.
`She is with who? Rana?' Yuvraj asked again.
`Umm...Yes, they are together now...umm...aren't they...?' Rishab said. He looked at Ananya, Radhica and Naman, all of whom wore looks on their faces that shouted shut-the-fuck-up.
`Where?
`First floor,' Rishab said.
As Yuvraj walked on in that direction, Ananya shouted at Rishab, Are you out of your mind? He doesn't know what happened!ff
'What?
The three of them went in the direction Yuvraj had gone in. But it seemed like they had lost him. Ananya looked around frantically for him, still thinking about Natasha and Rana...
Why would Natasha be with that guy? Slut, she muttered to himself.
`THERE!' Naman shouted from a distance, as he spotted Yuvraj going inside a classroom. They rushed towards the classroom. They found the door shut and there were shouting noises that came from the inside. It was Yuvraj. Ananya and Radhica pushed Naman to go in and see what was going on. Reluctantly, he opened the door and a booming voice shouted at Naman.
`STAY OUT OF THIS! Yuvraj shouted at him.
The Backbenchers: The Extra Class Page 7
