I won or lost ?
Renu was taking her classes in Hydraulics in the engineering college . Renu graduated from the same college . She was an intelligent student from the very beginning . Though she secured a very good rank in the engineering entrance test she preferred to join the civil engineering branch . Then she did her post graduation and further did her PhD also . She joined as an Assistant professor
That day she was delivering her lecture to the students in the third year . She noticed two students, a boy and a girl in the second row, were neither paying attention to her nor looking at the board where she was solving a problem . Both were talking to each other with heads down and smiling . She threw a piece of chalk to draw their attention . Both were ashamed , particularly the girl Rita who blushed .
Renu said “ Sorry . But look, the topic I am teaching is very interesting and important for your university exams. Better be attentive .”
Rita was a bright student and had earned distinction in all her previous exams . She was Renu’s favorite student . Renu used to give some books to her which were only reference books in the library. and were meant mainly for the faculty On many occasions both expressed their views frankly. After her classes Renu was taking rest in her chamber and going through a technical journal . Rita gently knocked at the door and said “ May I come in mam ? “
“ Sure , come in without any hesitation . “ Renus said and put down the journal
“ Mam , I am sorry for my conduct in the class . “
“ I didn’t mean you should be sorry . Rather I feel sorry , both of you are senior students . . That was a rather rude act of mine . But something flashed back in my mind and that was my reflex action . “
Having said this she became serious and kept mum .
Rita said “ Did I hurt you mam ? “
“ Not at all . Why are you standing ? Be seated , if you have some time . “
“ Thanks . My next two periods are free . “
Renu looked down on a notebook and started drawing useless lines and curves haphazardly .
“ What happened mam ? “ asked Rita
“ I just started rewinding pages of my past when I was a student in this college in the second year . “
“ Can we share something , if you don’t mind ? “
“ I don't mind but that is rather personal .”
“ No problem , let it go .”
“ No , sit down .I want to know your views also .”
Then Renu started narrating her bitter past -
“ I was in my second year in this college . Aman , a new student, joined directly in the second year . He already had a diploma in civil engineering and was laterally admitted to B.Tech . He was a well built handsome guy . I was also known as the prettiest girl in the town , though I disagree with this adjective. “
“ No mama , you deserved to be the prettiest girl at that time . You might not believe it but we girls talk about your beauty and look even at this juncture . Anyway please go ahead ”
Renu continued “ Soon we got attracted to each other . By the time we reached the final year we confirmed our love for each other and planned to marry once settled .He apparently agreed with my views - not to be physical before marriage . Once in the same class , where I was delivering my lecture today, Aman and I were busy with our own personal matters while a senior professor was teaching . He also threw a chalk at me . I was blushing with shame . “
“ Exactly the same as happened to me today .. Rita interrupted then said “ next what ? “
“ I was assured by Aman about his love for me and I took it for granted .Once he invited me on his birthday . He belonged to a rich family and he worked for a couple years in the state PWD before joining B.Tech . He had earned enough and he could afford a lavish party . Just before midnight the light was switched off for a second. He took advantage of darkness, pulled me, and nearly kissed me .I threw him back saying how you dare this . I struggled hard to keep cool . After the party I said to him he shouldn’t have behaved like this.He apologized and said “ I lost self control for a moment . Please excuse me and let it go . “
Renu continued “ After my final exam. my parents were trying to settle my marriage . When he asked for my choice I told them Aman was my only choice. Papa talked to Aman’s parents and they agreed . Engagement was fixed after two weeks in a hotel. We were very happy as our dreams were getting fulfilled. “
“ So nice , for both of you might be flying high up .”
Taking a big sigh Renu said “ Alas , had it been so. On the engagement day everything was going smoothly as per plan and my hope . The function was over by the evening . Aman said to parents of both sides - I and Renu will chit chat and enjoy with our friends for sometime . He had booked a room in the hotel. Both myself and Aman went in the room with a couple of close friends . Aman had planned for drinks . He insisted on me also but I said no and never . Some of his friends admired me , some said Aman is lucky to have a beautiful girl like you as a wife. Aman drank enough to lose self control . After all friends left , he bolted the room and pulled me on the bed and embraced me tightly .I said - just chill . Now leave me, it's enough . But he kissed me and wanted to sleep with me . I struggled to get rid of him and slapped him. But even after this he wanted to do what he wished . I thrashed him and said - don’t dare to talk to me in future .I had already told you I will never cross social borders before marriage. “
But he said “ After all, we are getting married soon . What’s harm in enjoying this night?”
I said you enjoy being alone , I am leaving right now . He sprang up and said angrily - if you don’t yield to me today . Forget me and I am breaking up with you today , right now .”
“ Go to hell , Without caring for break up I hurriedly walked out of the room . I told everything to my parents and said I am not going to marry Aman at any cost . I don’t know if they were convinced of my acts as subsequently I heard some friends and relatives also murmuring that I shouldn;t have broken up with Aman and I lost the race of life .
I don’t know how good or bad I am . It’s for others to judge . But I am very strict about social norms and ethics . Now you tell me honestly Rita - I won or lost by rejecting Aman ? “
Rita became very serious and kept mum for a couple of moments . Then tears started rolling down her eyes . Seeing this Renu was upset and asked “ What happened , Rita ? ”
“ Mam , I will call you Didi onwards . You were right Di and you won surely . “ Rita said sobbing
“ Then why are you crying ? “
“ Di , you won but I lost . Lost to the guy in my class but he has assured me that he will marry after graduation . “
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Note - This story is a work of fiction
