Free Anyone Else But You... by Ananya Ritwik; Verma Mallik Page B

Besides, there were separate forms for the rich Daddies like that of Jai who’d sponsor the entire banner that was being put up. And it’d be unrealistic to say that students couldn’t really find good sponsors, a famous liquor brand named Royal Hag was ready to pay up to twenty five lakhs but much to the disappointment of many – they were refused by the image conscious Bindu Kalsi .
     
    The program for Socialact Wave included performances by Western music bands from twenty schools in and around the National Capital Region. Apart from that there was usually one professional band that would play some of its suckiest songs for exorbitant prices. Follow it up with a boring speech from the Chairman and an encore performance by the previous year’s school band- that was Socialact Wave for you. But, somehow amidst the head-banging, foot-tapping and screaming , lay tremendous interest that had been generated over the years in favour of the event. Be it the food, the official beverage which included Pepsi or the unofficial one which included bottles of Vodka within the cisterns inside the bathroom, Wave had unparalleled acceptance all over the school.
     
    Veer Chauhan scribbled something on a form that seemed like his signature. “Thank you for this opportunity Bindu ,” he said. He lifted the glass of water lying right in front of him and took a few sips.
    “Anytime Veer, anytime,” Bindu Kalsi said. “It’s really kind of you to be generous enough to contribute towards the school’s progress. Parents like you are highly appreciated.”
    “It’s as much my school as it is yours,” Veer Chauhan replied.
    Bindu Kalsi coughed a bit. She didn’t want to share anything, let alone her Kingdom.
    “Yes, yes…” she superficially said.
    “So, once this token amount is encashed, do I expect some good news regarding my son?” Mr. Chauhan said trying to be humble and in a way insulting the six zeros that had been put next to the digit 15 on the cheque that he had just signed.
    “We are definitely trying to work things out,” Kalsi said. “We will see what can be done in the best interests of your son and the school.” Diplomacy was being used at its best no matter how sore it sounded to the ears.
    “You do know Bindu that my son’s interests lay in the interest of the school,” he chuckled.
    Late to catch his sense of humour, Bindu Kalsi laughed for the sake of laughing.
    “Is there anything else I could do for you?” Mr. Chauhan asked.
    “No, your help is tremendous. Thank you for that.”
    “Then I shall take your leave,” a firm shake of hand and Jai Chauhan ’s Super dad was gone.
     
    *
     
    “Socialact Wave, add all the murk around you and then triple it – you’ll still not manage to add up to the dirt this event brings to our school,” Siddhant Dalvi spoke in a circumspective tone.
    Rishav nodded. “Is it true that it’s going outdoors after five years? Is it that big a deal?” he asked.
    “Yes it is, my friend. A lot of excess money enters the school through events such as these. It’s very important.”
    “Hmm…. does anyone even bother to monitor these funds? Seriously I heard that brands like the Royal Hag were willing to pay for sponsorship. What’s left of an educational institution these days?”
    “Nothing really,” Siddhant said as he knocked on the door of Ms. Veenu Sharma. “Come in,” the call came from inside.
    Siddhant entered with Rishav closely following him.
    “Good morning ma’am,” Rishav and Siddhant said in unison.
    “Morning, morning,” Ms. Sharma smiled.
    “Ma’am, the sponsorship amounts,” Siddhant handed over a cheque.
    “How much is it?” she asked.
    “Ten thousand,” he replied.
    “Ah hmmmmm….so what are your plans?” she asked out of nowhere.
    “Erm ma’am, are you asking me?” Siddhant asked.
    “To both of you, heheheheee…” she laughed unnecessarily.
    “Oh, ma’am, well…um, plans regarding?” Rishav asked.
    “Plans regarding