"May I come in Sir ?"
The voice screamed negative vibes and the duo grit their teeth. Sivaangi didn't know him so she asks, "aama yaaru avaru ?"
Krishna annoyingly replies. "Vincent Sir..."
Sivaangi: seri neenga en kova paduringa ?
Mrini: vera enna pandradhu ? He is the most problematic one in the college....
Sivaangi turns front to look at him. He was fair in colour with terrifying eyes. His attitude wasn't pleasing and he looked dangerous. Sivaangi felt uncomfortable with just his sight and turns her face away.
Sivaangi: Indha paakave pudikala nu solluvom la he's exactly like that. I understood your thoughts now.
Mrini: Free ya vidu ma, anyways he's not our department, civil dhaan.
Sivaangi nods and they continue hearing.
Vincent takes long strides and reaches the podium. Ashwin looks at him questioningly when he extends his palm for a handshake.
Vincent: Enna sir handshake dhaana, en ivlo yosikuringa ?
Ashwin extends his palm and they shake their hands. Vincent takes the mike and starts speaking, "Hey lovely men and pretty ladies, Vincent here. I am back after a break and I am on the right time. As the election officer, it's me who should answer Mr. Ashwin. Ashwin, you can shoot out the questions."
Krishna sighs, "pesama andha aala shoot pannidunga Ashwin anna...
Mrini and Sivaangi laugh and Sivaangi comments, "dei semma idea da. Ashwin kitta sollidalam"
Rakshan, who was witnessing everything murmurs, "yaarra ivan ? Ennamo periya paruppu maari ishtathuku varaan, election officer verayaam. Deii Ashwineyyy, avana chumma vidadha ."
He blinks, "aama naa en Ashwineyyy nu soldren ? Haiyoo thangam kupudradha ketu ketu enakkum adhe varudhu paaru..."
Rakshan snaps out of his thoughts hearing Ashwin...
Ashwin: Hello Vincent sir. This is Ashwin Kumar. Happy to know that you are the election officer. May I please know why are the elections reserved only for the civil students ?
Vincent snorts, "Idhu four years ah irukuradhu Mr. Ashwin. Oh, you don't know la ? I am the alumnus of this prestigious institution. I have been the chairman too. It's just that the other department, specially the CS has a huge grudge on us. And that's carrying forward too. Appo pirichadhu, it's still continuing. I thought as the years pass, fresh students will be different, but no they are the same....."
Mrini who was super annoyed exclaims softly, "en indha sir loosu maari pesuraru ? His batch had enmity with our department and also their junior batch. All the batches have passed out still he's ranting this. Kaduppa irukku...."
Sivaangi nods and speaks, "True. There's no logic at all. It's like he wants the entire college under his control...
Krishna: And that's what he's doing it since years....
The HOD of computer science department, who was quite all the while snaps at Vincent, "Vincent, don't forget you were the chairman for just two years, it's my champ who was the chairman for three years. Also, your department was the most problematic and against us. Till my champ was there, everything was fine. Don't forget things...."
Vincent eyes turn blood red remembering his enemy and he mentally curses, "avana nyabagam paduthi vittutana ivan che, ippo en kaila kedacha avana kolla kooda thuninjiduven .... "
He turns back to face Ashwin but something strikes him, "en ivana paakum podhellam avana paakura maariye irukku ?? Arghhh..."
Ashwin and Rakshan smile hearing their HOD. They had some unknown happiness.
Ashwin thinks, "ennamo naa jeicha maari happy aaguren. Aama yaaru adhu ?"
Rakshan murmurs, "yaaro nammala maari dhaan la. Naa jeicha maari irukke..."
Krishna: andha puniyavaan ah kootitu varanum again. Appo dhaan indha aala adakka mudiyum !
Sivaangi: hey yaaru da andha anna ?
Krishna: Therila minion. Me and Mrini aren't interested in all these stuffs. Engalukku seniors pathi laam theriyadhu. Adhuvum this one is super senior. So we don't know....
Mrini: champ nu sonna odane Vincent sir face nalla maariduchu. Kandippa avaru nallavara dhaan irukanum ....
Sivaangi: yes. Epdi kandu pudikiradhu naama ?
Mrini: edhuku indha theva illadha vela namakku ? One more year and we'll be out of this college, we need not involve ourselves solliten...
Sivaangi: seri miii. We won't...
Krishna: tension aagadha Mrini, vidu vidu....
Mrini: namma veetla adi vaangama irukka dhaan da soldren...
She fakes her tone and Sivaangi giggles while Krishna sighs with a sad face.
Vincent answers the HOD, "so sir still remembers his most favourite student !"
CS HOD: How will I forget ? After all he was the most genuine and obedient student...
Vincent: epdi sir ? Kaila bats and stumps eduthutu sandaiku poravan obedient ah ?
Krishna shakes Mrini by holding her arm, "Hey nammala maari Mrini. Haiyoo andha champ ah kootitu vaanga da..."
Mrini laughs, "chumma iru da..."
CS HOD: opposite side la cycle chains, soda bottles and rods edukum podhu, avana defend pannika avan bat aachum edukanum la Vincent. Am I right ?
Krishna: semma kalaai, semma kalaai..
The girls chuckle hearing him.
Vincent grits his teeth and fists his palm tight. The CS faculty were a little happy hearing their HOD.
CS HOD: Avan irukura vara avane election nadathunan, without bothering anyone of us. He was principal's favourite too. Naa solli theriyanum nu illa inga...
Only after him passing out of the college, you took over all these stuffs and destroyed the peace of the college. Principal ku theriyama venum na nee pannalam but kandippa enakku theriyama illa....
Vincent: oh so you are throwing the entire blame on me sir ?
CS HOD: There's no point in talking to you Vincent...
Krishna: Bulb vaangitaru Vincent...
Sivaangi: adhu vidhi ...
They share a hi-fi and Mrini laughs.
CS HOD: Ashwin the reason why I am not bothered about these elections is, let our students study peacefully. They need not involve themselves in this bullshit. Vincent maariye dhaan irukku the present civil batch. Experienced professors are taking his side even after knowing he's wrong. They can't be helped. Naama vitralam.
Ashwin: As you say sir. If this is spoiling the student's academic flow, adhu namakku venaam.
Vincent laughs hysterically, "bayandhu odhungi porom nu sollunga....
The civil department bursts out laughing and Rakshan gets up fiercely and almost kicks the chair in anger. Ashwin signs him to be quite but he doesn't budge.
Rakshan: Can I share my thoughts Mr. Vincent ?
Vincent: yeah sure, another fresher is it ?
Ashwin who had stepped down to control Rakshan holds his arm, hushing him. Rakshan sneers, "yaarra avan, vadhangi pona vengayam maari moonjiya vechikittu pesitu irukaan, avana vidradha illa.."
Ashwin couldn't control and coughs to cover up his laugh. The trio noticed it.
Mrini: Kandippa annan joke adichi irukku adhaan Ashwin anna is faking his cough...
Sivaangi: thangam panna koodiya aal dhaan. Avaru velila vandha odane ketruvom
Krishna: edhuku nammala thooki potu midhikava ?
Sivaangi whines, "en da apdi soldra ?"
Mrini: They don't that we are hearing them baby, nee joke ah keta unakku epdi theriyum nee dhaan anga illa la nu keka maatangala ?
Sivaangi pouts and nods in agreement. Mrini slaps her forehead and pinches her chin.
Rakshan grabs a mic and starts addressing the gathering, "Warm greetings everybody, this is Rakshan, lecturer from CS branch. As Mr. Vincent is so sure that our department students are scared, can he enlighten us the basic eligibility criteria at least ? Paapome apdi enna dhaan enga pasanga fulfill pannala nu ?"
Vincent lets out an annoyed expression and starts ranting, "Hey Rakshan, nice meeting you. Criteria dhaana sollita pochu ! Indha vaati pudhusu dhaan so nalla ketonga...."
Sivaangi: Hey Mrini konjam notes eduthuko, Krishna nee apdiye snacks eduthuko...
Krishna: pa pa pa paa ....
Mrini: innoru varthai paaduna saavadichiruven unna ! En da maaturadhukana ellathayum pannitu irukinga....
Krishna stops with widening eyes and Sivaangi laughs by covering her mouth with her palm.
Vincent: Usually, it's just a single post i.e., the chairperson. But this time we have split the post into three categories, student representative, cultural representative and sports representative. As the posts suggest you all might have got to know what's required. Cultural and sports talents, oratory skills, problem solving techniques, representing our college in different stages etc etc
Idhulaam panna I have students from my department, unga department la oru post ku aachum eligible ah irukangala ?
Rakshan laughs hearing him, "en sir romba varushama irukinga ana ungalukku innum onnume theriyalaye....
Ashwin pulls him and signs him to be calm...
Ashwin: Sir idhu podhuma illa do you have any extra points ?
Vincent: Modhala idhula onnachum fulfil pandra maari student irundha vara sollunga....
Ashwin: avlodhaana sollita pochu....
The CS HOD almost guessed two students but couldn't find out the third one.
Mrini, who sensed what's going to happen held Sivaangi's and Krishna's hands, "naa enna sonnalum kepinga la ?"
Sivaangi and Krishna: yes
Mrini: appo kelvi ketkama naa count panni mudicha odane naama inga irundhu odurom....
Sivaangi: Miii paadhila porome...
Mrini: baby....
Sivaangi: okay okay ...
Mrini: 3... 2... 1... run...
The trio run from the place without making noise. They close the door slowly and rush down the stairs. They come down and exit the PG block.
The trio reached the Sadako statue and pant heavily due to running.
Sivaangi: aama edhuku ippo ipdi izhuthutu vandha ?
Mrini: ippo theriyum paaru...
Krishna almost guessed her thoughts and sighed in relief.
Here, Ashwin takes out his mobile and calls Mrini.
Mrini's phone rings and she shows the caller id to them. Sivaangi's eyes widen in shock ..
Mrini: ippo theriyudha en odunen nu ? Imagine him calling anyone of us and we being there, aapu dhaan....
Krishna: avalachum silent la poduva naa laam full volume la veipen. Nalla vela maatala...
Sivaangi: aama da ...
Mrini picks the call and Ashwin speaks, "Ms. Mrinalini I want you to come to the meeting room in PG block right now. Come along with Sivaangi and Krishna as well. Be quick...
Mrini: yes sir...
Ashwin walks a few steps away and whispers in call, "Mrini, kootitu va rendu perayum. Just come out silently. You guys are needed now...."
Mrini: seri na... Ayyayo sorry, yes sir....
Ashwin: Don't worry no one heard. Seekiram vaanga...
Mrini: seri na. We'll be there in two minutes.
Ashwin cuts the call and smirks at Vincent, "oru two minutes Vincent sir...."
Vincent glares and Rakshan fists his palms. Ashwin pats his shoulders, asking him to relax.
Mrini, who cut the call, saw Sivaangi with a worried expression, "I can't Mrini, naa vara maaten. I know what Ashwin is upto. Naa varala miiii...."
Mrini: baby do you believe us ?
Sivaangi: Mrini...
Mrini: yes or no sollu
Sivaangi sighs and answers, "ofcourse yes"
Mrini: appo come with me. Krishna va polaam...
The trio move to the PG block and enter the meeting room. They greet the teaching faculties and go near Ashwin.
They wish him and Rakshan. Ashwin smiles and nods his head.
Ashwin: Sir, you asked me for a single student. I have three now. Enna kekanumo ketukonga.
Vincent: vandha mattum podadhu Ashwin....
Mrini steps forward and wishes Vincent, "Good morning Vincent sir."
Vincent shoots daggers at her but she stood there unaffected.
Ashwin: En sir student ah moraikuringa ?
Vincent: Che che why would I ?
Rakshan: Paatha apdi theriyalaye sir ....
The coordinator who was fed up of this drama, stops them. "You guys are wasting time. Vincent, they do have potential competitors so why don't you make the elections open for all ?"
Vincent: Kuptutu vandha podhuma sir ?
Mrini: Vincent sir, can you please tell us what should be done now ?
CS HOD: She's asking something Vincent. Answer her...
Vincent grits his teeth and turns towards Mrini, "Ms. "
Mrini: Mrinalini sir.
She says it in her raised voice, startling Vincent.
Vincent: ahh yes yes Ms. Mrinalini, before me saying things, you can question your beloved lecturers for calling you here. They'll explain.
Mrini: Ashwin sir, why were we called now ?
Ashwin: Mrini, Vincent sir has accused other departments for lacking talents and skills. So had to call you to show him that we do have students with skills. Adhaan namma department ah election la contest panna vidalayam.
Mrini: Sir, I am not into elections adhu enakku venaam. But if the question is about talents and skills, then please call our entire class. Each one of them are talented sir.
Rakshan laughs, "adhu avaruku theriyalaye maa...."
Krishna and Sivaangi chuckle softly. The CS department try their best to control their laugh.
Mrini: Theriya vechita pochu. Vincent sir, sollunga naanga enna pannanum ?
Vincent: Oh, are you that confident Ms. Mrinalini ? Ithana naal ah enga poninga ellarum ? Enga pochu unga confidence ?
Mrini replies softly, "Sir, before me answering your question, let me apologise to the HOD, academic coordinator and to you now itself, as I may sound a bit offensive here on...."
Ashwin gives her a surprised look and Rakshan grins, "idha .. idha dhaan edhir paathen...."
The CS HOD chuckles, "Go ahead my child. "
Mrini: Thank you sir. Vincent sir, if you aren't aware, let me tell this. The three of us are from sixth semester. The first year students are not allowed to contest so our batch didn't take part and just voted. Owing to the lockdown we stayed in our home the whole second year. During the fifth semester, due to the ugly quarrel between civil and other department students, the elections were cancelled. And finally, now we are in sixth semester.
Naanga engeyum pogala sir, we are here only. It has nothing to do with our skills and confidence. The civil department forcefully took the control of the elections, adhu en nu kooda naanga kekalaye... Does it mean we are low, without skills and lack confidence ? Idhula enna logic sir irukku ?
If I am wrong, please correct me....
Rakshan claps loudly and Ashwin couldn't stop him as he was grinning all the while.
Krishna whispers, "adra sakka"
Sivaangi gives air kisses to her.
Vincent groans and thinks, "enna ivalum avana maariye pesura ? Ayyoo kovam thalaiku erudhu."
He snaps at Mrini, "How dare you ?"
The CS HOD bursts out, "How dare you Vincent ? She's stating the facts. Badhil solla mudiyala la ? Nee sonna four years la three years ipdi dhaan pochu. She politely apologised before answering you. Andha chinna ponnuku irukura manners kooda unkittayum un department aalunga kittayum illaye.."
They indulge in a big argument that lasted for fifteen minutes. The coordinator bangs the table in frustration startling all of them, "This is too much. Inaike oru mudivu pannanum. A common announcement should be made right now. Interested students should report in the quadrangle within an hour. Inaike decide pannidalam. We can't prolong this, wasting everyone's time."
They nod at him and an announcement was made right then. Each of the department sent their students and Vincent was at the verge of bursting out.
All the faculties moved out of the hall leaving Ashwin, Rakshan, Sivaangi, Mrini, Krishna and Vincent.
Vincent smirks, "All the best ! Loose pandradhuku."
Ashwin: Paapom sir...
Vincent barged out of the room and Rakshan laughs out loud, "comedy piece..."
Sivaangi whines and looks at Ashwin, "Sir, ennala mudiyadhu....."
Ashwin: En Sivaangi ?
Sivaangi: I am not fit to sing infront of a huge crowd Ashwin. Enna ozhunga paada vittadhe illa. Even yesterday I hesitated. Since you all insisted, naa paadunen. Adhuvum ungalukkaga mattum dhaan Ashwin paadunen.
"Adhuvum ungalukkaga mattum dhaan Ashwin paadunen" hits him different and he locks his eyes with hers.
Ashwin: Appo ippovum enakkaga paadu Sivaangi ma....
Sivaangi stood dumbfound, unable to answer him. Ashwin moves next to her and she blinks at him.
Ashwin: Bayatha laam thooki potutu enakkaga paadu maa. Un Ashwin kaaga paadu.
Saying, he leaves the room without waiting for her reply. Sivaangi runs behind him.
Rakshan holds Krishna's shoulders and sighs, "chumma irundhavangala izhuthu vittutomo ?"
Mrini: Vidunga sir. We have to do this. Ivlo dhooram vandhachu.
Krishna: Veetla thittuvanga onnum venaam nu sollitu inga enna panninga neenga ?
Mrini smiles sheepishly, "only thing which I can never control is my mouth. Adhaan most of the times, I don't involve myself in things. Inaiki avaru apdi accuse panna odane chumma irukka mudiyala...."
Rakshan: You weren't wrong Mrini....
Seri Krishna, are you ready ? Mrini nee ready ya ? They might ask you to do perform something. Krishna might have some atheletic activities.
Krishna: Adhellam ready sir. Pannidalam
Mrini: Panniduven nu dhaan sir nenaikiren.
Krishna: scene uh. We know you Mrini....
Mrini slaps his arm and Rakshan laughs.
Rakshan: Seri avan vera 'enakkaga paadu Sivaangi ma' adhuvum 'un Ashwin' nu vera sollitu poirkane.... paatu varuma ??
Mrini: Paada vechiduvaru. Paada veipom illana....
Rakshan: Paata vara veikirom. Thangama you must sing today infront of all.
They exit the meeting room to reach the quadrangle.
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Hello babies ! Here is the next chapter. Hope you all like it.
Sivaangi paaduvangala ?? Wait for the upcoming updates. Also, election kaaga ennena laam panna soldranga nu paakalam.
Padichi paarunga pudichudhu na sollunga pudikala naalum sollunga. I'll accept it wholeheartedly.
Thank you and love you all...
Anbudan,
Mrinalini 💗