Shweta was one among those several parents who had queued up before the correspondent's room. The final results for admissions to +2 have been just put up on the notice board and her worst fears have come true. She couldn't find the name of Rakesh, her only son's name anywhere. Rakesh had been studying in the same school from childhood and his lackluster showing in the 10th standard meant that he might not be allowed to continue in the prestigious school.
Shweta knew that she had an uphill task ahead. Rakesh had ignored her numerous cautions all through, paying very little attention to his studies. She heaved a helpless sigh realizing that her son's omission from the final list could well be the final nail on the coffin. Although she was enraged at her son's irresponsible behavior, she began worrying about his future.
"Mrs.Shweta Nair!" called the attendant.
Shweta hurried inside the correspondent's room. Her eyes were moist as she took the seat watching Professor Aravind, the correspondent on the other side of the table.
"Rakesh Nair," The correspondent flipped through the papers and pulled out the mark sheet from a bunch of papers. Shweta's heart was pounding very fast as she kept looking at him.
"I am really sorry to say this," Professor Aravind shrugged his shoulders. "How do you expect me to admit a student who isn't clever enough to score cent per cent in mathematics? Look at his aggregate! It is not even seventy five percent. I can't do injustice to other deserving students by admitting your son."
"Please Sir," Shweta began folding her hands together. "His future is at stake. He is our only son."
Professor Aravind looked up and immediately lowered his head again.
"Where is your husband?" He asked as he rushed through the mark sheets again.
"He is working in Sharjah," Shweta's voice was beginning to break. "He is toiling there to bring up our only son."
"I understand," Professor Aravind nodded his head sympathetically. "But, I am helpless. I do have a veto in admissions but I am afraid your son is not a deserving case."
"Please don't say so," Shweta was in tears. "We have a lot of dreams about him. If you decline, his studies for all practical purposes might come to an end. He will be devastated. I am willing to do anything to get him admitted here."
Professor Aravind looked up again and smiled.
"Now, what do you exactly mean by that?" He asked with a cruel smile on his face. "I hope you do know that we never collect capitation fee or donations from students. We don't entertain high-level recommendations either. Is there anything else you can do?"
"I am afraid not," Shweta bowed her head in disappointment. "I said so because I am very anxious."
"I do understand Mrs.Nair," Professor Aravind smiled again. "I think you still have a chance."
"Thank God," Shweta exclaimed. "Please tell me Sir."
"Will you please come and sit here?" Professor Aravind gave a gentle thud on the table.
"Sir?" Shweta looked shell-shocked.
"Don't waste your time," Professor Aravind smiled again. "You know there are lot more parents waiting outside. If you don't want to be left behind, better do what I say."
It took a few seconds for Shweta to realize that Professor Aravind was serious. She knew that she didn't have many options as she was running out of time. Above all, Rakesh's future was at stake and she had to do anything to secure his future.
"But...this is school," She whimpered.
"Don't worry Mrs.Nair," Professor Aravind whispered. "Nobody dares to come before I press the call button."
Shweta stood up like a robot and walked towards his left. She hesitantly sat on the edge of the table and looked at Professor Aravind somewhat puzzled.
"What is your bra size, Mrs.Nair?" Professor Aravind asked as his hands fell on her thighs.
Shweta felt a shiver as she felt a man touching her after quite a while.
"36 D" She answered without revealing any emotions.
"I thought so," Professor Aravind said. His right hand quickly held the edge of her saree and began sliding it gently. His eyes gazed the spot where her nipples were thrusting against the blouse.
"O.K, Mrs.Nair," Professor Aravind said with a smile. "You may go now."
"What?" Shweta sounded puzzled. "What about the admission?"
"I will take your address from the application," Professor Aravind said. "I will be there at 2 pm."
"Today?" Shweta was almost dumbfounded.
"Yes, today," Professor Aravind asserted. "If you make me happy, I will see your son through."