12.
"No, you don't understand. My life is already in shambles. And now you're coming will only make it worse. Please understand." Anirudh begged into the receiver of his phone.
"No, no. I'm not pushing you away. Look," Anirudh rubbed his forehead in frustration, "I promise you, next time when you come, when I tell you to come I'll be in a better mood. Don't barge in just like you did last time. Ok. I need to go now. Sorry."
Anirudh was already angry that Vijay had left without him as it was both of their routine to go to their office together, since they both were in the same one. But Vijay never liked to be late, while all Anirudh did was that. Still, he always waited, but today he'd apparently gone away without him. He soon got on the next bus and finding a free seat soon occupied it. Then he took out his phone and dialled Vijay. He wasn't sure whether he'd answer, but when he did, Anirudh got restless.
"Hello? Are you coming today or not?" Vijay asked him from the other side.
"I'm on my way. What the hell did you leave me and go all alone for?"
"Sorry. I was in a bad mood and wanted to get out of that place. What's up with you?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you shouting?"
"It's my sister."
"What? She's coming again? Shit." A long pause passed between them.
"She hasn't confirmed it yet. Don't spell bad luck for me."
"Bad luck, my foot. What are you going to do?" Vijay asked.
"Do I have anything that I can do?"
"Ok, ok. You better get here. Fast. Boss seems in a good mood, but don't instigate him."
"Yeah I'll be there."
13.
"Jaya? What's for lunch?"
"My husband made these. Parottas and vegetables."
"Really? That's bland. Even for your husband."
"Taste it and then tell me." Anusha leaned forward and allowed Jaya to feed her a morsel. Jaya sat and scrutinised Anusha's reaction, while Anusha stood and closing her eyes began to chew slowly. The remaining four teachers all looked at her amused and began to chuckle. Anusha opened her eyes and looked at Jaya.
"Jaya. Your lunch is mine today."
The rest of the teachers guffawed at their playful tussle with the lunchbox. Anusha smiled and spotted Renuka.
'Hey, come on in.'
'Oh hi.' Renuka somewhat embarrassingly greeted Anusha. Anusha looked a bit surprised at the other teachers as they either felt silent or seemed to ignore her presence. She still grabbed Renuka's hand and made her sit beside her.
'So how were the brats?'
'Anusha! Please don't call them that.' Renuka looked mortified.
'That's what they are di. The minute you let them, they grow horns and sit either on your head, or... '
'Or... '
'Nothing. Anyway, anything interesting happened?'
'No. Just boring class stuff. Sir, is quite upset with the performance though.'
'That's not unusual.'