Chapter 10
Smoke on the Sambar

It's not very easy to be the only one in the room lacking the necessary motivation and ambition that a wannabe law solicitor required. My mother didn't apparently find it imperative enough to give me a little hint that I would have to sit through a selection interview for LLB and pretend that it was everything I wanted in my life.

I sighed and looked around at the young people with the notes in their hand; rats in a race, all of them. I could literally feel the fierce ambition in their gaze. Just noticing the eager optimism on most of their faces made me feel alien.

I sighed and slumped down into my seat. Mrs D'Souza dropped me off on the way to work two hours ago,I scribbled off an MCQ preliminary when I arrived and was waiting for my registration number to pop up on the call tab. But no such luck until then.

The plush leather sofa sunk down under me, embracing my delicate weight as if it was nothing.

I did have to admit, the architecture was remarkable.

The reception was flanked with chocolate brown walls on either side that held paintings and famous quotes from renowned personalities.
The doors could have been a different colour, but I understand that the motivation behind the building was a reflection of the professionalism of the course in itself. Not to amuse my architectural palate.

Though I could not have less belonged in a place as that room, among all those clever kids, the ambience was strangely comforting. Maybe it was the smell of old books on the shelves that felt familiar.

But one fact that did not comfort me in the least is that I knew that the quality of campus life was directly proportional to the students' intellectual weightage. Or good grades on paper. Or both.

Even with a 90 something percentile in the boards, I knew that I didn't follow any court proceedings ever in my life.
I didn't ever read the daily paper, for the love of God! I mean, I could recount all the latest celebrity gossip in tinseltown, but I had a feeling that was not what they would be looking for.

But, I had someone to put in a good word for me.I hope that was enough.

I wondered at that moment if there would be any kind of practice that I would feel like I belonged to, like a piece in a puzzle. My arena: where I would work with everything I'd got just for the pleasure of it. At least an itsy bitsy sense of personal satisfaction.

It was strange how people my age knew exactly what they wanted, where they fit in; while I'd spent most of my teenage life doing what I pleased and there was no telling what my calling in life was.

But now I was headed off to spend a good amount of time scrutinising all the legal glossary in the world.

God, did I actually sound worried about my future for a moment? It must be the place, intimidating the unambitious like nobody's business.

I watched person by person, serenade into the room, ready to tackle an obstacle to get into one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.

The receptionist called out my number and my throat parched instantly. Maybe, this wasn't such a good idea. Maybe I can tell her that I have a little nature's call and sneak off.
The receptionist regarded my rigid, unmoving frame with narrowed eyes. I slowly lifted myself up after a moment and gave her my prize-winning smile.
She looked like he wanted to roll her eyes and went back to his desk work.

All eyes turned to me as I walked into the room to be slaughtered.

Mindlessly, I pushed the handle of the frosted glass door and the first thing I noticed was a clump of greyish hair pulled into a tight bun. The woman was tall and lean, a few loose hairs caressed her face and she pushed her spectacles back, observing the computer screen before her.

And I should probably not enter this way.

I took a step back and knocked softly.

"May I come in, ma'am?" I asked as politely and sweetly as I could.

"You already came in, it's alright," She commented drily, still looking at the screen.

I just stood behind the chair awkwardly waiting for her to let me rest my backside on one of their comfy cushion chairs.

We should probably buy stuff like this at home, our sofa seat has started to get a little worn out of recently. Especially after Shrishti kind of spilt some of her baby food on the cushions, giving it a nice contrasting red stain. My aunt didn't even apologize for that or anything or even offer to scrub it off. It's just a good thing she left.
Actually, it's a good thing all of them left. My house started to feel like a Punjabi joint family of late...

"I told you to take your seat," Her firm voice broke me out of my musing and I apologized sheepishly and occupied one of the chairs as primly as possible. "I'm Dr Anandi, head of the department."

She adjusted her glasses and gave me a look as if I was a germ under a microscope.

Now to prove that I'm a born lawyer. I attempted to straighten my spine further while she regarded my file.

"We don't need this, let's be simple," She said and tossed my nice-looking green file on his table.

Hello, I took an effort and printed out those sheets and bought that file late in the night but okay.

"Miss Shyleja Kumar Rao, right?"

"Yes ma'am," I breathed, hoping to calm my accelerated breathing.

"Tell me a little about yourself, miss Rao," She said, steepling his fingers.

"I... Am an aspiring enthusiast whose interests are slightly more emotive or leaning towards um, creative pursuits that..."

Are non-existent.

"...Help me to gain a perspective about life and find a niche strategy when I can help it. I also have a tendency to..."

Waste the heck out of time, postponing all my work until I choke on them one fine day.

"...Procrastinate certain elements of my work because I believe that the human body will take a toll when overworked, so I'll have to, of course, find a better and effective way to finish my work in minimal time when I put it off. To my peers,"

...I might as well be invisible because I detest social interaction and I'd probably build a lonely mansion under a rock and live there if I had an option.

"I prefer limited social interaction, however, I am a team player, I like to help people and be helped when it is required."

"What made you want to pursue law?" She asked, which honestly is an expected aspect they're supposed to be curious about but I blinked once and strayed away, breaking eye contact.

She let me collect my thoughts.

"Actually, I never did think about law in my life until um, recently," I said honestly. The only problem was that she didn't know that by 'recently', I meant that morning.
"I have a lot of respect for the profession a lot earlier in my life. My grandfather was an advocate. Probably the only one in my family..."

His visage came before my field of vision: the salty white tufts of hair, the bright twinkling grey eyes behind the framed spectacles and the enthusiastic mild chuckle.
" ...A very good one at that, because people come to see him all the time. He never took bribes, he fought only for what he thought was right, which was very virtuous of him. Of course, they're not many people who fight for a cause, but I think that's what it seemed like to me when I was a child. That lawyers fought against fraud and theft... And everything that's wrong."

"What does he do now, your grandfather?" Dr Anandi steepled her fingers and regarded me.

"He retired around when I was born and he was a notary until he passed away when I was in primary school...Succumbed to lung cancer."

"I'm sorry to hear that," She replied, her firm voice was a touch gentler this time.

I sighed and nodded. "Everyone was. He was a great man."

After a pause, she continued, "What I believe, miss Rao, is sometimes it's obligatory for lawyers to take up cases for what it pays. Let's face it, isn't it all about the bills, the rent and the grocery? At the end of the day, a lawyer's skill is the art of manipulation and vocation. It doesn't help when you choose a righteous path and have a family to run at the end of the day."

"It's true, I agree. That is again, perspective. The law exists to protect people from being exploited but it's ironic that the solicitors that represent the very courts of justice come forward to cover lies and deceit. And the wrong person is charged with something they don't deserve." I studied her slightly amused expression and began to amend myself, "The concept of right and wrong is, of course, one's own. What I might believe strongly as one of my ideals, another person will not. That might..."

"Thank you." She interrupted when I was beginning to enjoy my monologue. "Since you mentioned creativity..."

Did I? Did I? Did I say creativity as if I joined Globe Arts Kids?

"What do you think is scope enough for creativity in a law course? You might want to look at other exciting programs in fine arts that our college offers. They might nurture your creativity even better."

I was going to reply and then bit my tongue. She was testing me? What was I, five?

I suppressed my smirk. "Though I really appreciate that, I do believe they fit in my co-curricular very well, to refresh myself after a hard day of work. They will be as integral in my life, as is the career I obtain after my degree here. I also would like to believe that every job needs a fresh point of view, challenging opinions. A career is not confined to the four walls for me, one can aspire to carve themselves a niche role in their specialisation with any education they get. And I shall be getting the best in this college, being one of the most reputed institutions in the city."

Ah, a backhanded compliment to the Institution. Bonus... Or she probably thinks that I'm trying to lick her boots.

"Can you talk about any recent case you've come across that perked your interest?"

Don't ask me that! This is inappropriate!

I remained silent and she quirked up an eyebrow.

"I've...Not been following a lot of cases but I remember the Shopian case was big on the news after a few preceding rape cases which were just as gruesome."

"Yes, it's an ongoing investigation.Tragic.Two young girls," She sighed, removing and polishing her spectacles, "What kind of punishment do you believe should be implemented for those criminals?"

"I read somewhere that flaying and impalement were pretty trendy punishments those days. I mean, used to be implemented in ancient civilization. But those criminals deserve worse. "

Dr Anandi raised her eyebrows.
"Impractical, but it would tremendously deteriorate the crime rates against women if it existed during these times."

"I would presume so, ma'am."

"Are there any more ongoing cases that you are aware of, Miss Rao?"

"Not really, but I'll be sure to look some of them up."

Which I won't, but just saying.

"Miss Rao, you can leave now. We'll get in touch with you regarding your admissions," She said smoothly.

Is that a yes or a no lady?

I took my file with a smile, "Thank you, ma'am. Hope you have a nice day."

She nodded and I sprang up, thanking her again.

I pushed the door open and exited from the reception. It was a nice conversation to have if I'd only ignore the fact that I was going to be rated based on it.

I got to the bus terminal next to the college and glanced up at the board that was supposed to list the buses that went through this route. The paint had been chipped off, making it unreadable. I had never been to this part of the city. It belonged to the heart of Hyderabad, bombarded with the likes of IT companies and five-star restaurants.

Someone was standing in the shade of the terminal, munching on some banana chips in his hand.

"Excuse me, uncle?"

He casually dived his hand back into the packet and I almost thought he didn't hear me, "What you want?" He muttered.

"Uh, which bus can I take for Hafeezpet from here?"

"No bus."

"Sorry?" I blinked.

"No bus you can take. Only share auto will go today. "

"Aannd...Where can I find a share auto?" I asked hesitantly.

He stopped chewing and regarded me with narrowed eyes. "You're new to this city?"

"No-I mean, yes. I moved into my hostel last week. I'm sorry. I don't know my way around here." I told him with a tragic sigh.

"Take straight from here and go left. Stand on the right side of the road before Kulfi house. There only."

"Okay uncle, thank you, uncle."

My mother was so annoying. She didn't tell me how I could get home even when I asked her and I had to fish random people for information.

I've never ridden in a share auto alone but what could be the problem. The vehicles zoomed past me as I hesitantly crossed to the other side of the road.

"This is where share autos stop?" I asked a girl beside me and she nodded. I wanted to ask her again if she was sure, but then it wasn't a nice idea irritating strangers who could help me later.

These share auto drivers don't keep in mind, what is called a tolerable number of passengers that can be stuffed into their vehicle. They hoard as many people as they can and these people too, have no problem riding in a houseful auto, half of their body sticking out of the vehicle like a sore thumb with two or three shopping baskets in their hand.

Despite the claustrophobic ride on my way home, I somehow reached my house and then realised that Siya was leaving to her in-laws today.

I fastened my pace and rang the doorbell, listening to the typical chaos in my house.

Siya was neatly packing her suitcase along with her husband's, while he happily sat in the living room with a teacup set balanced in his hand, watching the commercials with excessive interest.

"Shyla!" He exclaimed.

"Namaste." I greeted on autopilot and answered in monosyllabic words for his enthusiastic questions and sneaked into the room.

"Wash your feet, wash your feet!" My mom hollered from the kitchen.

Siya glanced at me and brightened. "How did the interview go, what did they ask you?"

"Oh please, not you too. I just blabbed something, we'll see."

I lied down on the bed and propped myself up on my elbows.

"So... Do you want any help?"

"No, I'm done."

Siya looked different. She was wearing the same kind of clothes she paraded around all the time but she seemed like another person to me. I couldn't really put a finger on it.

"So, the new clothes are--"

"Ya, ya," I dismissed. "The new clothes are on the top shelf, I have to iron them and not stuff them under the bed after I wear them. You told it so many times. Don't worry. I've taken a resolution to be a sparkling clean person after I enter college."

"You?" My sister put her hand to her chest in fake horror and chuckled, before zipping her bag,
"The day you keep up your resolution, it'll rain so heavily... "

"Ha, ha," I mumbled, sitting up. I lugged her suitcase from the bed.

"I'll carry this for you," I suggested magnanimously.

"Naana will carry it. It's heavy." Siya replied and I still attempted to pull it from the bed.

"What's inside, rocks?" I panted.

Siya picked her mobile from the bed, "Shut up."

She looked through her call logs anxiously. "Did you hear from Anusha?"

"What... Er, no? I mean--She's your friend, why should I, I mean why-" I sputtered.

Siya glanced up at me and I gave her my innocent-as-a-cherub smile.

"I know you don't like her, but she's not that bad, Gussi," She shrugged.

I nodded solemnly. "Could be, yes. "

My father entered our room just then, looking positively joyful. "What, sisters' conference here?" He asked and chortled at his own comment.

I excused him because that's how he behaved when he was in a good mood.

He heroically picked up both the cases from the bed, "Hurry now. We should reach the station early."

Siya gathered her belongings and stuffed it into her handbag.

"Siya?"

She whipped around. I raised myself from the bed and wrapped my arms around her frame, "Thank you for the bedroom and the free cupboard."

"I'll miss you too." Siya translated, easily pulling me into her arms.

I felt her gently caress my hair and I tightened my hold around her, "Don't forget us."

"You idiot." Siya laughed. "Come and see me whenever you want, okay?"

"I'll make time to torture you, honey. Don't worry," I smiled brightly and pulled away.

A huge chocolate bar came into my field of vision.

I raised an eyebrow. "What is this? A bribe?"

"You don't want it?" Siya dangled it before my face and I grabbed it,"Whatever."

I inspected the bar in my hand. "Oooh.60% of fat content. Nutrition. Just the way I like it."

"So, what happened between you and your boyfriend?" She asked and I glared at her, quickly peeking out to see if the coast was clear.

"Are you living in the States?"

"What?"Siya laughed, "Um, I guess not."

"Then don't holler the word boyfriend in the house so easily and expect your parents to come and pat you on your back and congratulate you for the good catch when they hear you!" I hissed.

"Okay, okay," Siya surrendered and lowered her voice. "Is everything alright with you guys?"

"Yeah.Nothing much to speak of," I replied.

Siya raised her eyebrows at me.
"Well then... " She extended her phone towards me and I squinted my eyes to read the words on the inbox screen.

Kabir: Idk. I don't plan on seeing Shyla around much anyway. Have a safe journey.

[1]Trivia:The Shopian rape and murder case is an existing tragedy that was an important case file in 2009.It was the abduction, rape and murder of two young women allegedly by Indian troops in mysterious circumstances. Local police rejected the allegations saying that the women appeared to have drowned in a stream. As expected, this ignited public wrath and spontaneous protests. After further probing, the fact-finding report which concluded that the duo were abducted, gang-raped and murdered rather were raped even after the murder.
Sad, but the medical reports had been toyed with by external influence to cover their tracks.