Dhriti - Part 1

 Dhriti held the paper slip tightly with her hands trembling.


"Hey! Dhriti! Open it fast! We have to see what is written…  Dhriti ... Open it, Dhriti. Open open open!” Students all around Dhriti chanted rhythmically.

 

Ragging is going on that day in "Rajaram Mohan Roy College of Engineering". Even though the government has banned ragging, senior students took permission from the principal that they will welcome the new students and that there would be no violence - physical or otherwise. They have been enjoying since morning. First year students were not allowed to move. It was all in the name of fun - Nice vibes all around. All the first years had their turn and Dhriti is the last one left. Until then, she has been pushing others to take her turn each time. As it is the last one, the noise levels have peaked and there was a feverish anticipation among seniors and juniors alike. Dhriti held her paper slip tightly without opening it – partly afraid of what may be in it. This hesitation caused more uproar.

 

"Hey! Haven't we all done this by now? Our seniors are good people... No fear, no tension- Just do what is written in it happily" Encouraged her friends..

 

“Hey Dhriti, what are you so afraid of? Toughest one is to jump around the college, you can do it!"

 

“Hey girl! I'm not a good person at all. Anyone in this college will tell you about my villainy. We are telling you nicely to open it, you better obey quickly or else… ”One of the senior boys who came in front of everyone said threateningly. Even though the boy used threatening words, his eyes and lips were smiling merrily.

 

She looked up and her eyes pierced him as if to say – “Or else what?”

 

‘Oh my God! I can be completely lost just looking into those eyes’ he thought holding his heart.

 

“Four of us will hold you and two people will hold your hands... and you can just sit in fear!", he answered with mock bravery.

 

Dhriti stood up straight - "Ooh! Is that it .. I was expecting something else!"

 

Everyone was shocked with the change that happened in the blink of an eye… All the freshers laughed out loud at the change "Hey.. Wow... ". Some with a thumbs up, some with a clap, and some with a laugh. They have (rightfully) felt like they won the round with this unexpected twist. 

 

"I have been waiting for ragging day ever since I got a seat in Engineering. I let my imagination run wild. Is this all it is?” Dhriti laughed in a naughty way.

 

"Oh my God! Oh my god! Kids these days...." said one of the seniors. The boy who tried to threaten Dhriti was still in shock and is standing still.

 

Dhriti continued … "Any way... Thank you! It is so nice to see you all. You proved that ragging can be enjoyed this way too. Congrats. Friends? “ She stretched her hand out. All the seniors shook her hand with a smile. The boy who threatened Dhriti was surprised to see Dhriti who pretended to be scared and now is speaking with such confidence.

 

Dhriti crinkled her eyes and called him out "Hey! Mr Villain... Come here". Walking like a Zombie, he came closer.


“Is this how you are held down?” A quick nod to other freshers and four of them came and grabbed the boy tightly. Immediately two more came and held hands "Do you hold hands like this? "

 

"Oh! That smile again and those eyes!" The boy was still lost in the eyes. Dhriti felt pity on seeing that boy who is getting everything done without a protest.

 

“That’s enough now. Leave the poor senior” she said with compassion.

 

"Who is ragging who anyway? "Someone mumbled from behind.

 

"Hey! Vishwa! Why were you letting her rag you? ” Shouted a friend.

 

“Pretty woman, walkin' down the street… ", Vishwa who has finally come back to the living world has started singing the tune.

 

Everyone laughed and clapped and cheered. The time has passed well with claps, laughter and talks. All this excitement is bound to make them hungry!

 

"Come on man... Let's go to the canteen" when one moved, everyone started walking towards the canteen. Introductions happened naturally. With the newly arrived freshers, the college looked more beautiful than ever.

 

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Vishwa could not sleep that night. Like the great actress Savitri of Telugu cinema, Dhriti’s face kept appearing questioning him with those deep eyes and did not allow him to close his eyes even for a moment. After tossing and turning around, he sat up straight wondering what was happening…

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