CHAPTER - 2

The party started by a bus in the morning. The site was 180 kms from the college. While starting they counted the heads and found that every body i.e 32 students took part, no body missed it.

But when they were distributing the break fast packets, they served only 31 packets. They did not mind because it was a small matter. Even when they were serving the lunch, they

Counted that they needed 1 plate less i.e they needed only 31 plates instead of 32.

It was late and the students were hungry so they did not go to the points of recounting the heads once again.

They had a programme to stay one night. In the evening they again counted the heads and it came to exact 32 students.

They enjoyed a lot. There was a big lake, they enjoyed the boating for 2 to 3 hours. In the evening after dinner, the camp organizer arranged beds for the students. They were asked to arrange 32 beds, but actually they had the supply of only 31 beds not 32.

Next morning at about 9.30am they left the site and came back to their place. The students came by bus but 2 students who went their in their car stayed back to settle the accounts.

While paying the bills for lunch, dinner, and beds the organizers charged only for 31 numbers not 32. But they were sure 32 students participated in the programme, this was confirmed when the number of heads was counted repeatedly . So it remained a mystery as to how one number was less.

However, it remained a secret to the students that the spirit of Roomy was present whenever the heads were being counted but she disappeared soon after.

Louise came to the college after 7 to 8 days. When he was told that Roomy participated in the picnic, he was dumb founded . His friend said " What is the big deal.?" She was our ex student , she can definitely come.

But Louise did not believe his friend, he asked several other friends whether it was true that Roomy joined the party. His surprises knew no bounds when he came to know that she had actually taken part. But he kept his astonishment within himself.

The part of the canal road where the body of Roomy had been buried has become prone with accidents. In the last one year quite a number of accidents has taken place. One person has lost list his life and 5 to 6 have been Injured.

Road safety authorities have constructed a speed breaker and set up a traffic signal and also fixed a board with the warning " ACCIDENT PRONE AREA, DRIVE S!OWLY." Despite these precautions ,accidents do take place, but it is difficult to answer how. Of late , the authorities have posted a traffic constable to manage the flow of traffic.

Louise's father is still working and he is going to retire within a year or two. They have a small house of their own. He has no brother or sister. The smallness of the family is a plus point for them.

Louise has completed a computer course and he is going to complete his graduation within 6 months. His father wants him to do a job after this, because both father and mother are planning for his marriage soon.

Her mother is not keeping well , therefore, she wants his wife to take control of the family. Financially , Louise's family is not very strong. His father is doing a commonplace job, therefore , he can save a very small amount. During his entire life he has saved very little, but they are comfortable for two reasons one is they have their own house, and second, they have no daughter, that means no liability.