Chapter 44: Preparing for the Family Day

It was November already. Everyone was in running around, excited for the school fest - Family Day.

The midterms were only a month away, but that didn't deter anyone's spirits.

Classes went on as usual in the mornings, and practices for the Family Day started after three.

The classrooms were used for painting, posters, preparing notices, and practicing skits. Some used them as music rooms to practice their bits.

The seniors took it seriously, as it was their last chance to work together as a team.

Saka was in the relay, since he was good at running.

Sometimes Vira joined to cheer. Teachers had to perform as well, so sometimes he had to help behind the scenes. He volunteered with stage and prop setting.

Everyone who knew him knew he couldn't sing to save himself nor act for peanuts. Family Day was not to torture the audience.

Mina was irritated. She noticed that Vira occasionally didn't turn up, blaming it on personal reasons.

How could a person take a whole week off? She had inquired with other staff to see if he had some personal issues, like the death of anyone dear to him. But apparently, no one knew.

The principal just told her, "His personal life, as long as it doesn't affect his duties, does not concern me."

She gritted her teeth. What an irresponsible answer! But then, Vira did take his work seriously. The kids had done extremely well in their previous math exams. She had snooped around, trying to find dirt on him, but had failed.

Vira used personal reasons to escape from practice. She had signed up for a skit. She could act well; no one could take that away from her.

With one more week to go, field practices had started. Vira stood at a corner, away from the crowd, staring at Saka run. He was smiling to himself. Saka looked great and was in great form.

He heard someone clear his throat. He turned to see Tobi. Tobi handed him a bottle of energy drink.

"Why, thank you, Tobi!" Vira felt a bit puzzled at the sudden display of affection. Normally, Tobi gave him grim reaper vibes.

Tobi glared at him. "Not for you. Saka."

Vira smiled sheepishly. "Ah!" That made sense. Of course, Saka was the one running.

Tobi said, "I'm in charge of set design. Got to go." With that, he jogged back to wherever he came from.

Vira cursed himself. Why didn't he think of it? Saka really deserved someone better. He swore to himself he'd get a bottle of energy drink every day till the Family Day was over.

Saka, done with his practice, saw Vira and ran up to him.

Vira handed him the energy drink. "Courtesy of Tobi."

Saka thanked him and emptied its contents in one breath.

"Wow! Take it slow!"

Saka laughed. "Sorry, thanks, Sen!"

Vira looked grumpy. "It didn't strike me before, but I'll make it a point to get you one every day from now."

Laika, who was right behind them, coughed, which sounded peculiarly like "flirt."

Vira blushed. Saka asked him, "Where is Roma? Why aren't you bothering him?"

Laika smiled gleefully and said, "Guys, guys. I bring you some very hot news.Roma is going to be the male lead in the skit."

Saka asked, "What's hot about it?"

He cackled evilly. "Mina is the female lead."

Vira and Saka looked at each other and both cackled at the same time. "This is indeed wonderful!"

Laika laughed. "It is! And you know what? She is trying to get close to Roma because she thinks he's a rich city guy from a reputed college. Apparently, Maw Lava told her that one of us is rich."

Vira could imagine Maw Lava being that evil. He was sure Lava wanted her to figure out that Vira was the one to humble her, but he didn't take into account that the textually intelligent lady was, in other aspects of life, not that bright. That only gave him greater pleasure.

"So my valiant boyfriend is now being targeted by that bimbo," Laika guffawed.

"Why don't we go and check out their practice?" Saka asked. He was dying to see Roma's face.

"This thing is the vilest among us, disguised as the priest." Laika sniggered.

They walked towards the assembly hall and sat in a dark corner so as  to not attract attention.

They were doing Aladdin, Jasmine's take.

The script focused the story from Princess Jasmine's narrative, a brilliant idea pitched by Tiko and Roon. They were in charge of the script, which was hilarious.

They had put the snobbish side of Maw Mina to good use through the role of Princess Jasmine and had made Aladdin's role whacky, with a twist. His perpetual frown and classy dialogues were certain to keep the class roaring.

"Laika, shouldn't you be up there?" Laika shook his head.

"My role is behind the stage. I do voice-over for the monkey, so I practice only next weekend."

Monday was Family Day.

On the way back, Laika stopped Vira.

"Family Day falls on Saka's birthday. Thought you might want to know."

Vira nodded. He knew. He was an idiot, but he remembered everything about people he cared for.

He had been racking his brain about what to get Saka.

"Laika, I've been meaning to ask you, but what does Saka like?"

Laika gave an evil grin. "Other than you?"

Vira punched him. "I can't gift myself."

Laika's grin widened. "Why not? He'd be eighteen."

He got another whack. "Laika, be serious!"

Laika sighed. A guy couldn't have his fun. Fine! "Make him something. He looks young, but he's a bit old-school. Something like a charm; he still believes in stuff like that."

Vira mulled it over. It seemed like a good idea.

"Thanks, Laika! I'll give it some thought."

They rode back to their homes. No one noticed a motorbike tailing them.

It had been tailing them for the last three days.

He stopped outside Vira's house and watched Vira walk in.

Now he had the address.