Read Online When a Lawyer Falls in Love by Amrita Suresh - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Amrita Suresh
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punctuating his speeches with smiles. Ankur knew that even if he was not sure of what he was saying, if only he could smile at the appropriate moments, he could get by. After all some people had made a career out ofit.
Besides, if someone can get on stage and smile while talking high sounding nonsense, if nothing else, after a point the audience is embarrassed on behalf of the speaker and smiles back in return.
This was also more or less the job of a VJ and having trained as a lawyer for so long, Ankur had perfected the art of sounding intelligent while speaking nonsense.
‘If you are invited for a pool party and you arrive wearing your swimming trunks only to realise it is a billiards game in progress, how would you react and why?’ The only other female judge asked, her silver nose ring quivering with the emphasis on ‘why’.
‘I’d pretend it is my normal outfit. After all, presence of mind is what counts the most in life,’ Ankur answered even as a group in the audience erupted in cheers. The marathon question, Ankur had covered in a single leap.
The judges also seemed impressed—but the next round wasn’t going to be as interesting. Ankur had to identify music and name the musician, something he was as proficient in as a zoo instructor being made to synchronise a symphony.
A very unclear rendering of some music on a poor quality tape sailed through the speakers and Ankur had to identify it.
Giving a very intelligent tilt to his head, Ankur enquired, ‘Is it Ben E. King?’ Never mind if he had heard precisely one song by this artist. The female judge at the mike actually giggled, her bleached hair also joining in the mirth.
With a poker face the bald judge with a French beard informed him, ‘That was Usha Uthup.’ For once, Ankur was confused whether to continue smiling or to dart behind one of the banquet curtains. He did neither. Instead he just stood there grinning and sure enough, after a point, the embarrassed audience also grinned back.
As the boys drove back that evening, Ankur thought of the idle Sunday spent well. That was the nice thing about rickety Ambassadors, their slow motion always facilitated thought.
Though none of the guys made it through the VJ hunt, they were richer for the experience. If the people in the hostel were to know that the future lawyers had already begun practising making a fool of themselves, there would have been loads of sniggers. At one level Ankur was glad he didn’t make it. He could well imagine himself being transformed into one of the ear stud wearing judges with flashy glasses. Ankur valued streaks of intelligence over streaked hair.
Yet, like one’s first swig of beer, and long bike rides with the wind in one’s hair, taking part in inane VJ hunt contests was also part of the thrill of being in college. And Ankur was glad he was still in college.
Eighteen
‘Souvik,’ a soft voice called. Souvik stopped in his tracks. They had just finished their classes for the day and were returning to their hostels, when Souvik’s ear drums had registered the mellifluous sound. It was Jaishree.
A week had gone past since he had given her the card, and with no response coming, Souvik was half prepared to give himself up to the local mortuary. He turned to look at her. Jaishree stood there, as beautiful as ever, holding the card. All kinds of thoughts darted through Souvik’s head. This was the first time in four years that Jaishree had actually wanted to talk to him. Was she going to use the card as a frisbee or was she actually pleased to receive it?
‘Souvik, thanks for this card…I’ll always keep it,’ Jaishree said smiling shyly.
Souvik’s dimples suddenly forgot to flash. Instead, his otherwise dark face turned a strange maroon. ‘I am so glad,’ He found himself blurting. ‘I thought you’d be angry…’
‘Angry?’ asked Jaishree almost amused. ‘I was thrilled.’
Besides, if someone can get on stage and smile while talking high sounding nonsense, if nothing else, after a point the audience is embarrassed on behalf of the speaker and smiles back in return.
This was also more or less the job of a VJ and having trained as a lawyer for so long, Ankur had perfected the art of sounding intelligent while speaking nonsense.
‘If you are invited for a pool party and you arrive wearing your swimming trunks only to realise it is a billiards game in progress, how would you react and why?’ The only other female judge asked, her silver nose ring quivering with the emphasis on ‘why’.
‘I’d pretend it is my normal outfit. After all, presence of mind is what counts the most in life,’ Ankur answered even as a group in the audience erupted in cheers. The marathon question, Ankur had covered in a single leap.
The judges also seemed impressed—but the next round wasn’t going to be as interesting. Ankur had to identify music and name the musician, something he was as proficient in as a zoo instructor being made to synchronise a symphony.
A very unclear rendering of some music on a poor quality tape sailed through the speakers and Ankur had to identify it.
Giving a very intelligent tilt to his head, Ankur enquired, ‘Is it Ben E. King?’ Never mind if he had heard precisely one song by this artist. The female judge at the mike actually giggled, her bleached hair also joining in the mirth.
With a poker face the bald judge with a French beard informed him, ‘That was Usha Uthup.’ For once, Ankur was confused whether to continue smiling or to dart behind one of the banquet curtains. He did neither. Instead he just stood there grinning and sure enough, after a point, the embarrassed audience also grinned back.
As the boys drove back that evening, Ankur thought of the idle Sunday spent well. That was the nice thing about rickety Ambassadors, their slow motion always facilitated thought.
Though none of the guys made it through the VJ hunt, they were richer for the experience. If the people in the hostel were to know that the future lawyers had already begun practising making a fool of themselves, there would have been loads of sniggers. At one level Ankur was glad he didn’t make it. He could well imagine himself being transformed into one of the ear stud wearing judges with flashy glasses. Ankur valued streaks of intelligence over streaked hair.
Yet, like one’s first swig of beer, and long bike rides with the wind in one’s hair, taking part in inane VJ hunt contests was also part of the thrill of being in college. And Ankur was glad he was still in college.
Eighteen
‘Souvik,’ a soft voice called. Souvik stopped in his tracks. They had just finished their classes for the day and were returning to their hostels, when Souvik’s ear drums had registered the mellifluous sound. It was Jaishree.
A week had gone past since he had given her the card, and with no response coming, Souvik was half prepared to give himself up to the local mortuary. He turned to look at her. Jaishree stood there, as beautiful as ever, holding the card. All kinds of thoughts darted through Souvik’s head. This was the first time in four years that Jaishree had actually wanted to talk to him. Was she going to use the card as a frisbee or was she actually pleased to receive it?
‘Souvik, thanks for this card…I’ll always keep it,’ Jaishree said smiling shyly.
Souvik’s dimples suddenly forgot to flash. Instead, his otherwise dark face turned a strange maroon. ‘I am so glad,’ He found himself blurting. ‘I thought you’d be angry…’
‘Angry?’ asked Jaishree almost amused. ‘I was thrilled.’
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