Three years in the future..

The year they turned eighteen was full of joy and celebrations for the Section Z. They partied invited friends and family. They wanted to invite Vin too, but he declined the first invitation of the twins Labh and Kush by saying, "I work on weekends. Will not be able to join." 

He still stood first and in it he had earned a reluctant respect from Ashi. 

Ashi told him the next week, "You know what you did not miss much. It was quite ridiculous all they did. Infact Magenta wore a bikini and jumped into the pool and the all the boys acted like starving lions. She did not allow anyone near though. "

Vin laughed. "Are we friends now ?" 

Ashi said, "Yes we are." And that started a reluctant friendship that became strong. If someone would have told them that this friendship would be destroyed later in life when Vin's company grew too ambitious and gobbled up each of the projects in AI, leading to crimbling of the old IT firm's new AI wing of Ashi's husband, no one would have believed. But that happened and Ashi had stormed into the office of Vin that day in the future to accuse, "Honestly Vin.. each of the project you had to take. You know how I had to leave working to look after the children, could you not leave a single one for his dignity. "

As Vin had stared at her incomprehensively, his assistant explained the facts. He was not even aware that his bid had won the one she wanted her husband to get. 

"Don't say you were unaware. You are too big now but someday you and I were friends. You should be aware of your friends, of the care they gave you when you had no one. Of the love they had for you and ofcourse .. Jonaki. I can not blame her as she had gone through hell, but you.. ? You had to ensure we are destroyed. What face will Avi have now infront of all the family seniors. He was given this opportunity to start an AI wing, only to have you destroy it all. " 

That day it had seemed to Vin that their friendship of a decade and more had all gone into smoke and the old Ashi who just wanted to find a scaregoat and complained to all when she did not stand first was back. 

He however did not fight and even stopped his Assistant from butting in with her two bits on how he was not aware of the deal and his managers wanted to surprise him. 

But that was in future, when they formed study group together before facing their school leaving exams, Vin's vision on AI triggered a fellow interest in Ashi. She would bring all material from her private coaching classes for late studies on the week days with Vin and he would help her to navigate most of the solutions the first time. Ashi learnt well but just could not beat Vin though she promised she would get there someday. 

Even Jonaki had doubts about the friendship , declining to join them as she went on to study with her friends of Section A. It was possibly Amir who mentioned one day to Ashi and Vin, "Just take care that your friendship that formed fast does not burn itself out." 

When he was pointed out the same thing, he had laughed and walked away. 

As the classes closed, the boards happened, results came out and Vin stood first. Unknown to all but Ashi, one day when he was busy studying with Ashi, his father Mr. Kumar had visited him and updated him on the property that was left to him by his mother but it was not attached to any trust. He carried the keys that were kept away from him. " In addition to this, Vin, there are some funds in that house that will help him with stay and food for atleast a year , till you figure out what you want to do with your life or you dont get the scholarship that you want. "

Vin reluctantly took the keys. He had located his mother's care taken but while he had the deed of the property that key was with the Kumars. 

"Remember, you can fight everyone as much as you want. But learn to stop somewhere , as all issues can not be solved by humans. "

Then he lokoed at Ashi and asked, "Are you Jonaki ?" reminding Ashi that he was not mentally adept always. She looked nothing like Jonaki but may be in the light of the evening and school dress he got confused. 

She said a no. 

"Stay with her Vin. She is a good girl. May be she should study medical science. I remember the care she took of the maid who was hurt the last time she visited though she was upset at Mrs. Kumar. Tell her to think of it. " Then he walked up to him and gave him a hug and handed him over a package of a reknowned brand and left. This reminded Vin that he had always taken such purchases for granted, now he just wished he had access to his old clothes. 

Mr. Kumar left with a last longing look at his son, as if he wished for a different life. Vin stood quietly and said, "He is such an incapable father. " 

"May be there is some mystery to it Vin. May be that is why he was never given much authority or much money." Ashi injected. 

Vin nodded and then went back to studies. 

When Jonaki came with her friends to check on Vin and if he wanted dinner Vin gladly accepted and invited Ashi. Ashi politely declined and walked away to the hostel. She was happy for Vin and liked Jonaki. But the other of Section A, were not her cup of tea. 

All the friends gathered round and lit a small bonfire in the extreme corners of the ground. Issac had brought some kebab. They ate late into the night and just before midnight, wished happy birthday to Vin. Each got some gift, carefully thought to help him in some way. Vin almost teared up. As they left in the dying ambers of the fire, Vin remarked to Jonaki, "Father came to meet me today. I did not realise he was visiting for my birthday." 

Jonaki smiled and stayed beside him as they stared at the stars the entire night. The new manager of the Hostel noted her absence but did not mark. Issac was her second cousin and had request her to accommodate just one day. "Just one and no one else must know. Please do the bonfire in the exteme end of the garden." 

As the day broke they separated for the next day in their individual sections. Pressed into Vin's hand was a packet of money that Jonaki had earned in tutions. "This is for our future , do not say a know. Please look for a house, where we can stay please." 

In the section, it appeared some boys and girls still remembered his birthday. They wished him and Ashi came running complaining that he never reminded. They gave him imported chocolates, ties and cast a sorry glance towards him thinking when would he be accepted back in the family. Archana came with Mihi and a designer cake. Vin did not fight with her and cut it and even accepted a bite or two. Someone brought out the snacks and his phone rang as Mrs. Kumar sent a message wishing him happy birthday, reminding him that they could reach a conclusion of the arguments that had gone on for too long. She had been abroad and from there had got him and Jonaki a phone. She insisted he must accept it and that she would sent it with the guard to the Office. 

He read and it fell off him like mercury on water droplets. He listened to many of his class mates talk of the label of the chocolate or the cake, the candle with the illusive smell. But Vin's hand touched the packet full of cash from Jonaki and the small gifts from her friends.. that stayed safe in a bag in his room in the hostel.. a toolbox, a book on AI, a book of laws of governance of a new company and taxation, a set of slippers, an alarm clock. He knew who gave what from the gift and was moved beyond words. So he sat in Section Z eating the cake , thinking of his father, Jonaki and remembering the blessing of his mother. "We will have the house Jonaki soon.. " He whispered.