Archana stood at the door of the card room of the Club. Her cowboy boot looked rugged against her jeans which was white. The red top was brand new. Mihi looked demure in the white polka dot dress and Majenta looked regal. 

"This is the dress that I originally thought I will wear to the pre party of Oscars, before the Director of the movie called to say he has got it all organised. " She showed off her simple yet stylish dress. 

Archi smiled politely looking at the entrants inside while she eagerly waited for Mrs. Kumar to arrive. She had given the word she would be there that day to meet the Oscar nominee. She just needed five minutes of her time to give her an update about the class. She should know about the new joinee and how she was attaching herself to Vin. 

The hour turned, other invitees came in, including her own parnets but Mrs. Kumar did not arrive. It was almost nine when Majenta asked under the breath, "Girls what's the deal. We are way past the 7 PM mark to return to the school compound. Any later and we would end up returning at 11." 

"Don't worry, " Mihi chirped in. "Those rules are for others. Archi can bend them. Also you are waiting for a key person who has not yet arrived." 

"Right." Majenta said with a straight face. The function was starting finally, so she took up the mike with a polished and trained smile. " I come from the slums of one of the most populous cities of the world. Life was simple with three siblings , school, tutions, food and friends. Then I was spotted at seven and life has changed forever. At times I am filled with gratitude over the changes and other times I just want to ignore it. But thank you for coming to see me, it means a lot. " 

Quietly she looked at the crowd. These two years was her attempt at getting some decent education and to be not called out as a fool in each and every interview. Yes , there were bullying in the movie industry too, suble bulling, open bullying and ofcourse taunts that no one heard. She has only managed to master the English , rest was a long walk. "Right ", she repeated again, wishing she was back at her home. She started again, to avoid grown up asking typical questions like how is this director and who is your boyfriend . " We no longer stayed in the slum. Post my major international break through at 10, we bought a house. Yet I can not reach it easily today when I am in my residential school trying to complete my school years. "

It was an airplane's two hours flight time away. These two years would be tough if she attached herself to affluent kids like Archi. She breathed out her frustration, not a single drama personality was present. All who attended had been local politician, poet, business men, even if the Club had called any drama personality, they had not come. 

Her last hope was Mrs. Kumar who sponsored a major drama festival on behalf of her company. She was also Vin's mother.  Vin was completely unaffected by her when she had approached him today. She did not mind some gentle or serious flirting and Vin was handsome too. Yet he looked irritated at their intrusion. 

As if on cue the door swung open and Mrs. Kumar walked in. She was striking woman in her own right, but the liquid brown skinned, chiseled chin Vin had little similarity with the little skinned, small height lady who walked with the gravity of the world. 

"Sorry all, I had to tackle a last moment emergency. But here I am now. Majenta! Wow you look stunning. I think you have just completed speaking to all. I am glad I could meet you once." 

Mrs. Kumar extended her hand and Majenta stepped forward to take it. 

As soon as she touched her hand, Mrs. Kumar smiled and withdrew. Much like her son thought Majenta. 

She sat at the centre table and smiled at all as she looked at her mobile and forwned. Archi slid quietly beside her, ignoring her parents look towards her. 

"I am sorry that Vin could not come today. " she started. She noted Mihi slip into the empty seat beside her. Mihi was her shadow and she enjoyed it till last year. She looked at Mihi, wanting her to seat with Majenta , where she sat with a bowl of salads laughing at the jokes the very loud Rajat was making. Archi could not remember anything of Rajat's back ground but the fact that his father had made a lot of money in stock market, enough to sponsor his son's education abroad. He was back for the summer break but he did not come across as any smarter than when he failed one school after the other leading his parents to despair. 

Mrs. Kumar followed her glance and asked, "Who is that stylish boy ? Ah Rajat is it ? " She exchanged some pleasantries with Rajat's parents who came up and asked about Vin. 

As always she avoided to speak about her son. Then she noted that Archi was sitting beside her, "Archana did you want to say something ? " 

"Yes Aunty, I am so sorry that Vin could not come today. He was busy as the teachers paired him with a new entrant to the class." 

Mrs. Kumar was again distracted. " Yes Archana, please continue. Sorry the commodity market is live and I am just checking something. But I can hear you, please continue. " 

Archana looked at Mahi who looked at both of them with open eyed wonder of a deer, a very silly dear Archana thought. If Mahi imagines her hero worship and wide-eyed glances would impress Vin, she was wrong.  

"We had this new girl today with a very sad back story that one of the teachers insisted on sharing with us. Apparently, her mother died fighting insurgents when she was very small. " 

Archana stopped as the look on Mrs. Kumar's face had changed. 

"Jonaki ? Jonaki joined today ? " Her face split into a rare smile. 

"You know her Auntie.?" 

"Ofcourse I do. I had recommended her to the school last year, but her father fell unwell and she decided to stay back and be the care giver, while attending a local school. This year, she had no one and could not decline my offer. " 

Archana was stunned. Who was this Jonaki that the aloof Mrs. Kumar got excited by her name. 

She laughed out loud and clapped her hand, "No this won't do. I have to formally introduce Jonaki to this club. I will go to the school tomorrow. " 

Then she looked at Archana and tried to remember what she was saying, "Ah I remember. You were apologizing that Vin could not come ?"

Mutely Archana nodded, before adding, "I guess you are okay with it Auntie." 

" Don't worry. I expect to see the least of Vin now in any place that Jonaki does not join. Thank you so much Archana for sharing this wonderful update. When I am in your school , I will surely meet you too. Now I need to rush. " 

As Mrs. Kumar turned to get her bag, a thin voice spoke beside them startling Archana and Mrs. Kumar both. 

Mahi spoke, " Vin was kissing her fingers in that Maths class before the teacher arrived." 

Archana turned shocked at Mahi, whose emotionless voice indicated nothing but possibly a hidden hurt. 

There was no emotion on Mrs. Kumar's face as she looked down upon Mahi for few seconds, before a smile composed itself on her face, " Was he indeed ? Or were you simply day dreaming in the class." 

With that she turned and left the Card room. Majenta looked up at her walk and then glanced at the table of Archi and Mahi. She breathed to herself, " Quick save here. I would rather attach myself to Rajats of the world than to these useless selfish girls. " 

At the table , long shadows fell between Mahi and Archi as they looked at each other but kept quiet.