Truth Or Affinity

By Barshita Das

Medha, Aisha, Ayush, Siddharth and Malhar are best friends and their group is famous all over the college. They are studying in engineering college under the branch of electronics. They are known for their all rounder talents, they are good at studies, singing and also at doing fun to the fullest. They are favourite of all teachers also as they score well in exams and never make fun of others for their enjoyment. Their way of gathering hapiness is something different.

On one fine day they decided to pull out a prank on themselves. Classes were over and they were about to walk out of the gate when Malhar said, "It has been many days we have not done something which electrifies our spines. Let's do something today. What's say?"

"Yes I was thinking the same but couldn't come up with any idea, do you guys have any?", expressed Aisha. They gave it a lot of thought while having tea and pakora at the college canteen. Suddenly Medha spoke up while taking a sip from the cup, "I have an idea guys, but mind you, it's a bit risky, and if we are caught, our image can be at stake but it will be very thrilling too." "From when have we started thinking about the risk, you just say", Siddharth said in a confident voice while enjoying the pakoras on his plate. On this, Medha started explaining, "What if we spend a night in this college today and have a blast. We will party whole night with lots of drinks, snacks and a low music on our mobile phones. It will be worth remembering for lifetime, I mean not everyone has the audacity to sneak into the college at night and party like this. Our name will be written in golden letters for our daring actions, what's say? We will just have to make a plan for staying at the college without being noticed by the security guard who checks the entire college at the end of the day before locking every door and gate." "Sounds exciting, what if we get out now and come later on by climbing the wall after the guard has checked all the corners. Then we will break the lock and enter, and by the time they will notice that the lock has been broken in the morning, we will escape by dawn?", Malhar suggested. "It is not possible because first of all there is no ladder, so we girls can't climb such a high wall, secondly we can break the other locks but how can you forget that the main door which opens the building of the college has electric lock and password protected. Even if we wild guess and type the password and by any chance if it comes wrong even for once, bell will start to ring through the entire college and not only the guards but the entire community nearby will be alerted", Medha countered with this. They dived into deep thoughts for finding the solution of their problem and suddenly Ayush said, "The only option I am seeing is that we can't get out, we have to stay back at the college only without being caught by the guards." They all agreed to this. The good thing was they had no tension of going back as they lived in the rented house alone near the college. They all have come here for studies and have their native homes far away. Aisha and Medha live together and Ayush, Siddharth and Malhar also live together. After giving it a lot of time, they came up with a plan. After everyone left, they went to principal's cabin and Medha, Ayush and Malhar hid themselves under the table, while Aisha went to the door's corner and Siddharth went to the main electric switch board. They knew that the guard will not check in the principal sir's cabin very carefully because no one dares to enter there except for the sir himself. So when he will see sir leaving, he will obviously only come to lock the cabin and even if he thinks to circle his eye around once, he will not be able to spot them. Everything so far was going according to the plan, the guard arrived in the cabin and just put a look around the room and just when he was about to close the door, the electricity went off for Aisha texted Siddharth in that exact moment to switch off the board. In that darkness they one by one made exit from the door without being noticed by the guard. Even before the guard could take any step, in few minutes electricity came again and he locked the door and went. They were peeping through one of the classrooms opposite to the cabin. The plan was made very precisely as they knew that the guard visits the principal cabin at the last after checking everything, so after this they could hide anywhere they want and he would not come to cross-check. Also the fact that not all classrooms are locked, only the confidential rooms where important commodities and documents are kept are locked worked in their favour. They opted for their own classroom to have fun and spend the night. They already bought their stuffs like drinks and snacks when they were waiting for the college to get empty. They set the alarm for 6 o'clock in the morning so that before the guard comes again to unlock everything, they can escape carefully. After that their party finally began.

The drinks, the snacks and the dance with the soft music added glory to their night. They felt like they were having the best time of their life. At one point they got tired and sat down on the floor. Malhar spoke, "Yaar these are the moments we are going to cherish forever. These are the stories we will tell our grandchildren. Really life would be so different without you guys, I am glad I have taken admission here, otherwise I would not be able to meet you guys ever." To this Medha said, "So true, but see how time flies, it feels like only yesterday we took admission here and met each other for the first time and now we are in the final year of college. After this, everyone will be busy for the so called job hunt, I will miss you guys yaar." They all sensed this bitter sweet reality and immediately made a group hug. Medha wanted to use the washroom while Malhar was feeling thirsty, so they went out of the classrooms switching on the flashlight of their phone as it was dark all around. They could have switch on the lights as well but they afraid thinking that what if somehow the guard detect that some lights are glowing inside the building. So they decided to play safe. They were walking slowly with heavy steps. Medha went inside the washroom while Malhar was filling his bottle from the aqua guard in the corridor. As soon as Medha came out of the washroom, they both heard a sound. They looked at each other with a confused expression. They took steps towards each other and Malhar said, "The sound is probably coming from the upper floor. Listen carefully there is still some fainted sound. Let's go and check." As it was said before they are very daring, so they never step back in the name of fear. Still their heart beats were gaining speed while they were climbing the stairs. They finally reached the upper floor i,e the second floor. They noticed the farthest room from the stairs had it's lights switched on. They were surprised that even after guard checks everything, how it is left unnoticed or there must be someone else like us. They realised that this room was the same room they were hearing to be forbidden to everyone to enter as confidential documents of the internal and external affairs of the college were stored. They also never bothered to poke college's authority, so always maintained a distance from that room. But the fact which always made them curious was that even after being the store room for such important stuffs, no CCTV cameras were installed there although the entire college was protected by this modern day tool.

They took a deep breath and decided to approach towards the room as they couldn't resist themselves anymore. Only the light of that room was on and the outside surrounding was entirely dark. They reached near the room and hid themselves against the wall. They found that all the windows were covered with curtains and the door was locked from inside. They put their ears to the wall and tried to hear about what was happening inside. In the mean time Malhar's phone rang, it was Siddharth. They were worried as Malhar and Medha were taking much time to return. Malhar immediately cut the call and both of them ran towards the stairs. In no time, a man came out of the room and started looking here and there to detect what sound it was. Meanwhile Malhar and Medha were quietly watching this from the stairs. They couldn't recognise the face of the man as they had never seen him before in the college. Unable to find anyone, the man went in again. Malhar and Medha also returned to the classroom. They were in deep shock and unable to process what they had just seen. Before they could say anything, the rest three started saying, "Where were you guys, you don't even pick up the call, do you two even know how much we were tensed, we thought while going to the washroom someone spotted you guys. Thank God you guys are safe." Medha and Malhar looked at each other and decided to explain everything to them. Hearing all these, all of them went into the deep thought. They decided to unreveal the matter and as usual they had no lack of plans. This time Ayush went to the main electricity board of the college and the rest four went silently near the room. Just when Aisha texted, Ayush switched off the mains switch. And that room also became dark. That same man who came out earlier, this time also he appeared outside. They took advantage of this chance and quickly went inside very quietly and slided the curtain of one the windows by 2 inches and immediately came out. As it was totally dark, no one could notice them. They went to the side of the window to peep from outside and again upon receiving the text, Ayush switched on the mains switch. The man was half way to the corridor as he was going to check the connection but seeing the light coming back, he returned. Slowly Ayush also joined them. They couldn't believe their eyes for what they had just seen. There were four men inside the room. One was their principal sir and another one was vice principal sir. Rest two were unknown to them. They were talking about something but it wasn't very audible to them. But they kept eyeing on them when after sometime they found the men uncovering something. The view made their eyes open as the machine was not anything else, it was money printing machine. They switched on the machine and the money printing started. They looked at each other and felt numb to the situation. They couldn't talk as the sound may reach inside the room. So they preferred to talk in messages. They had a whatsapp group of five of them named chaddi buddies where they started their discussion:

Aisha: What is happening guys? Who are they?

Siddharth: It's not a matter of concern that who are they, just look at what they are doing.

Medha: They are printing fake money man, that too inside an educational institution. Look at their audacity.

Ayush: I never thought our authorities will be like this, I thought our head sir is a man of principles. But what should we do now.

Malhar: We can't just stand and see this happen. Atleast we have some proof, you never know which thing becomes essential in what stage.

Medha: I think Malhar is right, atleast we should have some proof in our hand, let's record a video from here only of what they are doing.

With this everyone kept their phone inside the pocket and Malhar started making a video from the little space that was visible after sliding the curtain. The video was recorded where everything was clearly expressed about the happening. They thought to talk about their next step after reaching to the classroom. They turned back to go only to find that same man standing behind them. Their hearts skipped a beat spotting him. The man with a wicked smile started saying, "The moment I heard a sound sometime ago, doubt was raised in my brain then and there only. And then when the electricity went off, it strengthened my doubt even more that something is wrong. And finally from inside I spotted you all watching us secretly. What do you kids think? You will spy on us and we won't even realise? You don't even know who we are. Now quietly walk after me otherwise I know very well how to drag you all." The five were heavily sweating and trembling with fear. But having no other option, they followed the man and entered the room. The principal and the vice principal were shocked to see them. The man informed others present on the room that how they were spying on them. The principal stepped forward and shouted, "Medha, Aisha, Malhar, Ayush, Siddharth what you guys are doing here? How have you all entered the college at this hour?" To this Ayush spoke up, "Leave our topic sir, we just stayed back in the college just to have fun and add one more memorable moment to our college diaries. But little did we know that we would be encountered with something this unexpecting. This was not expected from you sir, you used to be our ideal." Medha supporting Ayush's statements said, "I am glad we decided to execute our plan, otherwise we would never know what is happening under our nose in this college. You are printing fake notes sir?" The principal yelled at them, "This is none of your business, do you all know you guys can be suspended for breaking the rules? Do you want to lose your degree in this final year? Are you ready to waste your four years of hardwork?" Hearing this everyone became nervous but Malhar with a bold voice spoke up, "Sir do you think are we that fool? I have recorded your video of you doing these illegal activities, before you suspend us, you will be sent to jail with honour. First look at yourself sir." These words not at all affected the men present in the room, instead they started laughing looking at each other. The vice principal took a step forward and mentioned, "You guys are really very naive. You all don't really think about the future consequences. Let me make it clear to you. If you leak this video, media will spread the news to every corner of the city and the government will seal the institution naturally. No doubt we will be doomed but your future will be at stake too. No one will provide you the pass certificate of graduation from a sealed institution and either you have to start from first year again from some other institution or you will have no job scope due to lack of documents." This made all five of them tensed but still Medha chose to support the truth. She raised her voice and said, "no matter whatever be the consequence but we can't tolerate this unlawful activities like this, then what would be the purpose of education ultimately." As soon as she said this, Ayush dragged her from behind and they all went to the corner of the room to discuss among themselves. They started speaking in a whispering tone.

Ayush: Have you thought before speaking? It's the matter of our whole life?

Siddharth: Moreover if we have to start from first year, our four years will be wasted.

Aisha: And I have to take the responsibility of my family also, so I really need a job, my father is going to get retired soon.

Malhar: But what about them? They will get rid so easily after doing such things and we will just sit and watch even after having proof with us?

Medha: And even if we spare them, what's the guarantee that they will not be caught by anyone else? And at that time if they take our name they we knew about this all throughout the time, then ultimately directly or indirectly we will also be involved.

Malhar: And it's not morally correct too to support a wrong system. We can't be that selfish to think about ourselves only. If the soldiers of our nation would have thought about themselves only, our nation would not be protected.

Ayush: All these ideal talks are suitable for movies only, real life is much more harder, if we don't think of ourselves at the first place, people will come and squeeze us under their feet.

Medha: We should always support the truth, in return God is always watching us. He will never make us suffer for doing the right things. Moreover can you guys live with the guilt of hiding something which is so wrong?

Aisha: We can't keep everything in the hands of God when we are seeing that we can control it on our own. And the guilt of not being able to look after my family will be more for me.

Siddharth: See truth never remains hidden, so someway or the other it will come out one day, then why do we have to be the bearer of the truth and suffer. We should just let them be and somehow spend this one year in this college.

Malhar: If everybody starts thinking like this, then no one will be the truth bearer and the ultimate truth will never come out into light. So someone must take the step and I am sending this video to the police.

Ayush: You have no right to decide for our future, we were a team, we always decided everything mutually. If you do this, then our friendship will be over.

Aisha: Yes I also won't be a part of the group where the importance of others is more than friends.

Siddharth: Your life has no problem, that doesn't mean our lives are bed of roses too.

Medha: okay fine, we were a team and always decided everything mutually but if you remember all our decisions used to be based on morality, that's why we all used to agree without any conflict. But where is the morality here? And no one's importance is any less, it's about choosing the right or wrong.

Malhar: And our lives are not bed of roses either, we have also got the taste of thorns, but that never made us out of track. So Siddharth, Ayush and Aisha you three are not supporting my decision right, one day you will realise what is the value of walking on right path no matter how difficult the situation is. Medha I am glad atleast you are with me, I have sent the video to the police station and requested them through website to arrive here as soon as possible.

Discussing all these they turned back to the men present there. The principal asked, "So what have you decided? Gained back your sense? It's good that you guys have understood, as you always make our college proud, so I can give some notes to u all as gift." Medha with a smile in her face said, "Don't you want return gift sir? We have a bigger gift to honour you all. Want to know what it is?" Hearing this they all became a little tensed and started looking at each other with confusion. In the meantime the police car siren was heard by everyone and before they could think of escaping somewhere, the police barged in and arrested all of them. But as envisioned, the institution was sealed. They all left for their home and never spoke to each other again. Truth won but at what cost? The family away from family was shattered.

Three months later:

Medha woke up early and was making coffee for herself. Her door bell rang. It was Malhar. She invited him in and they shared the coffee. Malhar was the only person Medha was in contact from last three months. Aisha left the house and shifted to some other appartment. Malhar's condition was also somewhat similar. Ayush and Siddharth also left him and the only friend he had there was Medha. While taking a sip from the cup, Malhar asked, "So what's the plan for future? What have you thought to do?" "I don't know yaar, never had any other passion than engineering, so I can't think of any other profession, probably will start registering for first year again when the new session starts. What about you, what will you do?" Malhar took a deep breath and said, "I also don't want to leave engineering man, I guess I will do the same. Let me know if you start filling up the form. By the way by any chance have you heard from any of them?" Medha nodded her head in denial and the atmosphere was again filled with disappointment. Sometimes later again the calling bell rang, this time Malhar stood up to open the door. He opened and couldn't believe his eyes. It was three of them Ayush, Aisha and Siddharth. Medha was in the kitchen and started shouting from there, "who is there Malhar? Is this the milkman?" On getting no answer, she came out with a container in her hand to take the milk. She glued to her place seeing three of them. They came inside and apologised for their immaturity. Aisha said, "we are so sorry Medha and Malhar, we were so stupid, we only thought about ourselves and became selfish momentarily but you guys, we are really proud of you, you guys didn't leave the truth's side ever. Please forgive us." Everyone was in tears of happiness after the much longing reunion and they made a group hug. "Is this Medha Sharma's appartment?", a voice came from the door. Medha stepped forward where she saw a postman standing. He handed over an envelope to Medha and asked her to sign on the recieving paper. After the formalities, Medha opened the envelope. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, it was the pass certificate of her graduation. Not only that, she was passed with first class. There was one letter along with it. Before she could read it, the other four ran towards the postman who was about to leave. They asked him if there were any letters in their names also. The postman confirmed that he was next going to their appartments only to deliver the letter and then he handed over the same to them. Their face sparkled when they also recieved their respective envelopes. They got back to Medha's room and asked her to read the letter loud.

The letter:

This is to inform that all the final year students of Swaminathan Engineering College have been passed on finding their no involvement with the scandal which was going inside the campus. And the rest of the students have been given free admission to St. Joseph Engineering College where they can resume their course from the semister they are in at present. And regarding the teachers who has come clean has been provided to different engineering colleges. Our authorities will never want anyone to suffer for the mistake of some other. Hope we are able to compensate for the same.

Also a special mention is a must. We have organised a falicitation program for the courageous students of Swaminathan Engineering College who without thinking about their own future, stood up against the wrong. We would like to invite Malhar Gupta, Ayush Hirani, Siddharth Chopra, Aisha Agarwal and Medha Sharma to join our falicitation program and make the event successful. Date and venue will be informed in the text message. Thank you.

With regards,

Deputy Commissioner.

For a moment they were speechless and couldn't understand what just happened. Then Ayush said, "But it was Malhar and Medha who revealed the truth, then why they invited all five of us." Malhar laughed and said, "But they don't know this, that day also when police arrived, they saw all five of us together and why would we let others know our inner conflicts. We are a family and family matters shouldn't go to outsiders." "And moreover you guys also helped, if Ayush wouldn't switch off the light that night, we couldn't have hidden and recorded the video. And you two also helped by keeping quiet and helping Malhar to make the video. So we all deserve this felicitation equally", Medha cheerfully described.

At the day of the event:

The five reached the venue. They recieved a grand welcome and were served with various snacks and drinks. The media was all around to cover the program. Finally the moment arrived. All five of them were requested by the respected Deputy Commissioner to come over the stage. They were falicited by medals and certificates for their bravery. They were requested to say a few lines on which Siddharth took the mic and started saying, "Good evening everyone present here. We never thought that we will ever be honoured like this. It's really a great pleasure. But today I want to confess something on behalf of me, Aisha and Ayush. It's true that that night we five were present there but the initiative to handover the culprits to the police was taken by Medha and Malhar. At one point we got afraid thinking about our future but these two sticked to their morality and didn't allow the truth to fade away. So the true deserving ones of this honour are they, they convinced us about the right thing. So please give a big round of applause for these two Medha and Malhar." Saying this Siddharth left the mic and all of them hugged each other so tight like there was no tomorrow. The crowd stood up giving standing ovation and in this way truth's victory prevailed with bright colours.

Moral of the story: Good deeds lies in showcasing the truth.

By Barshita Das