First encounter with INFATUATION

(High-school)

After S.S.C, I had to select from Maths and Biology depending on the career choice. Though I had no particular passion for any field, I selected Biology because it was my mother’s dream to see me as a DOCTOR and it’s a son’s duty to fulfill parents’ dreams. Still Physics and Chemistry were common for all. Anjali had selected the Maths group.

(In Physics class)

Mr.Verma, our Physics sir, while explaining any theory, always said, “Physics is the study of nature. So whatever you study you must co-relate with your routine and surroundings. Only then you can understand Physics. You can never cram it.”

He was explaining Newton’s Laws of Motion.

“So students, every two bodies on earth exert a gravitational force over each other,

F=G*m₁m₂/r² where m₁ and m₂ are masses of the two bodies & G...................; r………………

A piece of chalk hit my head and I came back to the real world.

“Yes sir?” I stood up and asked.

“Answer my question.” He commanded.

“Can you please repeat the question, sir?” I had not listened the question as I was lost in some other world.

“No, news bulletin are over. No repeat telecast. Ask any of your friend who can help you.” He said

I was completely confused. I scanned through the benches to search the friend who can help me. My eyes first stopped on Rudra but his facial expressions clearly stated that he too was not attentive and that I must not make him jump into the well along with me. My eyes then went to Anjali. I was damn sure that she was attentively listening.

“Anjali, can you please repeat the question?” I asked. She stood up with a hint of smile on her face,

“What does G in the formula stand for?” She said

“So now answer the question.” He said juggling with the chalk pieces in his hand.

One thing that I knew was that G stands for Genius in Parle-G, but in the formula…….no idea.

I made a wild guess, “Sir, G is for gravitational force.”

“Then what is F?” He counter asked.

“B...B...”I was literally stuttering. I had already said ‘force’. By no way I could have said’Fuck.’ At last I said, “Field, sir, Gravitational field.”

“Have you seen Mahabharata?”He asked.

Now what kind of a question was that? I wanted to confirm that my ears listened correctly, “Pardon sir.”

“Have you seen Mahabharata TV serial?” He asked.

“Yes sir. Actually, its my favorite epic.”

“Do You know, while in war, before shooting an arrow  what Arjuna used to do?” He asked.

“Yes, sir. Before shooting an arrow he used to touch the arrow to his forehead and think for a while.”I replied.

“You see, before shooting an arrow one thinks a bit then don’t you feel that before giving an answer also you should think a bit. Do you get it?”

The whole class went roaring into laughter. I nodded my head and sat down. After the class, I kept on asking myself, “Where was I? Why wasn’t I attentive? What was I thinking about?”

I pressed the rewind button of my brain and played it again. What I found was surprising. It was Anjali who was playing on my mind. I was visualizing the last conversation I had with Anjali 2 days back. ‘But why was I visualizing it?’ I left the question unanswered.

(After the school)

Rudra came rushing to me and said, “So, Raaj, where was your mind during the class, Ha?”

“Nothing. Just lost somewhere.”

“Somewhere in Anjali, right?” He asked.

“No. not at all. What are you talking? And how can you know what was going on in my mind? Are you a mind-reader or something?” I said irritatingly.

“Then why did you select only Anjali from the whole class; to get the question?” He taunted.

“Its just a co-incidence. Why are you always searching something to pull my leg?” I replied.

“Ok.Ok. Calm down.” He stopped his tongue and I felt relaxed.

I continued my quest for,” Why was I visualizing Anjali?”

After some days of self-analysis, I realized that I was getting a bit attracted towards Anjali. Actually whenever I talked to her or saw her passing through, I could feel some kind of energy surrounding me pushing me towards her.

‘Do I like her? But how can I suddenly like her?’ I asked myself.

“Is this some kind of liking that Raaj (srk) had for Simran in DDLJ?”

“No.” answered my conscience.” This is not liking.” He commanded

“Then what?” I asked.

“Haven’t you studied previously about androgens, the sex hormones? Their levels rise during the teenage period.” He said.

“So?”

“Because the newly matured factory of testosterone in you is secreting its product at a faster rate, you are feeling these changes. One of them is-“Attraction towards opposite sex.” He explained.

“Ya correct. So, this is not anything special. Its common, right?”

“Yes” He replied.

“I shouldn’t give attention to this. The changes will keep on occurring, right?” I asked

“Yes, instead you must concentrate on your aim. What is your aim?”

“To secure excellent marks so that I get admission in a Medical College and fulfill my mother’s dream of myself as a doctor.” I replied.

“Correct. Don’t ever forget this.” He ordered.

“Never.” I assured.

“Also remember, the testosterones will tempt you to develop liking for Anjali, but you have to resist the temptation. Every frit is borne only after some sacrifice. Sacrifice your liking for Anjali and receive the ‘Marks’ as the fruit. Do you remember the Vishwamitra-Menka episode of Ramayana?”

“Yes, I do. Menka had disturbed the penance of Vishwamitra. But I won’t allow Anjali to break my concentration. I shall remember your words.” I replied.

“Ok then. Whenever you feel like getting weak in your determination, call me.” He said and disappeared.