II

‘Ragging time’

As the new batch entered the college, it was time for seniors to dictate to juniors with rules and commandments. But before they marched towards this new herd of freshman batch, the dean came to greet them.

“Good morning, everyone,” he took them on the college tour and finally showed them their class.

“So here is your class, and beware of your seniors. They might come. But you need not worry. Our college has strong policies against bullies.” These were his words when he left the class.

All the students looked at each other and introduced themselves. The first day seemed pretty refreshing, and the Professors were amiable.

With the surety of getting protection from the bullies, some students were relaxed, but some were afraid as they knew the reality of what their DEAN said was a piece of fake news.

They knew their DEANS, as well as the Chancellor, scared of Xander Baston.

It’s better to surrender and best not to answer him back. Otherwise, he will make your life hell for the next few years.

As the day started, Mr. Mason entered the class and introduced himself as their Professor.

“Hi, I am Luka. What is your name?” A gentle voice came toward Aoife. She smiled and answered him.

“Hello, I am Aoife Marshal.”

“So ‘oofie’ Am I pronouncing it right?” He looked confused.

“No,”

“What? I am sorry; how do you spell it?”

He asked.

She smiled and answered him in her cute voice.

“You are not the first person who pronounced my name differently. It’s ee-fa. I wonder why my mom chose such a hard name for me.” she rolled her eyes as she was tired of telling her name pronunciation to the people she had met all her life.

Luka took a heavy breath as he tried to pronounce her name correctly.

“ee-fe, sorry oi-fe, no, it’s ee-fa.”

“So, Aoife, do you know anyone here in this college?”

“Nope, I am new in town.”

As time goes, they bonded pretty well. While other girls were busy caking their faces with another round of compact, these guys were busy talking about their favorite subjects, movies, and plans.

It was lunchtime, and they felt hungry, headed towards the canteen, where the seniors were enjoying their meal.

Without hesitation, Luka and Aoife took the platter filled with fresh garlic slices of bread, salsa, apple juice, and a packet of Doritos and settled on the corner table.

While they were busily exchanging their view for the first day, a senior whispered.

“Fresh meat, Xander.” He signaled.

Xander had another rule; whenever the juniors crossed or saw any seniors, they needed to greet them; acknowledge them.

And these two were busy in their world. Didn’t they know the rule?

“They must know the rule?” he permitted his sycophant friends.

Within a few moments, seniors shrouded Luka and Aoife, entering their personal space while Xander was happy to watch the show.

“Are you guys new here?” An unfamiliar voice interrupted the conversation between Aoife and Luka.

They left the conversation in between and cocked their faces towards the unknown source.

“Yes, freshman,” Aoife answered casually.

“Do you know the rules of this college?” A female voice echoed in the room.

“No, but I am sure we didn’t break any rules,” Aoife answered confidently.

Luka knew the situation was getting more challenging and out of control. As Aoife told him, she was new in town, and he was confident enough that she didn’t know about the rules made by the biggest bully.

“Sorry, madam. Sorry, sir. We are leaving. We were hungry and came to eat something here. And we are sorry we didn’t greet you first.” Luka’s tone changed completely.

Aoife looked at him, confused. What happened to him? Why was he saying sorry to these people? Is this a crime to eat lunch in this canteen?

“But did we do something wrong here?” Aoife questioned.

Luka crumbled his brows and signaled her to be quiet. He immediately fists her hand.

“Your boyfriend is right, baby girl.” Another male voice came from the left.

Aoife glared at him behind her spectacles. First, they entered her personal space, and now they are making assumptions about her character.

“He is not my boyfriend.”

“And don’t you dare to call me baby girl.”

She snorted as she made a fist.

Xander saw Aoife’s back as she was talking something to the guy. While the environment was hot enough between Aoife and the seniors, Luka took a mindful step.

He grabbed her hand and walked outside the canteen.

“Leave me,” she screamed. She never liked the way boys dictated to her.

“What are you doing? I was trying to save you.” He exhaled a long breath.

“These people could make our life hell. It’s better not to cross their path. Just keep your head down and never answer them back.” Luka ruffed.

Aoife stood, confused with these thoughts. Is this even a college or a military camp?

“Do you understand me?” he snorted, but Aoife could not process this new tangent.

“Yes,” she whispered.

She didn’t want any drama in her life, not right now. She was here to finish her studies with an excellent grade to fulfill her dreams. A dream to open her own company. She came here to study business and promised she would not lose her focus on these silly things. She had already wasted her time grieving her mom’s death, and spending her last few years in the orphanage didn’t bring any good, except she got a scholarship for this college.

They came back to where the other students were already talking, busy with their stuff. As they settled themselves, a sweet blond girl walked toward them. “Hey guys, I am Clara. I am new here,” she extended her hand towards them.

They smiled and shook her hand. There was an instant connection between Luka and Clara. Aoife could sense the sparks coming from Luka’s eyes when he saw Clara.

They were busy talking to each other.

~Xander~

I observed everything when these new love birds landed in the canteen. As my friends interrogated them, I could sense the boy was a coward, and the girl had something.

Although I didn’t see her face, it seemed she needed some lessons from me. After all, she should know that breaking the rules is unacceptable here.

It would be fun to meet this new birdie. I would love to chop big feathers of audacity.

Let The Game Begin!