1O

The question is so unexpected such that I am not prepared to come up with anything to say.

My mouth works faster than my brain. “No, they are held up on a business trip.” I babble.

She glares at me with so much scepticism. Her eyes dart away from me before she speaks again.

“Funny that have never met your parents for the entire period we have been on the campus." She says.

I know what she means; in this institute, the surname is what gets you known and respected. Almost all parents are deeply involved in school activities except the few hapless kids that get admitted here on a scholarship basis. They are bullied and demeaned in all possible ways.

“You will during the graduation ceremony," I reply.

“And your brother who studies in Europe?” Her eyes twinkle with curiosity as she asks.

“Also him,” I say with resignation.

That shuts her up and I am glad when she stops asking personal questions. She pulls up at a large shopping store. With the words, Satisfaction proudly typed on the fron