Agastya
The Approach (Part I) The lightning looked like fireworks in the sky; a welcome relief from the searing Delhi heat. I walked out from my room to the common balcony to enjoy the breeze and the view better. There were several other people who were out there, smoking their illegal cigarettes and their more illegal joints, the football and hockey teams swigging fluorescent orange energy drinks after their practice sessions; all grateful for the imminent rains. An unfamiliar figure walked out to the balcony. His long wavy hair fell carelessly on his eyes. He was probably very athletic at some point. He was tall, yet bent and thin and seemed to be unsure of his new surroundings. He responded to my polite smile, walked up to me. I noticed he had a rather unusual shuffling gait. “Agastya”, he smiled and introduced himself. “Dhrubo”, I said. “Third Eco” “Second Eco” “Bengali?” he asked. “You?” “No. Raipur.” We listened to the thunder. “I’ve moved to U16.” “Awesome. I’m in U...