Page 119 of Storm
And Contemporary politics, American Politics and can give a tough feministic argument, can actually speak up and have a view point in classroom unlike her...Just saying.
“...you come prepared in class and give answers. It does not mean you have to go behind him all the time in his office on pretext of project discussions, while actually asking for help with studies!”
I knew she sometimes behaved like a competitive bitch and did not like it when I did better in exams, but that did not mean she could look down upon me that way. Friend or not, I was no one's charity case. Not even Aariz's. I earned my place. Always!
I reminded her that in no uncertain terms, while still keeping half a smile on,
“Oh hello there! I don't need help. Why would I? I prepare my own notes and you know that. If you are lacking behind, you can...”
She did not let me finish and went all hyper, “How can you say I haven’t been preparing for exams?!”
From your look? From your performance in class? List was endless. But fighting wanted the last thing I wanted, so I let it go.
Taking a deep breath I asked,
“Where is this conversation going actually?”
“That you are being obvious and you are my friend, so I don't want him to laugh behind your back. Because he will Sani, if he hasn’t been already. He would when he finally notices you.” Rose said in sympathetic tones.
That was it. She had done it now. She was not just looking down upon me. But was staring as if I was not worth shit and she had to bear with me anyway, because she was such a good friend!
With a bitter smile, I stated testily,
“Thank you for your concern. But I think your mind is going one track and that too with the speed of being months late. First of all, had I been that desperate in Prof Aariz's eyes, then he would have pointed it out and given me a piece of mind privately or in front of the whole class, which we normally call as insulting. You can be sure of that with his take no prisoners kind of attitude. He has a presence in class, which demands respect and attention. He does not fool around. So he would not let me tarnish that image of his, don't you think? Yes he used to joke and tease me when he was new here, but doesn’t he do the same with many other guys in our class, when he is in a mood of being friendly?”
“But not with other girls.” Rose pointed out in acidic tone.
God...Do I need to spell it to her? Fine!
I did not sugar-coat, as I retorted,
“Because they don't participate in class as much as I do. So they don't have the correspondence with him, as much as I have and maybe that’s why he likes me as a student. Secondly, about your concern of my safety, he is not a pervert or a bad guy from the novels, who takes advantage of little girls. If you missed it, I'm not little. Nor am I a coward who can't stand up for herself. If he had ever even given a wrong look, I would have taken some action against him or gone off to a better college instead of fighting or waiting to be hit on. You know I don't take shit from anyone. Besides, your concern for me shouldn’t be there anymore, as he does not talk that much with me in class now.” I nodded sarcastically, “But of course, you are worried because you think I'm desperate. Yup.”
She looked conflicted, so I pressed on more firmly with no chance of a crossfire,
“About partiality, remember what I said just now about him having a life of his own, unlike so many in this world who only poke into other people’s.” I meant it as a hit on her but of course, she was too slow to realize that.
I went on,
“He does not give a crap about the students outside the classroom. We have all seen it. So there you
have your answer as to why would he bother helping me. But still as for your accusations, don't you think, me going to his office for assignment work or getting my notes corrected might be due to the fact that I work my ass off every day, because I want to top this year? I can't just be a graduate. I have to be the first in class. I don't need his help nor has he offered. Just you pointing it out, looks like you have given it a thought, meaning you need it yourself.”
She opened her mouth to oppose that, but I beat her to it saying in a softened manner,
“You could have just asked me for help instead of stretching all this out of proportion. You have really hurt me today.”
Rose looked apologetic and struggled to accept it.
“You can't question my brains or my integrity when I haven’t ever questioned yours.” Scoffing I added,
“There has never been much to question about in your case anyway.” I was talking about her brain and obviously, she did not get my dig.
She instantly clasped my hands and gave me a puppy look mouthing, sorry.
“I was just worried for you as a friend Sani. But you took this too far and wrongly.” Rose sighed at me.
I took it far?!
