Page 62 of Storm
In one of the lecture’s Aariz quizzed us on American politics, for which he had asked us to come prepared. Some people answered a few of his questions, while some had no idea about the answers. Mostly it looked like people did not open their mouths due to Aariz's terrible temper, thus making him angrier. He lashed out on the whole class, saying how irresponsible and lazy we were.
I knew almost all the answers but still kept quiet. I let him shout at us. Though he glanced at me several times, I ignored it.
The day went by and finally it was time for the last lecture, which was of Aariz again. By now, the entire class seemed tired and scared of his scolding.
All the lectures got over and I made a decision. Instead of going straight home, I went up to Aariz’s office.
I knocked and entered to find Aariz sitting alone, working on his laptop.
“You need something?” Aariz looked up surprised to see me.
Somehow gulping down the lump in my throat, I found a voice,
“I knew all the answers today. But I didn’t say, because you have forbidden me.”
Aariz stood up completely stunned.
“Sani, I have not forbidden...”
“You said today in the first lecture, that I don't give others a chance to answer. So fine then...I have stopped. I won't say a word in class from now on...” And the floodgates started.
Wiping off my tears, I went on,
“Although it’s not my fault if someday most of them don't come prepared or if anyone is reluctant to answer. There is no question of me stopping anyone or monopolising. Today you saw it yourself that many people had raised their hands to answer. It wasn’t just me. Still, you pointed me out to blast on. You always do this to me!”
My voice started breaking now.
Aariz took a step towards me, then held himself back and leaned on his desk, crossing his arms as if to stop himself from trying to touch me.
“I don't always shout at you Sani.” He looked hot in his no-nonsense formal attire, disturbed jelled hair, as if he had been moving his hands through them. Those pleading cute orbs of his were my undoing. I tried not to look...much.
“Whenever hands are up, I hear answers from everyone not just from you. I give a chance to everyone.” Aariz desperately tried to explain himself, though unable to meet my eyes.
“Then why didn’t you today?” I beseeched him tearfully in betrayal. “Why not others? Why not Aya? Why just me? What was my fault?” I stomped my foot in annoyance.
Aariz hung his head low, and then looked up opening his mouth, but I beat him to it, scoffing bitterly,
“Must be some mistake on my part. I get it.” I nodded shrugging my shoulders, “Does not matter. As from now on, I won't be participating in class anyway.”
“Don't say like that Sani.” His voice turned softer like a caress.
“Yesterday also you scolded me via text.” I mumbled curling my lips, annoyed.
Aariz straightened uncrossing his arms, “It wasn’t a scolding! Don't tell me you could hear me yell through a text.” He rolled his eyes, breaking into an amused smile.
How dare he find this funny?!
“So rudely, in an angry tone you texted, ‘I saw how busy you are and with whom...’ It showed as if you are implying that I lied to you!” I sniffed glaring at him, while he just stared at me with a small smile, cocking his head sideways, as if I was telling him a story.
“I was discussing assignment with the group you have put me in! Now if they were cracking jokes and laughing, then what is my fault? Why can't I laugh with them? Am I not human? I have rights you know. I have studied Political Science enough from you to know them.” I stated with my nose held high.
Aariz chuckled murmuring,
“Sure...”
He was not taking me seriously. At all!
Testily I went on,
