I looked around at the rush. Mummy had made me dress up in one of my favourite frocks. Actually, the only favourite frock which didn't prick me.

"Anu woke up today in a good mood. She ate her breakfast like a good girl. I made her wear her favourite frock, which is quite under dressed for the occasion. I don't see a reason why she wouldn't be in a good mood."

My name was taken. I wonder what they are talking about. Mummy looked at me and shooted, "What's your full name?"

"Anika Deddy," I replied.

"What's your name?"

"Anika."

"How old are you?"

"Th-lee yea-ls."

"What's the name of the school?"

"Ada-lsh An-anglo Vidya. . ."

"Repeat after me, Adarsh Anglo Vidyalaya Public School."

I looked at her unsure. That's an unusual and difficult name. How will I repeat it?

"Ada-lsh Anglo Vidya. . . Vidya-"

"Vidyalaya."

"Vidyalaya Public Scool."

"Anu! It is school."

"School."

"Very good. Now repeat again."

I sighed. This went on until I said, "Ada-lsh Anglo Vidyalaya Public School."

Daddy looked at me with a sad face. "What's her fault if that school's name is so big and weird. I mean who names it Vidyalaya Public School? Vidyalaya means school, isn't it?"

"It is an Anglo-Indian school. It must be their ways to make it sound long and posh," Mummy reasoned.

"And stupid too?"

She rolled her eyes. "You're acting as if I were the one who named the school."

Daddy took me in his arms and said, "Anu, beta there's no need to feel pressure-"

"She doesn't even know what pressure means!"

"That's not important." He continued, "You must remember to give your best. Leave the rest to Devuda, sitting above in the heavens. He will decide if your efforts are worth it."

"She is not even understanding a word you're telling."

I had to agree with Mummy as I looked at Daddy, blinking my eyes. He sighed and smiled. "One day, you'll understand my words."

Mummy added, "And she will ask why isn't Devuda not finding her father's efforts enough. Why isn't his father's twelve hours dedication to the company enough?"

"This is not the time for it."

"Of course!"

I looked at them unbelievably. Why did they have to elongate the conversation to an extent that they almost start fighting? Anyways, while Mummy was locking the door, Iyer Aunty opened the door and wished, "All the best, Anu girl."

That's when Anjali Aunty opened the door of their flat. I saw Samarth dressed smartly. Her eyes went wide. The grip of Mummy's hand on my hand became firmer. It's hurting! I managed to slowly release my hand from her grip.

Iyer Aunty asked, "Arre Anjali, where are you going out in the morning? Your mother's house?"

"No Aunty. I am taking Samarth to AAV Public School for admission."

Iyer Aunty chuckled, "That school which is two buildings aways from our apartment?"

"Yes Aunty."

"The same school whose morning prayers are heard-"

"Yes Aunty, the same school," she replied, looking more frustrated.

Mummy smirked as she saw Samarth's father coming out, "At least my husband didn't have to apply for a leave. Fridays are off."

While Mummy was fuming with anger and betrayal, she did a great job of not venting it out. The three of us walked to the school that was known as 'Adarsh Anglo Vidyalaya Public School' or 'AAV Public School'.

Some necessary enquiries were made and I was given a token number. Did I say, I was given? Scratch that. It was snatched from me the instant I was given by Daddy. He had only one dialogue- "What if I lose it?"

He put it in the front pocket of his shirt. We settled around the sitting area where I saw families like ours, children like me and their parents, asking the same questions that Mummy was preparing me.

Mummy started to vent out, "How could Anjali do this? What's the secrecy in this? Your child might or might not get admission in this school. I told her about the admission process, it was me who had enquired about this."

Daddy shook his head, "Leave it, why bother about them-"

"No, I can't," Mummy cut in. "I thought we were friends. She told me she would apply for the Thane branch of this school."

"Maybe it was their decision to apply here."

"But she could have-"

"Yes, she could have. But she didn't. So just leave it."

I waved my hand as I saw Samarth walking in with his parents. Though his parents looked serious, he smiled back. I was nearly bored to death, so I sat on Daddy's lap, hoping to pull out the token from his front pocket. He didn't let my hand reach it; he was very quick.

"Anika M Reddy!" some lady called out.

"That's us," Mummy replied. We were directed to a room, which upon entering, I felt a blast of chill air rushing through me. There I was in awe of different things kept in the room. But the table had most of the colourful and attractive things.

A stern looking lady was taking a look at some papers. Once thoroughly satisfied with the paper, she looked at me. "What a pretty little girl!"

Mummy smiled broadly. "Thank you, ma'am."

What did that lady say that Mummy is smiling a lot? I wonder what that means. Why is Daddy looking so serious?

She asked, "What's your full name?"

I looked around the table, oblivious that she was asking me. Mummy directed, "Anu, listen to what ma'am is saying."

I looked at her. She repeated again, "What's your full name, sweetie?"

"Anika Deddy," I replied, unsure of what she meant by 'sweetie'.

She smiled. "Good. Now, what's your name?"

"Anika," I said. At this point, I felt confident and nice.

"Very good. Answer this, how old are you?"

"Th-lee yea-ls," I said. I curled my thumb and little finger to make three to show her. Mummy had taught me many times but I hadn't felt like doing it. Today, I felt very different.

She was smiling like Mummy was smiling earlier. "That's very good.I have a final question for you. What's the name of this school?"

"Ada-lsh An-anglo Vidya. . .," I fumbled. I looked crestfallen. Mummy and Daddy had a disappointed look.

The lady put her index finger beneath my chin and lifted it. "Don't feel sad, child. It's difficult, I know. Perhaps, we can see if you can repeat after me. Okay?"

I looked at her, not understanding any word. But I had a feeling that she wanted me to try again.

She requested, "Could you repeat after me? Adarsh Anglo Vidyalaya Public School."

"Ada-lsh Anglo Vidya. . . Vidya-"

"Vidyalaya," she completed.

"Vidyalaya Public Scool."

"That's good. Now can you repeat the whole thing?"

"Ada-lsh Anglo Vidya-vidyalaya Public Scool," I looked at her with uncertainty.

She smiled broadly. "Very good Anika."

Turning towards Daddy, she instructed, "You can go and pay the advance to book the seat."

She took a small rubber thing in her hand. She banged it on the small blue pad and then on the papers that she was reading early. Handing over the papers to Daddy, she said, "Please show this while paying the refundable advance."

We came out of the room and I saw both of them gleaming. I don't why they were so happy yet looking at them, I felt happy too. Mummy and I made a move towards Samarth. They looked very tense and after looking at the papers, they had worry lines on their faces.

Samarth and I were least bothered with it. He asked, "How was it?"

"One lady asks and Anu tells answers."

"I am scared."

"Don't be sca-led. She nice," I assured him.

He nodded. Mummy smiled at him and said, "All the best, Samarth."

We looked at her, not understanding what she said. That day we left for home. Later, Mummy came to know that he had been scared to utter a word. It happened again and the third time, he was able to answer his name. Least did I know that this school interview would be used to break my confidence later.

***

Heya guys! Hope you all are safe and sound. Finally back from the exams. I had plans of writing  this chapter last week itself but was caught up with some personal work. Hopefully I will be able to give at least weekly updates. Appreciate any types of constructive criticism. 

Thank you for reading.