Ch. 14: A conversation

Oh coorg! Lucky you guys. It's a great destination. Wonderful hill station in the South, right? “, said Riya in a voice laden with excitement. ” It‘s no doubt great. But you can make it greater“, says Riya’s friend. ”What how? “, asks a puzzled Riya ”By being yourself lucky“ ”What do you mean? Speak clearly“, says Riya getting impaitent. ” Arre, I mean to say, why don't you join us! It would be great “ ”Oh, I would love to. But you know my mom is going busy these days, and I don't think papa can find a holiday“, says Riya, with a visisbly saddened expression. ” What's there about your parents in all these? “ ”They would have to be free, right? To go with us“ ”Who said they are going? “ ”But… You mean you would go to that far as coorg, all alone, all by yourself“, asked Riya with bewildered expression. ”Who said, I would go alone! We means our friends. So far 12 of us have made up their minds. Many more to come. Tell me do you want to be the 13th. “ ”Wait, did you tell your parents. Did they agree. And where will you live? And what if something happens without an adult there? “ ”Oh, hello madam, let me remind you most of us are already adults. We are 18+. We are officially citizens now“, said Riya's friend justifying her point. ” That's fine, but I am not yet 18. 2months later, I will be. “ ”Oh 2 months only. Months will fly at the blink of an eye“, says Riya's friend. ”“ Oh you are getting poetic”

“Ok leave all these. Tell me are you going to come with us. I have to add your name baba. And if you want, quickly transfer 15,000 rupees to my account. You know my gpay number, right? ”, said Riya's friend.

“ No no, I wouldn't come. For one thing, I want to enjoy myself for sometime. After a tireful exam, you know. And I have my EFLA entrance test coming up early this month. Post that, will persuade mamma and papa to plan”, said Riya

“Big people, big plans; ok bye”, says Riya's friend. And the phone rings up.