Project work

I was upset when I went to the school, but when I came, I was in a quite good mood. Of course, I had several questions as well, for Annie and Neil which I would ask next day since I didn't get the time today.

I parked my bicycle at the usual place as I carefully walked into the home. As I was heading towards my room, I saw uncle and brother talking something. Wait, they were not talking, more like uncle was scolding my brother. And was he grabbing my brother by the collar?! That's not possible! My brother was apple of their eyes.

I rubbed my eyes to make sure what I was seeing wasn't a trick being played by my mind, and viola! Scene changed! Actually uncle wasn't grabbing him by collar. Rather he had put his hand on my brother's shoulder, and they were talking very nicely.

What the hell was that? Did I start to hallucinate now? No! Please no!

I placed my bag on the table, and changed into pajama after freshing up. Then I went downstairs in the kitchen to do the household chores which included–cleaning the big house, making dinner for everyone with the condition being, the food must taste awful. Because as per aunt, such foods were considered to be healthy. Then other of my works were, wash the dishes after everyone was done with their dinner. Washing their clothes. Then ironing the dry clothes. Making me do such works always gave them some kind of sadistic pleasure.

These works always took lots of my time. By the time I was done with my job, everyone was already sleeping. I too, went back to my room. And I laid on my bed, playing with my hands. This action reminded me of something,

That's the hand which Neil had held earlier. How protective! He even called me by my first name! And, and I can't believe I had lunch with him and his friends!

Neil is so–

'Stop fantasizing. Your dream is not some boy, it's the music.' Came the voice of my Mini/brain.

"You are such a dream-breaker, Mini!"

'That's because I am your reality check!' Mini reasoned with me.

Why the hell was it so necessary to always live in reality? I grabbed a pillow and threw it out of frustration. "To hell with your reality check!"

"Woah, easy there, sister," It was my brother who had just came to my room. He had caught the pillow which I had thrown earlier.

"You needed something, brother?" I asked. My voice lacking any kind of warmth. He chuckled then said,

"Can't I come just to meet you?" I had no response for that. He then casually asked, "Exam result, how's it?" Right, he asked this question after all my exams. What was the need to act as if he actually was concerned about my studies?

"70 out of 100." I said as I handed him the report card. He seemed delighted by it.

"Not bad, little one!" He exclaimed as he ruffled my hair. "This is the highest you ever scored!"

"Thanks, brother," Then I said, "But you messed my hair!"

"It was going to be messed anyways, since you were going to sleep." He said. "Okay, good night then, kiddo." And he started to leave.

"No chocolate today?" I blurted out. And I swear he was laughing at that. Then without turning, he tossed back a chocolate which somehow landed right in my hand.

I smiled. However irritating he was, at times, he was the only one whom I can call as a family. Because my father...he never even bothered to make a phone call. And the strange thing was, I don't even had his contact number.

I was tired after all the work. Hence, quickly fall asleep.

May the stars be willing for a beautiful tomorrow.

...

In school, Annie had reserved a seat for me which I was grateful for. As soon as I got the chance, I asked her,

"So what's the scene with you and William?"

At the very mention of William, she made an irritated face. "Between me and him, the only relation could be established. And that's enemity."

"And what about the future wife thing?" I asked.

"He has lost one or two screw of his brain that's why he keeps spouting nonsense!" Annie said as she sighed. "My and William's dad are best friends. And they kind of want their children to be married together. Of course, my dad will never go against my wish and marry me off to that monkey boy if I am against the marriage."

Okay, so that was the story...

"So far I understand, William is not bad of a guy. I am not asking you to marry him, but you should try seeing the goodness in him." I suggested, totally aware that this suggestion wouldn't be of Annie's liking.

"Oh Raine, you are far too innocent to know such evil foxes like William! Have you seen his smirk? It's as if he knows when the world is going to end. And he used to steal my favourite pencil when we were kids! Such a thief!" Annie claimed.

"Seriously, Anni–"

"No more William talk, Raine the superstar. Please?" Annie wanted to escape from the talk because maybe even she knew the reasons she was holding grudge against William were very pity. Nevertheless, I fulfilled her wish.

"Okay." I said and she smiled with relief.

Then we chatted about some other stuff until Mr. Ocean, the economy teacher came. Mr. Ocean was an old man who liked to adjust his glasses again and again.

"You all did well in exam," Said Mr. Ocean as he adjusted his glasses. "A new task awaits you all!" His voice was so cheerful that it scared the students. "A group project work. Each of you will be divided into a team of four, and work on a project. The winner teams will get a certificate that would be helpful for your carrier. Hence, take this as a competition."

The chattering noise began as the teacher delivered his words.

"Modernization is causing the loss of our tradition. You need to create a business plan that would not only benifit our economy but also promote our culture. That's the project you need to work on." Said Mr. Ocean. "Do all the research you want and make this assignment intresting." He then added, "And now I shall devide you all in teams."