Goodbye

As Asha stared moodily out of the train window, she thought she caught a glimpse of a familiar face. But would she be so audacious? Would Priya show up at the station?

It was only 2 days since Asha was rusticated from the girls' hostel. Because of Priya. She had brought a packet of cigarettes into their shared room, and when the warden had made a sudden inspection put them in Asha's purse.

Unable to prove her innocence, she had pleaded to be allowed to finish the term. Priya had stood by, saying nothing.

After much pleading, Asha had persuaded the warden to let her write the final exam. And now she was headed home, facing the ignominy of telling her parents she had been rusticated.

And Priya had shown up to say goodbye? How did she dare?

Priya saw her and rushed to the window. She looked terrible, tearful and white faced. "I am so sorry, Asha! I could not say anything. If I were to lose my place, I would have nowhere to go. My parents would never forgive me. But yours will."

"Yes, my parents will forgive me. But I will lose their trust. I may not get good references. I will not be destitute, but I may never be all that I could be. And all because of you. " Asha said. "Why are you here now?"

I couldn't let you go without begging forgiveness. Priya cried.

Asha looked coldly at her. I am not going to forgive you. When it came to a choice, you picked your parents, your career, your reputation at the cost of mine. We would have parted today in any case.

But now I am happy to say goodbye to a false friend.

Just then the signal went, and Asha turned away from the window.

It was time to move on.