Mesmerized

It is called 'coaching' by most men and women. Others call it
'tuition'. We people no longer depend on schools and colleges to teach
students. In fact when it comes to competitive tests most people opt
for coaching. It is believed that the teachers who train students at
coaching institutes are familiar with methods employed by paper-setters
to confuse and puzzle the examinee. The approach is systematic. At
first, the basics are hammered into the student's head by repeating the
rudimentary facts and figures in the simplest language possible. The
student is expected to memorize the nitty-gritty on his own. Then, a
question bank is unleashed. Every aspect of the syllabus is included in
the question-series which is amazingly exhaustive. Till the exam dates
are announced the student is expected to get familiar with the
questions. Then, the mock tests start. Most defects come to the fore in
these fearsome tests and people are actually known to drop out in
anticipation of failiure.
I have always wanted to study management. After completing college I
decided to take the national management entrance test. The tests are
considered very tough. Some students are found to perform brilliantly
without any help whatsoever. Some others who may be just as intelligent
are coaxed and cajoled to join coaching. I believe that I am clever.
But five of my cousins had taken the management entrance without
coaching and failed. A sixth relative had attended coaching and got
through with great grades. I was confused. I decided to toss a coin to
decide. The coin landed on its circular edge. I decided to join
coaching.
Arin's Coaching is the best coaching institute in our city. It operates
from a small room in a one-storey house in Belvedere. The fees are
prohibitive but the premises are never repaired. The students are
taught in batches. I joined the 5-7 pm batch. At first no one was
willing to talk to me. They all behaved like they were already studying
management. Why, some of them even carried briefcases. I tried very
hard to concentrate in the class. Most classes were devoted to logical
and mathematical reasoning, while a few dealt with English Grammar. In
the beginning I found the going very tough. After a month or so things
began to make sense. That is also the time the mock tests started. I
nearly fainted on reading the questions in the first test, so tough
were they. Naturally my results were unbelievably poor. I vowed to
never repeat the mistakes I made initially. I didn't. I scored the
highest in the next test. And that is when my troubles started.
Melissa is tall. Taller than me in fact. She has studied Computer
Science and is keen on getting a management degree. She was in my batch
in the coaching. In the first mock test she was placed fifth. But she
was a very determined person as I later found out. After I topped the
mock test she became friendly with me. We went to a film together. In
fact it was she who asked me. She found out that I loved books and was
kind enough to give me gift vouchers for the Book Carnival. She told me
the most horrible things about the other boys in the class. She played
cricket with me too. On a Sunday evening I was invited to her house
when she was alone except for her dog. Don't get any ideas we just sat
and drank Watermelon Syrup. I don't know about her but I was madly in
love with Melissa. Of course we were all studying hard. I helped her
whenever she asked which was often. I managed to top in all the mock
tests. Melissa, who always copied from me shamelessly would rank
second. The actual management entrance test was held on the last Sunday
of December. Melissa's seat was behind mine. I had nearly completed
answering the questions when Melissa mumbled something. I turned back.
The invigilator then asked Melissa to stand up. He said, "What are you
doing, Miss Melissa?" Melissa pointed at me and said without batting an
eyelid, "This boy is asking me answers." "Your honesty is appreciated."
said the invigilator. My answer-booklet was confiscated immediately and
I was asked to leave. I was later informed that I was debarred from
taking the test ever again. I am thinking of becoming a professional
wrestler. But Melissa, ah that sweet lady has secured the first
position in the national management entrance test.