The In-Between

Leaving Ooty

As planned, I travelled with my sibling, grandmother and relatives from Ooty to Coimbatore before continuing to Hyderabad. My grandfather came to send us off.

During the government bus journey, the song Kaatre Poongaatre played. It immediately brought back memories of the bond between 42 and 20.

We reached Gandhipuram, ate at a hotel around noon and then travelled to the Omni Bus Stand. From there, a van took us to the main bus.

The Journey to Hyderabad

The bus was a semi-sleeper. Around 10 PM, we reached Hosur and had dinner. Early the next morning, near the Andhra–Telangana region, the rising sun reflected across quarry-like rocky landscapes. The view stayed with me.

We reached Miyapur, where my uncle picked us up. Before going home, he collected an air cooler he had ordered.

Hyderabad

With the board exams finished, life became more relaxed. My sibling and I shared an Android phone, and we had Wi-Fi at home.

The following day, I asked 42 to send me 20's number again. We resumed our usual conversations through WhatsApp.

We created a Facebook group and spent time talking there. Life continued normally.

I had brought my Maths book with the idea of helping my sibling prepare for the following year's exams, including topics I had previously missed. He was initially willing, but it did not continue.

My sibling also created an Instagram account for me. IPL matches were regularly playing on television, and we visited malls and temples around Hyderabad.

I noticed that I ate more slowly there than at home. Relatives sometimes commented on it. My quiet and introverted nature also attracted attention.

New Experiences and a New Direction

Around this period, I went to a theatre for the first time in my life to watch Avengers: Infinity War.

My parents also began discussing my next school. Admission procedures started, and the choice between subjects was discussed. I eventually chose Maths and Computer Science.

I accepted the change without much resistance: a new school, new people and a new beginning.

The following week, we visited Wonderla. After spending time in the water, a persistent skin problem on my left foot unexpectedly healed.

Returning Home

We planned our return on May 12 and reached the Nilgiris on May 13.

Results

The 10th Standard results were released. I scored 435 out of 500.

On the same day, news of the Sterlite Copper protest violence and shootings reached the public.

Looking Back at the Results

While discussing other students' marks with 42, she mentioned that 7 had said he scored 350 out of 500. I knew he had scored 320.

I remembered classmates' birthdays and examination registration numbers and had checked the results of people she was interested in knowing about. I felt satisfied at being able to expose the lie.

The Next Phase

The Higher Secondary admission process was completed. I chose Maths and Computer Science as my major combination.

During the first week of June, we were informed that school would soon reopen.

The transition was complete.

The In-Between ended. Hi-Fi Chaos was about to begin.