Numbers and Friendships:

Denzil’s Under Graduate College Chronicles

The story follows Denzil, a seventeen-year-old student, as he navigates the challenges of college life, including difficult coursework and social dynamics. He finds solace in his friendships with two young women, Dushyanthi and Mala, who help him with his studies and offer companionship. The story explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the complexities of adolescence.

Denzil found himself in a predicament that felt all too familiar. The classroom was stifling, and the numbers danced mockingly in front of his eyes. He had spent the night poring graphs and equations, yet Statistics remained an inscrutable beast. Mr. Fernando, with his habitual air of authority, continued to lecture, oblivious to the turmoil brewing in Denzil’s mind. The bell was his only hope, a signal to escape this torment.

“Is it three now?” he whispered to his neighbour, a girl with a knowing smile.

“Maybe,” she replied, her eyes still on the board.

“Or is it four?” he ventured, his impatience growing.

“I don’t think so,” she said, glancing toward the door, “because my driver hasn’t come yet.”

Denzil turned his gaze toward the window, searching for the familiar black Mercedes that would take her away. It was absent, and he felt a pang of disappointment.

Statistics was not his only adversary; Economics loomed large as well. Mr. Dalpadadu’s voice droned on, filled with heavy quotes from a book that seemed to grow heavier each passing day. Denzil often questioned his choice of enrolling in this accounting course, surrounded by students at least five years older. Their confidence starkly contrasted with his uncertainty, making him feel even more out of place.

Dushyanthi, with her gentle demeanour, caught his eye. Her expression spoke volumes, a silent understanding of his plight. “Why don’t we study together tomorrow during lunch?” she suggested. “I can help you with those tricky Economic concepts, and if we have time, we can tackle statistics too.”

As Denzil made his way to the canteen, he was confronted by a group of older boys, their laughter echoing in the air. “How come you’re friendly with Dushyanthi? Not even her boyfriend gets that kind of attention. Why don’t you introduce her to us tomorrow?”

Denzil grimaced at the suggestion. Betraying a friend was not in his nature, especially not someone as kind as Dushyanthi. He felt a mix of irritation and protectiveness; he didn’t want to be seen as just a curiosity to them.

The next day, they gathered again, this time joined by her friend Mala. The two girls were inseparable, a pair that seemed to complement each other perfectly. Mala arrived in her Opal Kapitan, a car that gleamed in the sunlight. Though not as striking as Dushyanthi, she carried herself confidently, drawing Denzil in. Initially, he had thought of her looking like a simple tea plucker from the hills, but he quickly learned that she came from a wealthy family and spoke English effortlessly.

Meanwhile, Buddhi, a fellow student and protector, had taken it upon himself to look out for Denzil in this bustling college environment. “I’m twenty-three,” he would declare, standing tall beside Denzil, a shield against the older boys who sought to intimidate. Denzil, the youngest in the group at just seventeen, felt the weight of their expectations, yet Buddhi’s presence offered him a sense of security.

It was a curious delight for Denzil to spend time with Dushyanthi and Mala. Dushyanthi, with her fair complexion and radiant smile, reminded him of the heroines from Hindi films, those enchanting figures who danced through the colourful reels of his imagination. In contrast, Mala was darker, her features striking differently, a contrast that intrigued him. Together, they laughed, their voices mingling in the air, often at the expense of Denzil’s youth. Was he merely an object of their fascination, a curious little brother in their world of youthful exuberance?

Dushyanthi often looked at him with a knowing smile as if to say, “You are still so young, Denzil.” There was warmth in her gaze, a hint of mentorship. Perhaps these two girls, so different in beauty yet alike in spirit, guided him through the complexities of their shared academic life.

As they sat together, the laughter flowed easily, and Denzil felt a sense of belonging. It was as if he had stumbled into a small haven amidst the chaos of college life. Dushyanthi would explain concepts in Economics with patience, while Mala chimed in with her insights, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief. They were chalk and cheese, yet they complemented each other perfectly, creating a balance that made Denzil feel at ease.

In their company, he learned not just about numbers and graphs but about friendship and the subtle dynamics of relationships. Denzil pondered whether he was simply a curiosity for them or if they genuinely enjoyed his presence. The thought lingered, but it was overshadowed by the joy of their companionship.

As they conversed, Denzil found himself puzzled by Mala’s use of slang. “Cons,” she said, laughing at a comment he made. He didn’t quite understand but nodded, pretending to grasp the meaning. Later, he learned it referred to deceit, a word that lingered in his mind. Instead of feeling embarrassed, he asked her directly next time, realising that it was better to seek clarification than to pretend.

In college, Denzil was learning more than just his studies. He was navigating friendships, grappling with expectations, and slowly uncovering the layers of his own identity. Each day unfolded like a new lesson, revealing the complexities of life and the bonds that formed in the unlikeliest places. With Dushyanthi and Mala by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in academics and the intricate dance of friendship.