I got up and continued to stay in bed. To say I was nervous would be a great understatement. Every cell in my body was tense. Today I would get my 'results'. The results of my board examination. This crucial exam would determine my entrance into a good college. My future, my career and all my life depended on this one exam. I did not like this system, I just had to accept it.

Two months ago I had written the exam after months of hectic preparation and hard work. I had followed a grueling schedule and spared no effort in studying for it. I was good and I knew it. I knew how crucial this exam was too and had sacrificed all else to study for it.

And today I was to get the fruits of my labour. I knew I had written it well. I expected to do very well, but then there was always that element of apprehension and doubt. I hoped that I would top the school. I wanted to be within the top ten ranks in our country. I knew that this was possible. Today I would know if my hard work had paid off.

I got dressed quickly and said a quick bye to my parents. Before going my father gave me a talk. "Remember it does not matter how well you do as long as you know you have done your best.", He said. "Yes Pa" I replied. They both wished me the best of luck. "I will be back in about an hour." They were both puzzled as to why I did not want them to come to see my results. I really did not know myself. Maybe it was because I wanted that moment to be purely mine...

"Be Careful, Prasad. There may be some trouble about this river water issue. It is not very safe to go now." My father said, " Are you sure you do not want me to come?" "Yes Pa" I replied. They both wished me the best of luck. And I walked out of the door. The river water issue. Why couldn't they just share the water amicably? Why did they have to fight so much about it? How was rioting going to solve anything? It was all the fault of these politicians. They instigated these people, to use it as a political issue. It was so wrong!

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