We had both arrived in college with new suitcases and new clothes. There was nothing in our wardrobes that was disposable. We went to Kamla Nagar Market looking for cheap T-shirts and shorts. Chandy and I had not spoken to each other much ever since I befriended Feroz. Sometimes I got the feeling that he was avoiding me. While walking to the market I raised the issue with him. He said, ‘Why are you so thick with Feroz? You’ve almost disappeared from the scene, man!’ I said I didn’t really know how friendships began but I enjoyed his company. I didn’t tell him that I was tired of the ragging and Feroz’s room afforded me protection and privacy—two things I was extremely grateful for. Unlike Chandy, who thrived in a crowd, I treasured my space.

Chandy had a suspicious look on his face but didn’t say anything. Instead, he tipped his head backwards and examined the overcast sky, ‘I hope it rains tomorrow. It’s going to be so much fun: eggs, tomatoes, pouring rain . . .’ I pretended to agree. To convince him of my laddish abilities I walked into a grocery store and bought half a dozen eggs. ‘I know it’s not allowed but who cares? I’m carrying these with me tomorrow. I want to whack some guys too,’ I said, trying to sound upbeat and combative.

Chandy cheered up visibly after my statement. He too decided to buy some eggs. ‘Who do you want to get tomorrow?’

‘Grewal. I hope to land at least one of these on his face.’

That night I went to Feroz’s room as usual. I read the newspaper while Feroz worked at his desk. While I was there it began to rain. It looked like it wasn’t going to stop all night. There was no way I was going to make it back to my block without getting completely drenched. I was also very tired. Feroz said, ‘Why don’t you crash here tonight?’ I preferred waking up in my own bed but that didn’t seem like a viable option tonight. I decided to stay. The mattress was really meant for one person so we decided to rest our heads on opposite sides. This way Feroz could smell my toes and I his: better than breathing into each other’s faces.