Page 135 - Half Girlfriend

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I prepared a proposal for Ojha as per his directions. We proposed
Bill Gates make a visit to a self-run, not-for-profit school. We would

celebrate the annual day of the Dumraon Royal School with Mr Gates
as chief guest. The MLA forwarded the proposal to the rural ministry.

‘They have ninety requests,’ Ojha said, ‘and he can only visit ten
places during his trip. So they will shortlist and let us know.’

'I didn’t realize there would be so much competition,’ I said,

surprised.
‘I’m going to Patna tomorrow. Come with me and I’ll introduce

you to the ministry people.You can persuade them.’
I accompanied the MLA in his lal-batti car on the three-hour ride to

Patna. We reached the state government offices. I met Mr Shyam
Kaushal, a middle-aged official in the rural welfare ministry, in his

dusty office. He wore a grey safari suit that I think all government
employees get free with their offer letters.

‘Headache.This whole Gates trip is a headache,’ he said and held
his head.

He showed me the file of requests. Alongside, another fat file
contained press requests for interviews, communication with the

foundation and papers on various official government functions being
planned.

‘Why do we go crazy over these white guys visiting India?’ Mr

Kaushal said.
‘Because of this white guy, my school will get a whitewash,’ I said.

‘Do you speak good English?’ he said. ‘Because they will call you
many times.’

‘I manage,’ I said.
‘Manage means what? When he comes, who will talk to him?’

‘I will.’
‘What will he see in your annual day? It’s a Hindi-medium school.

The entire programme will be in Hindi, right?’