“Sure! Why not?”
Vijay sure remembered the fun times he had with Narada many years ago. They have been very close buddies since elementary school. Many years passed, their bond did not change; they grew older and were preparing for the University admission. Staying together with each other’s family brought their bond even closer and stronger. Not until the government of Sri Lanka, introduced new university admission criteria; where the Tamils in the country have to obtain a better score in their examinations than the Sinhalese to get into a university.
As the date of the university admission examinations drew nearer, Vijay became nervous and hoped that Narada could comfort and encourage him. However, Narada did not give him much concern and continued with his examination preparation. During the whole preparation period, Vijay felt terrible as the stress was overwhelming, due to the fact that he had to obtain a much better score for the examinations which he could barely make it. Putting his emotions and anxieties aside, he tried his very best to prepare for the examinations.
On the day of examination, Vijay kept quiet and had not spoken a word. He was worried if he could perform well enough to get into a university. Seeing the state that Vijay was in, Narada apologised to him for not being there for him when he needed him the most. Vijay assured Narada not to worry and that he would perform well. After hearing what Narada said to him, Vijay walked into the examination hall with confidence.
When the result of the candidates who were accepted into a university, Vijay was disappointed with his performance; he did not manage to get into a university. On the other hand, Narada did well and managed to get into a university.
“Vijay! I managed to get into a university! Isn’t that great?” Narada exclaimed with shouts of joy, “Yes! I’ve finally achieved it!”
“Yes it is certainly great. But I did not manage to get into a university…” Before completing his sentence, tears of sadness flowed down Vijay’s cheeks.
Narada placed his arms on Vijay’s shoulders, encouraging him in a gentle tone, “You don’t have to get upset with this, there’s always a second chance. You can do it again!”
“Please! Just leave me alone…” Vijay shook his shoulders and walked away.
Months passed, Vijay distanced himself away from Narada, making their relationship worse. Jealousy and anger built up in Vijay's heart, drove him to make the decision of being a member the Tamil United Liberation Front, requesting the government to withdraw the new university admission criteria, together with the other Tamils’ demands. After 20 over years of waiting for the Sri Lanka government to take actions, nothing had been done. By then, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was formed and Vijay joined them in resort of violence to meet with the Tamils’ demands. His whole family moved to another town in Sri Lanka, away from Narada’s family.
The faithful day arrived, when Vijay was assigned to the town where Narada lives in, where he was supposed to plant a bomb, to give a sudden attack to the Sinhalese. The whole process of plantation of the bomb was successful. It exploded, killing a number of Sinhalese. Days later, by chance, Vijay received a piece of news that Narada's body had been found on the streets…
After all these years of being haunted by these dreadful memories, the devastated Vijay told himself, “For my life, this is my greatest mistake that I have made for letting my emotions taking control over me in exchange for my friend’s life.” Afterwards, he took up his pistol and a loud shot was heard.