“Sure! Why not? ” Vijay replied.
Vijay sure remembered the fun times he had with Narada many years ago. They had been very close buddies since their elementary school years. Many years passed and their friendship remained. They grew older and were preparing for their University admission examinations. Staying near each other’s families then brought their bond even closer and stronger.
Not until the government of Sri Lanka, introduced new university admissions criteria, (where the Tamils in the country have to obtain a better score in their examination results than the Sinhalese to get into a university) that affected their friendship.
As the date of the university admission examinations drew nearer, Vijay became nervous and hoped that Narada could comfort and encourage him. However, Narada was not aware and continued with his own examination preparation. During that whole period, Vijay felt terrible as the stress was overwhelming, due to the fact that he had to obtain a much better score that he could hardly attain. 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. Seeing the state that Vijay was in, Narada apologised to him for not being there for him when he needed him the most. Vijay then assured Narada that he will make it. After hearing what Narada told him, Vijay walked into the examination hall with confidence.
After the results of the examinations were released, Vijay became disappointed as he had not done well. 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... I did not manage to…” Before completing his sentence, tears of sadness flowed down Vijay’s cheeks.
Narada placed his arms on Vijay’s shoulders and encouraged 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 Narada’s arms off his shoulders and walked away.
Months passed, Vijay distanced himself away from Narada, making their relationship worse. The frustration that built up in Vijay's heart drove him to make the decision to join the Tamil United Liberation Front; demanding the government to withdraw the new university admission criteria, together with other issues of the Tamils. After over 20 years of waiting for the Sri Lanka government to take actions, nothing had been done. By then, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam was formed and Vijay joined them in protest with violence to meet with the Tamils’ demands. His whole family moved to another town in Sri Lanka, away from Narada’s family.
The fateful day arrived, when Vijay was assigned to plant a bomb in the town where Narada lives in. The whole plan succeeded in killing a number of Sinhalese. Days later, by chance, Vijay received news that Narada's body was found on the streets…
After all these years being haunted by these dreadful memories, the devastated Vijay told himself, “In my life, this is my greatest mistake that I have made. I had allowed my emotions to take control over me in exchange for my friend’s life.” Afterwards, he took up his pistol and a loud shot was heard.