A TWIST IN THE TALE

The elections to decide the representatives of our hostel were held day before yesterday and the results of the same were declared yesterday. I thought I would share with you a ‘tale’ that happened during the election.

Let me start the story. The central character here is Mr.A (not to disclose his name). Mr.A is a very good friend of mine. He is also a keralite like me. He decided to contest for the post of Social and Cultural representative. I was pleased to hear this because in my perspective, he is someone who has the calibre to come forward and work for others. I say this because many a time, I have seen him paying attention to those around him and helping them as and when needed.

He became a part of one of the panels (there were two panels in total).

To counter any unforeseen circumstances, a dummy contestant also filed the candidature for the same post. The ‘dummy’ would withdraw at the last moment if everything is fine with Mr.A’s candidature. Meanwhile, the onam celebrations organised by the association of keralites happened to be at the same time. The onam celebrations made us all very busy and was very entertaining. But, this took away some important time and Mr.A could not do a proper campaigning. By the way, Is campaigning important ? Yes, because it gives an opportunity to present the candidate’s credentials to others, especially to the new faces, to whom all the contestants are strangers. Well, Mr.A lost that chance to some extent.

However, we were all optimistic. The day of counting came and it started in the evening. Not much information was available in the initial phases of counting. At about 10pm, at almost half way mark, we came to know that Mr.A’s opponent was having a slight lead. Anyway, the lead wasn’t strong and hopes were still alive. I came to know that it would be late when the results come out. As I was feeling sleepy, I went to sleep. At around 12, I heard a noise realising that the results of election has been declared. I had opened my eyes, but was still sleepy. I thought I would sleep now and that I shall check the results the next day morning.

The next day morning, as I woke up, I was very curious to know the results. I went downstairs, towards the notice board and there I saw the results displayed. And guess what-Mr.A had lost. Another talented contestant bows out of the race !. But more surprise was in store..Mr.A’s opponent hasn’t won either !..Yes, you guessed it right, the ‘dummy’ stole the show by winning the post by a narrow margin. Everyone was stunned. The ‘dummy’ himself was taken aback. The ‘dummy’ could not withdraw his candidature in time as he too was busy with onam celebrations, about which I had already told you. But he had let everyone know about this and had asked everyone not to vote for him !.

At the end of the day, it is all the same for us. Another talented good friend of ours is going to be at the helm of social and cultural affairs of our hostel. Had the ‘dummy’ withdrawn earlier, both of our friends, both of whom have good calibre, would have gone out of race. So, the twist in the tale wasn’t bad for us, but for the disappointment of Mr.A.