You're Just a Student, Professor!

2. The Angry Old Man

Naina dumps herself on her bed, gotten fresh out of shower after her workout, her room illuminated by the afternoon sun. She barely closes her eyes for five seconds before a light thumping of feet reaches her ears and an airy, six year old weight slumps on her body, small arms wounding around her shoulder and legs encapturing her waist.

Habitually, Naina holds the light mass, that happens to be her baby sister, nuzzling into her strawberry and bubble gum scented hair, rubbing her back adoringly.

Pavani.

"Hi, baby." She addresses, still tired and the girl perches up her head, adjusting her chin on her chest and looking up at her with her big, doe eyes.

She gives her a toothless smile, with gaps between her front teeth and Naina chuckles, raising her head to kiss her temple.

"So, what did you do today?" she asks, tucking the piece of hair behind the girl's ear.

The smile suddenly fades from the girl's face, turning into an exaggerated pout.

"Papa made me study all day." She whines, and a smile breaks out on Naina's lips.

"Oh, now did he? That's not very good. My baby should get some time to rest." She says and the girl nods fervently.

"Yes, I should. He made me recite all the three letter words and also made me do additions. I told him I don't want to do it but then he said that he didn't want me to become like you so I have to study." She pouts.

Unprepared but not entirely shocked from the response, Naina's hand slightly loosens its hold from her sister. And it takes her a moment to bring back that easy smile on her face.

"Did he? Well it's good that you studied. It feels amazing to be at the top of your class." She encourages, regardless and the girl's face brightens up.

"Really, di? You think so?"

Naina nods, pinching the girl's cheek at which she huffs but ultimately relents, resting her face back on her elder sister's chest.

"But you know, I told papa that I want to be like you because my Di is the best Di in the world." The girl reveals excited and Naina relishes under her sister's love, giggling herself.

"Wow, my Pavi has become so naughty. But it's ok, you can be naughty sometimes. I won't tell it to anyone. Now come on, let's get you some lunch . . . . ."

*

"You want this one?"

"No, the mauve one."

"We don't have any mauve spoon at home, baby. Just choose from one of these."

Naina says, holding the pink, yellow, green and blue spoons in front of the girl for her to choose from.

The girl in question though, doesn't look any satisfied. Instead she huffs, and crossing  her six year old arms across her chest.

She shakes her head and whines, albeit cutely. "No, I want the mauve one, please, di. It matches with my Barbie set. You said it's my birthday week." Pavi gives her the puppy eyes and Naina tries protesting one last time.

"But we don't have that."

"Then let's go and buy it!"

Naina actually shouldn't be surprised at that response. Her little sister is exact replica of her; bratty, choosy and pampered. Though the latter might only be reserved for her sister. Naina is not that lucky.

For now, though, Naina is left melting over her puppy eyes, chiding herself for giving in this soon at the request - no - demand of the girl whom she has pampered since the moment she has cradled her in her arms, ten months after her father's second marriage.