College Romance

Chapter 2

It had been a few months since I found out I had been accepted into New York University. It was my dream college.

I've wanted to attend that university and study acting ever since I decided I wanted to be an actor.

Colleges in the US only start in August each year so I had to wait many months before I could start my university life.

The time was finally near. It was mid-July and I was finishing off my last minute packing. It was a busy month in our household.

My older brother was back for summer holidays and our parents ensured they didn't have anything major planned in these months.

"Cannot believe my little girl is starting university" My mother said proudly as she helped me pack.

"Oh and you are starting your final year" My mom pulled my brother's cheeks and he gave her a look. I snorted at his reaction and he noticed.

"Hey" I exclaimed when he threw a pillow at me. "Aryan you should've gone to NYU, they even accepted you" I rolled my eyes at my mom.

Mom and Dad had tried to convince him a lot when he was applying for universities but he didn't agree.

They knew I was never going to back out from going to NYU and they really wanted both of us to be in the same place.

"Ma I've told you a million times, New York is great but it's not my style" It was true. My brother was a more laid back person.

That is why LA was more his style. He didn't like the hectic lifestyle and he definitely didn't like meeting people constantly.

That is one of the main reasons he hates being back in India. He only comes back because he's a softie when it comes to family.

"I would've just like it if you two were in the same place" My brother and I looked at each other. We've been hearing this ever since he decided to join USC instead of NYU.

"Come on Ma it's been three years. I'm gonna graduate soon, accept it now at least" My mom handed me a pile of clothes to put in the suitcase.
"Fine fine I'll accept it" She said.

"Also it's only for a year. After bhaiyya graduates won't he come back to India" I saw his smile drop when I said that but he quickly covered it up for our mom.

"That's true" My brother excused himself almost immediately and left the room. I made a mental note to talk to him about this soon.

"Suhana?" I turned to my mom who was sitting on the bed. I was on the floor placing everything she was handing to me in the suitcase.

"Tum New York mein theek rahogi na?" [You'll be fine in New York right?] I noticed these past few days, my mom was getting more worried each minute.

I was used to seeing her worry a lot. Every time my brother left after summer holidays or when we used to study in London, she would freak out.

I don't why though, this time she seemed different. "Of course ma, it's not my first time" I told her.

"London mein bhi toh akle para hai" [I studied in London alone too] She nodded slightly but I could tell she was really sad.

"By the way just so everyone is clear the party is this Friday" My mom stated. We were all sat down on the floor having dinner.

My dad loves eating on the floor so we usually have at least one meal a day the way he likes it. "What party mama?" AbRam said with a mouthful of food.

"Abi jaani swallow first" My mother scolded him. "Didi's going-away party" My dad told him. "Um hello? I'm going away too" Aryan Bhaiyya said.

"Oh yeah yeah bhaiyya and didi's going-away party" My dad corrected. "Heyyy that's not fair you already had one when you left the fir-"

"Buh buh buh eat your food quietly" My brother interrupted me. "It's bad manners to talk so much during a meal" His remark made my jaw drop.

"Bhaiyya!" "They're fighting again" AbRam stated. I gave him a look and he immediately looked down at his plate.

AbRam was the only one I could intimidate in the family and I took full advantage of that. "You know I'm right, correct ma?" I asked.

I looked at my mother for support. "I mean technically that's true but Ar-" My jaw dropped in disbelief. "Hah she supports me not you"

My brother didn't let our mom finish. "Why do you always take his side?" I asked her. "I know why" Aryan bhaiyya said proudly.

I turned to my older brother to hear his ridiculous answer that I've been hearing for years. "Kyun ke ma mujhse zyada pyar karti hai" [Because mom loves me more]

I rolled my eyes at his response. My dad choked on his water when my brother said that. Bhaiyya hates watching our dad's movies but this dialogue is the one dialogue he will never let go.

My dad always loved it when he said that because it was the only few times Aryan bhaiyya talks about his movies.

"Ma ka ladla" I retorted. "At least she loves me" He replied smugly. "You're so mean bhaiyya" I shoved him lightly but he didn't move even a little.

Family banter was what kept our bond as a family strong. Our favourite bonding activity was to brutally roast each other.

Our parents always said if we can't handle roasts from our family, we will never survive in this world which is kind of true.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up as soon as I saw Ananya's name. My dad gave me a stern look when I picked up.

He relaxed a little when I said, "Hi annie" We weren't allowed to use our phones during dinner but they usually made an exception for close friends and family.

"Yeap it's Friday" She called to confirm when the party was. "No I know but my flight is on Monday and papa said to keep the weekend free" I told her.

I quickly ended the conversation once I noticed my dad starting to angry at my phone usage during dinner.

"Okay I'll see you then bye" I put down my phone quickly. I gave my dad a guilty look and he shook his head.

"Annie say if Ahaan's coming?" Aryan bhaiyya asked. I just shrugged and bluntly replied. "Nope" "Oh okay, did he tell you anything?" He asked.

I got annoyed and said, "Isn't he your best friend?" I definitely should not have snapped like that in front of everyone. "Damn aight"

Every one ignored my little outburst thinking I was still annoyed at Aryan bhaiyya because of the party.

My mom, however, gave me a look I knew was leading to a conversation for later. How does she always know? Everyone else is always clueless.