The University of Ataraxy

Part one : The beginning

  

 "Ma how'd you do that?". Yutika's stomach grumbled as she came back from the kitchen, eating the delicious chocolates. The living room was dusty and untidy way. Her mother- Yashoda was in her cleaning mode. She was obsessed with cleaning. Yashoda was always a perfectionist. She was dusting the room when Yutika left for chocolates.

"I had gone just for seconds. How'd you clean too quickly? "

"Ah, it's nothing honey. Go sit on the couch".

Yutika rolled her eyes and sat on the couch. These queer experiences were eating from within, just the way she was consuming the chocolate. And all she could think about was her brother. She hadn't even been told which college he went to. She was awaiting summer as this year would reveal a lot of secrets. She would turn sixteen this summer.

"I have to get to the restaurant tomorrow, and the house could really use your help Yuti," Her mother commented.

"Sure. Gimme two minutes...." Yutika mumbled licking the remains of the chocolate off her finger.

"Yutika Deshpande, do not make me repeat myself".

"Yutika..." Her father said from another room. Surya Deshpande.

"Coming,"

 "Wake up, sleepyhead!" A tall lean figure pulled out the bed sheet above Yutika's face. "Huh... two minutes..." Yutika babbled, turning and twisting. The boy grinned and walked towards the other end of the bed, where her feet lay. He pulled her legs suddenly, Yutika was up in an instant. "Uhh stop it dad!" She rubbed her eyes and tried to hold on to something. But the boy pulled her further, finally making her fall down with the pillows. He burst into laughter seeing her at the corner with her ruffled hair swaying, with all the bed sheets and pillows in her arms. He laughed heartily. "Dada!" Yutika barked.

And then began the chase

They both ran downstairs. Yutika chasing him.

Yuvraj was back.

"Ma, salt's less". He said, grabbing those rice flakes in his mouth. "Did you even apply oil the whole year?" Surya asked as he had his cup of tea with the daily newspaper. He was a tall lean man, with a gentle smile and swift eyes. Swift as an eagle. His hair was straight and oiled neatly. He was in his normal morning attire. It was Sunday and he believed that he deserved some rest after the hectic week. He was a pilot. Yuvraj ran his hand in his curly black hair, "Nah, it sucks."

"Here," said Yashoda. "Why would you need so much salt?" She served a little more of those rice flakes to Mr. Deshpande and passed on the salt container to Yuvraj.

To Yuvraj, Yashoda was the kindest person you'd ever meet. The best mother ever possible, the same couldn't be said for Yutika. Yashoda's beautiful almond shaped black eyes, and thick long wavy hair were tied in a ponytail that hung on her chest. She was strict. "It tastes damn good Ma" Yuvraj was the first to answer. "Lunch is on you Surya, I gotta get going". "Don't forget the purse." Yashoda shook her head as she quickly kissed Yuvraj and Yutika on the Forehead before leaving. "Raj, I need the room tidy." She warned before the door shut. There was just a notorious smile on Yuvraj's cheek.

"Byee ma." The car engine roared, as their mother's car drove away.

"Now dad? Please? He's back."

"No Yuti. It's still-"

The doorbell caught all their attention at once.

"See the door." said Yuvraj, exchanging glances with their father. Yutika shrugged slightly and went towards the door.