Sunset Serendipity

Chapter 4

As Priya returned to her room after dinner, her phone buzzed with Neha's call. Amidst their casual conversation, Priya unveiled the surprising development in her life – the decision to give Aryan tuitions. Neha, taken aback, couldn't fathom how Priya, someone who had never been into the tutoring scene, had convinced herself to step into this unfamiliar territory despite her full-time job.

The news hung in the air, marking an unexpected turn in Priya's routine, leaving both friends contemplating the unforeseen challenges and transformations that awaited Priya in the days to come.

Neha: Why did you even bother about that boy? You don't even know him that much. If this affects your job, what are you going to do?

Priya: It's just that... I felt compelled to take on the challenge. I believe I can make a difference in his life.

Neha: (concerned) Priya, you're risking your job for someone you hardly know.

Priya: (optimistic) I'm not that bad. I'll do my best to fulfill this challenge.

Neha: Well, best of luck, Priya. I hope it works out for both you and the boy.

After their conversation, Priya sensed Neha's concern and reassured her, saying, "You must be tired. Let's catch up tomorrow." They exchanged goodbyes, and the call ended. Neha, still worried about her friend, decided to plan a visit to Priya's place over the weekend. As the days passed, the anticipation of their weekend rendezvous lingered, bringing with it the promise of support and understanding in the face of Priya's newfound challenges.

As Aryan arrived home from school, preparing to head upstairs, Ram emerged from his study, disrupting the routine. "Get ready and have some food; your tutor will be here soon," Ram informed, dropping the bombshell on Aryan.

Aryan, visibly surprised, questioned his father's sudden decision. "Tutor? What's this about now?" he exclaimed, a mix of confusion and frustration etched across his face.

Ram: I've decided to appoint one for you. She'll be here soon. Get ready and have some food.

Aryan: (furiously) Dad, seriously? You can't just decide this out of nowhere!

Ram: Aryan, your grades are slipping, and I want someone to help you catch up.

Aryan: (arguing) I don't need a tutor! This is ridiculous. I can manage on my own.

Ram: (firmly) I've made up my mind. Give it a chance. It's for your own good.

The tension between father and son hung in the air as Aryan begrudgingly prepared for the arrival of the unexpected tutor.

As the heated argument echoed through the house, Ms. Shenoy, the vigilant caretaker, intervened. Sensing the escalating tension, she approached Aryan, attempting to calm him down. With a gentle touch, she led him to his room, urging a momentary retreat from the brewing conflict.

An hour passed, and the doorbell rang, breaking the lingering silence. Ms. Shenoy, ever attentive, hastened to open the door. To her surprise, Priya stood on the doorstep. Recognizing the significance of her presence, Ms. Shenoy promptly called for Ram.

Ram emerged from his study, and upon seeing Priya, he welcomed her inside. The atmosphere held a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as Priya stepped into the household, ready to embark on the uncharted territory of tutoring Aryan.

Ram, with a subtle smile, remarked, "Your challenges have already started. Your student became so irritated just to hear about you. Now, you need to convince him to study."

Priya, undeterred, responded, "I hope I won't disappoint you." Ram wished her luck, and with a nod, Priya, accompanied by Ms. Shenoy, ascended the stairs to Aryan's room.

The quietness of the hallway was interrupted as they reached Aryan's door. Priya took a deep breath, her heart racing with a mix of determination and apprehension. With a gentle knock, the trio awaited Aryan's response, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the unconventional student-tutor relationship.

Upon Aryan's invitation, Priya entered his expansive room, where the glow of electronic screens illuminated the space. Aryan, engrossed in his PSP game, seemed unfazed by her arrival. Undeterred, Priya greeted him with a casual "Hey, good evening."

Aryan, hearing her voice, looked up, his astonishment evident as he laid eyes on Priya. Before he could utter a word, Ram entered the room, asserting, "Aryan, you need to cooperate with your teacher. From now on, I won't take any complaints about you. Just behave yourself." With those words, Ram directed Ms. Shenoy to guide Priya through everything. A subtle exchange of glances between Ram and Priya marked the unspoken understanding as Ram left, leaving behind an atmosphere charged with a newfound sense of authority and responsibility.

As Ms. Shenoy left the room, Priya, eager to initiate the tutoring session, observed Aryan heading back to his bed and sitting there. Surprised by his lack of interest, she questioned, "Why aren't you sitting at the study table?"

Aryan, with casual indifference, responded, "I'm not in the mood for it." Priya, feeling a hint of irritation, couldn't help but wonder about the challenges that lay ahead in convincing Aryan to engage in the learning process. The room held an unspoken tension, a subtle clash of wills between teacher and student.

Recognizing Aryan's resistance, Priya decided to take a different approach. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she pulled out a small box from her bag.

"What's this?" she asked, holding up the mysterious box.

Aryan, intrigued, shifted his attention. "What do you have there?"

Priya smirked, "Well, I heard that the most skilled gamers have their secret weapons. This is mine." She revealed a mini basketball hoop, attaching it to the study table.

"Let's make studying a game," she suggested, handing Aryan a small foam ball. "Every correct answer gets you a shot. Beat me, and you get a reward. Deal?"

Aryan, drawn in by the unexpected twist, couldn't resist the challenge. With a reluctant smile, he moved to the study table, ready to engage in a unique blend of learning and competition.

Aryan, seemingly intrigued by the idea of rewards, stood up from his bed and confidently made his way to the study table. He took a seat next to Priya, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"A reward for every correct answer, huh?" he quipped, lifting an eyebrow.

Priya, maintaining a playful tone, responded, "Of course, take my words. Let's make studying a bit more interesting, shall we?"

With a shared nod, they delved into the quiz app, transforming the study session into a dynamic game. The room echoed with the occasional laughter and the tapping of answers on the screen, as the teacher and student found a unique way to bridge the gap between academia and entertainment.

As Priya delved into Aryan's copies, she discerned his keen interest in science subjects but noticed a gap in proficiency in others. Deciding to start with English, she began the lesson, and to her surprise, Aryan initially cooperated, engaging in the learning process.

However, as the quiz progressed, Aryan, perhaps feeling a bit triumphant about his correct answers, couldn't resist seizing the opportunity. With a sly grin, he leaned in and said, "You know, mam, I think each correct answer deserves a specific reward. What do you say we make this a bit more interesting?"

Priya, caught off guard, raised an eyebrow, curious about the twist Aryan had in mind. The study session took an unexpected turn, when Aryan, in the midst of their academic exchange, suddenly veered into unsettling territory. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he suggested, "Why don't you loosen up each of your shirt buttons with my every correct answer?"

Priya, taken aback and astounded by the unexpected and inappropriate request, responded with disbelief, "What?" Her tone held a mix of shock and disapproval, as she grappled with the inappropriate turn the conversation had taken. The room, once filled with the banter of a unique study session, now hung heavy with an uncomfortable tension.