Withering Heart

4

                       SITARA
                      ~~~~~~~~

My stomach grumbled again, this time loudly than before making me cry in annoyance. I searched for my phone on the side table and realised it was midnight.

Huffing loudly, I sat on the bed. A gush of cool breeze hit my face and only then I noticed the changed weather. Gathering my freezy hair into a bun, I got off from the bed.

Flashes of lightning lit up the darkened sky and the strong smell of petrichor hit my nostrils. Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply and smiled in contentment. The heat was too unbearable. Even the water cooler was not helping much.

This rain was much needed, indeed.

It was really silent outside. I was surrounded by nothing but only hostel buildings. I looked at the main gate and found the guard waking there while watching something on his mobile phone.

Suddenly, I started feeling light headed and then I realised I was hungry. I had my dinner at ten. I and Roshni took the advantage of being newbie here and so the hostel warden didn't scold us for coming late at night and gave us our food as well.

The food was fine. I won't say it was tasty but it was not bad either. Chhole bhature. Well, I couldn't find the actual taste and smell of Chhole Bhature in what they served. It was more like peas were drowning in water and simple thin pooris.

I had only two bhaturas and I guess that's why I was feeling hungry to an extent where I wanted to puke.

Opening my almirah, I took out the large packet of potato chips and a box of cookies. Papa bought me these before coming here. These snacks are for emergency and I am never sharing them with Roshni.

Silently, I again went to the balcony and sat on the chair. I opened the packet of the chips cautiously so that it doesn't make much crackling noise.

"Hmm.."

The delightful moan left my mouth as soon the spicy chips touched my tongue. I love spicy lays and magic masala is my favourite. I can't understand how can someone like the tomato flavour. I absolutely despise the taste of it.

I finished the whole packet in less than five minutes and then opened the jar of choco chip cookies. I am not a very big fan of chocolates and especially cookies but maa says sweet snacks drive away the hunger and gives us the energy instantly.

I was feeling really low and the sweet cookies indeed filled me up with the energy.

After filling my stomach, I let out a satisfied burp. Yes, disgusting, I know but that's how it is.

The temperature of the room was a bit cold. Because of the nice weather, the water cooler had gotten colder as well.

Roshni was sleeping peacefully covering herself with a thin bedsheet and I decided to take one with me as well.

The bed was cold and so was my pillow. I smiled in contentment as now my stomach was full, I was feeling sleepy and the weather was cold too.

Indeed a good night..

****

"Can I borrow these?"

I looked at her through the mirror and found my small oxidised lotus shaped jhumkas in her hand.

"Sure." I smiled and she grinned muttering a thank you.

"You know, I don't wear traditionals often and I also don't fancy wearing heavy earrings. But you have a pretty nice collection." She said admiring my small box of earrings.