Man in Dreams

Feathers and Friendship

Maya was sound asleep, snuggled comfortably in her bed, the morning sun gently filtering through the curtains. Hobi, having woken up earlier, couldn't resist the opportunity to prank Maya. He tiptoed into her room with a mischievous grin, armed with a feather he had found in the garden and a small hand-held air horn he had stashed away for occasions just like this.

He started by lightly brushing the feather against her nose, causing her to stir and scrunch her face in her sleep. Stifling a laugh, he did it again, and this time Maya's eyes fluttered open slightly, her hand lazily swatting at the feather.

Hobi knew it was time to escalate. He positioned the air horn just a few inches from her ear and pressed the button. The sudden blaring sound jolted Maya awake with a scream.

"Hobi!" she yelled, sitting up abruptly, her heart racing. "You are so dead!"

Hobi burst into laughter and bolted out of the room, Maya hot on his heels. "Catch me if you can, Bubli!" he called over his shoulder, his voice echoing through the house.

Their laughter filled the entire home as Maya chased him around, determined to catch him and make him pay for the prank. She finally cornered him in the living room, but before she could lay a hand on him, Mrs. Janani walked in, looking both amused and exasperated.

"What is going on here?" she demanded, her hands on her hips.

Hobi, ever the actor, immediately put on a sad face and started fake crying. "Maya was being mean to me, Aunty," he said, sniffling dramatically.

Mrs. Janani glared at Maya. "Can't you leave Hobi in peace for once?" she scolded. "He's our guest!"

"But Amma-" Maya started, but her mother cut her off with a stern look.

"Not another word, young lady," she said firmly.

As Mrs. Janani walked away, Hobi couldn't help but laugh silently behind her back. Maya, seething with playful anger, lunged at him and pulled his ear. "You're such a brat, Bablu," she said, punching him lightly on the arm.

Hobi laughed, grabbing a pillow and tossing it at her. "Come on, Bubli, show me what you got!"

They engaged in a playful pillow fight, feathers flying everywhere, both of them laughing uncontrollably. Eventually, they collapsed onto the couch, out of breath but still giggling.

After breakfast, which was filled with more laughter and playful banter, Hobi issued a challenge. "Alright, Bubli. How about a dance-off? You and me, right now. Amma and Appa can be our judges."

Maya's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You're on, Bablu. But remember, I'm the queen of classical dance."

"And I'm the king of hip-hop," Hobi retorted, grinning. "Let's see who's better."

The living room was quickly transformed into a dance floor. Maya's parents, Janani and Mr. Krishnan, took their seats, ready to judge the impromptu competition.

Maya began with her graceful classical dance, her movements fluid and precise. She twirled and posed, her face a picture of concentration and elegance. Hobi watched, impressed but not deterred.

When it was Hobi's turn, he broke into a high-energy hip-hop routine, his moves sharp and dynamic. He popped, locked, and spun, making Maya laugh with his exaggerated expressions.

They danced back and forth, each trying to outdo the other. Despite their exhaustion, neither of them wanted to give up. Finally, their parents intervened.

"Okay, that's enough!" Mr. Krishnan said, laughing. "You both are amazing, but we don't want you collapsing from exhaustion."

"Agreed," Janani added, smiling warmly at them. "You're both winners in our eyes."