SECRET SMILES

6| Coffee and Chaos

First! I want to talk about something. Please Read! I am not an Oxford student or I have never been to Oxford but, because I love the vibe of that place as I have always seen it. I choose it! I do research a lot before I start writing but I guess my research skills are not upto the mark because I couldn't get to know every inch of information about it or couldn't get correct information. Therefore, I don't want you to complain about things that are not up to the mark according to Oxford.

Moreover, this story is fictional. It doesn't have anything to do with reality. So, if you find any kind of information written in chapters wrong then help me with it so I can improve and if you're not ready to help then don't comment. 

I always tell you guys to comment because it helps me to do more good for you guys. It motivates me to update regularly. When you comment, I remember about you guys, I remember someone out there is waiting for me to update and I can't leave them on hold for much time. 

Now, I don't want to waste much time of yours in this so let's dive in story....

The streets of Oxford were bustling with students, people wandering about with coffee, shakes, and of course, the ever-present books and laptops. I blended in with the crowd, my own hands full—coffee in one, and a laptop, a diary, and a few books in the other.

I couldn't help but scold myself mentally. Why didn't I just bring a bag? It was my intrusive thoughts—telling me I'd look cool carrying everything without one—that won out this time. Now, I was paying for it. My hands were full, and I was annoyed, heading toward Radcliffe Camera library.

It had only been two weeks since I'd arrived in Oxford, but I had already explored most of the popular libraries and main campuses. Radcliffe Camera had quickly become my favorite. It was beautiful and serene—a slice of peace in an otherwise bustling city.

Just as I was soaking in that peaceful feeling, my phone started buzzing in my pocket. Ugh, even more annoying now. I hated the vibration setting, but if I left the ringer on, it always seemed to go off at the worst times. Two days ago, I'd been sitting in the library when my phone rang so loudly, even I jumped. The glares I got from the other students were enough to make me want to bury myself in a pile of books.

And that wasn't even the worst of it. A few days earlier, I was in a garden, enjoying some quiet time writing, when my phone rang out of nowhere. It startled not only me but also a couple sitting nearby. The embarrassment still lingered.

That's why I'd decided to switch to vibration mode, but that had its downsides too. One time, I missed five calls from Mumma while I was in the library. Bhai had to physically come and get me, and I was thoroughly scolded after that.

Now, I was stuck with this annoying vibration, and the 'gu-gu-gu' sound made me want to scream. I shifted my coffee to balance it on top of my books, trying to free a hand to grab my phone. My attention shifted entirely to the phone in my pocket as I slowed my pace, fumbling with the awkward task of getting it out.