ISHQ : PROFESSOR'S DESTINY

Mr.Idiot

"Miss Aradhya, you're late again," the man at the front said, leaning casually against the rostrum with his arms crossed.

"I apologize. Can I sit now?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Is that how you apologize?" he shot back.

I strolled in, nonchalant. "Unfortunately, yes."

"You can't sit yet; I haven't given you permission," he responded, his voice firm, as the class watched with keen interest.

"Excuse me?"

"You're excused," he said with a smug smile.

I bit my lip and shrugged. "So, should I ask for permission?"

"Ask, and maybe I'll decide," his deep voice echoed through the silent room.

Tightening my grip on my bag, I gave up. "Alright then, I think I'll enjoy the canteen's snacks." I turned to walk past him.

"Better than my lectures?" he called after me.

With a chuckle, I replied, "Obviously. Your lectures aren't exactly top-tier."

His voice sharpened. "You're crossing the line now."

"Guess I'll leave then," I said, making my way out, half-expecting him to stop me. But, as usual, he didn't.

"Bhaiya, one plate of momo, please," I ordered at the canteen, fishing out my wallet.

"Here you go," he handed me the plate. I found a quiet corner, sat down, and sighed. "Dad really picked the worst university for me."

"Aradhya!" A familiar voice rang out.

I turned to see Taapse and leaped from my seat. "Taapse!" I shouted, jumping into her arms.

"So, what's the plan today?" she asked, laughing.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"Skipping lectures again for your beloved momo?"

"That idiot professor threw me out," I grumbled.

"You must've done something."

"I was late! Traffic," I insisted.

"Traffic, right. Your last seen on WhatsApp was 4 a.m.," she teased.

"Well, uh..." I scratched my neck, embarrassed.

"Aradhya, take your studies seriously. This time won't come back."

"Exactly! I need to enjoy it while it lasts," I replied, pushing a plate of momo toward her.

"I'm on a diet," she pouted.

"Your loss. Got a lecture now?"

"Yeah, I was heading there when I saw you."

"See you after 12, then?"

"Done!" she smiled, leaving me alone again.

"Miss Aradhya, the Dean wants to see you," a breathless peon hurried over to me.

"Me? Why?" I asked, not surprised.

"He's angry," the peon warned, still catching his breath.

"Let me guess, Mr. Idiot again." I gathered my things, making sure to grab the last momo on the plate.

"You seen the series I recommended?" I asked the peon as we walked.

"Yes, but there's a new episode waiting for you inside," he joked.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it." I stuffed the momo in my mouth as we reached the Dean's office.

"Another complaint, Miss Aradhya?" The Dean looked at me in disbelief.

I tried to respond, but my mouth was full of momo.

"Eat first," suggested the professor standing nearby.

I rolled my eyes, swallowed, and said, "Sorry."

"This is your fourth time here this month. One more complaint, and I'll have to suspend you."

"Really?" I asked, a bit too enthusiastically.

They both stared at me in disbelief.

"I mean... really?" I quickly corrected, feigning sadness.

"You need to show respect to your professors, especially him," the Dean scolded, gesturing to the professor.

"Sir, you've never had complaints about me from anyone else. Clearly, the problem is him," I pointed at the 'angry bird'.

"Excuse me?" The professor finally spoke.

"You're excused," I mimicked him, and the Dean stifled a laugh.

"Don't provoke him, Aradhya. He's your teacher."

"I'll try," I forced a smile, locking eyes with the professor before turning to leave.

As I reached the door, the peon asked, "What was that series you recommended?"

"Money Heist," I winked.

As I walked out, relieved that class had ended, a familiar voice chimed in behind me. "You shouldn't be so casual with peons."

I turned to see Mr. Idiot again. "And who are you to tell me that?"

"Your well-wisher," he said, brushing past me.

"Well-wisher, my foot," I muttered, mocking his accent.

"I heard that. Want another lecture in the Dean's office?"

"I'm not afraid," I said, heading to my next class.

Barely able to keep my eyes open during the lecture, I whispered to the boy next to me, "This education system wasn't made for me."

"Then why are you still here?" he asked.

"My parents would kill me if I quit," I sighed.

"Are you afraid of death?"

"Who isn't?"

"Professor Dhruv isn't," he smirked.

"I hope he finds peace soon so I can, too," I added with a grin.

"You shouldn't say that," he flicked my forehead.

"Don't take his side!" I glared.

"It's not about sides; it's about right and wrong," he said seriously.

I laid my head on my bag. "Can we just skip this class?"

"No chance," he replied, pulling out his notes.

"Did you make notes?"

"Yeah, I made some for you too."

I smiled. "You're the best bench partner ever."

He chuckled. "Now focus. Exams are coming."

"I'll pass, don't worry," I said confidently.

"Passing isn't enough; you need good grades."

"I can't raise my parents' expectations," I joked, letting out a dramatic sigh.

AUTHOR'S NOTE
Hey beauties how are you all. Hopefully you enjoyed the first chapter.
Vote and comment for next chapter.