Something New (A Chris Evans Story)

Chapter Nine

Ananth and I left Cape Cod early in the evening after I had received a message from Shanaya asking me to cover her Sunday rotations because of some last minute changes in scheduling.

I started to get more and more caught up in my own life, only sporadically texting Shanna and Chris.

Initially, I had gotten used to the grueling schedule associated with being a pediatric resident, but once Ananth got into the middle of the school year, his volume of schoolwork seemed to increase exponentially.

Every other day, he would come take the train to my apartment and lock himself in the guestroom to pour over his textbooks and readings while I would wait on him hand and foot so that he could basically study non-stop.

All the while having to edit his shitty English papers and help him with his science homework sets.

Good thing too, because my parents had put their efforts to get me married on the back-burner to focus on Ananth's studies and exams: now instead of badgering me, he was bearing the burden of my parent's intrusive attention.

So I hadn't gone on any more dates since they wanted my full focus to be on him without any distractions: they still valued my brother's education above all else.
So, at least for some time, I was in the clear.

One Friday night, Ananth pushed a piece of paper towards me during dinner. "Akka, I need to you sign this."

I stopped eating the small portion left of my hastily-cooked pasta, looking up from the newest pediatric journal that I was reviewing, just in case the attendings decided to quiz the residents on the newest breakthroughs in the field.

"You didn't get into any trouble, did you?" Worry seeped into my voice. Not only would that ruin his academic record for his future, but also Amma and Dad would crucify me for not "guiding him properly."

"Well, for my film class, we're discussing the allegorical representations of inequality in film, and each student is assigned a movie to watch. We then have to write a short essay and lead a short class discussion."

That piqued my interest. "Sounds interesting; where were all these assignments when I went to high school? But anyway, why are you telling me this now?"

"Because the film that I chose from the list was 'Snowpiercer,' and since it's rated R, I need your permission to watch it, so I just need you to sign the paper."

I quickly scrawled my signature on the form.

I asked, in a confused manner, "Do I need to sit through it with you?"

"No, I just need to borrow your Netflix account; it's already streaming on there. I wouldn't need your help if you hadn't disconnected it from the TV and changed the password-"

Angered by his unnecessary annoyance, I retorted, "Hey! Amma and Dad didn't want you to have any distractions; if you have any problem with that, go take it up with them."

God, I loved my brother, but he could be such an ass at times.

I took both of our now empty plates, quickly scrubbed them, and loaded them into the dishwasher.

"Wait, let me get the laundry. I'll log into the account for you, and then I can fold them on the couch while you watch this movie."

Ananth sharply inhaled. "Wait, Akka, didn't you take a film class in college?"

I mumbled, "Yep, during my freshman year of college. Why do you ask?"

He immediately grabbed my hand. "Please, Akka, help me with the assignment-"