Shiron Sheridan and the Thief of Dreams

1.1 Magic is real

Chapter-1.1

Magic is real

"Up! Get up! Now!"

A voice came followed by three clever knockings on the door, loud enough to wake the boy up. He rubbed his eyes and tried to ignore the calls for another five minutes. He didn't understand why his adorable mother wanted him to wake early. Exams were over and he performed quite well. He made sure that he'd score more than the neighboring kids. He jumped from the bed and washed his face.

"Coming Mom!" He yelled. It only took him fifteen minutes to take a bath and get ready for the breakfast.

His name was Shiron Sheridan, and he was about to turn 17. Three days left, he thought as he stared blankly at the calendar.

His mother was at the breakfast table with Uncle Sam and Bhuvan. Bhuvan was studying in one of the IITs and was remarkably ugly. He never missed an opportunity to humiliate Shiron and boast his unbeatable academic performance.

"Shiron, how many times do I have to tell you-", she roared before he could rest his butt on the chair.

"-that I should wake up early and go for the morning walk, greet the elders and study," said Shiron in hurry, 'I know, Mom!' He was hungry and he all he cared for in that moment was a nice cheese sandwich.

Bhuvan groaned like a pig.

"This attitude doesn't work in IIT", He said, 'But don't worry. You won't survive there, in fact, you won't even get admission, boy.'

Shiron tightened his fists. He hated Bhuvan for obvious reasons and he never understood why his mother always took the sides of neighbors.

"As if going in IITs is the greatest thing in the world?" Shiron said and laughed. His laugh was quickly accompanied by a cute giggle from his beloved sister, Shreya.

"Exactly. IITs are over rated. Just like that 300 bucks coffee at King-Kong café. It was terrible if not worthy."

Bhuvan's face turned pale and he stood up. He wanted to say something but he just left the house murmuring cuss words. Uncle Sam broke the awkward silence.

"Shreya is right. IITs are okay but not great. Not as great as these sandwiches dear." Uncle Sam passed a smile at Shiron's mom.

Shiron finished his breakfast and waved goodbye to his mom and sister. He didn't tell them where he was going but he knew it would be fun. It was his third date with Riya. They always met near the bookstore. Riya was a bookworm, evident from her giant specks and hundreds of bookmarks and stickers, filling the space of her handbag.

She was already there, staring at the book cover of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

"Hello lady-" Shiron tapped her shoulder, "-you are looking so good."

"You remind me of Gollum, boy." Riya raised her chin in the air and walked towards the King Kong Café, Shiron had to run to follow her.

"Don't call me a boy, Riya." He tried to speak like a man, "I am 17 for god sake."

"Not yet!" She replied sharply, "Three days to go, BOY!"

Shiron felt a shiver, he didn't expect her to know that. They entered the café, which was almost empty except an old lady with a cat was sitting in one of the corners. She gave a sharp look at Shiron and mumbled something.

Riya ordered a chocolate pie and passed a strange smile at him.

"What happened?" She said scratching her pointy nose, "You look troubled."