Unexpected

Chapter 2

" Nina, Nina! Will you be kind enough to pay some attention here or shall I now have to beg you?" , my Maths teacher snapped at me.

I sighed. This was the toughest, hardest and the most unpleasant class for me. Not that I enjoy each and every class my college offers, but specifically this class of Mathematics, I find it intolerable.
On the other hand, Mathematics is my favourite subject. Ha! Irony, no?
I was seriously amused too when I found out the only subject I loved besides Literature, is being taught by a sanctimonious lady, whose way of teaching can make you feel such a strong sense of hatred towards Maths, that suppose if that particular subject suddenly turns to a human being in front of your eyes, your fingers will literally itch to strangle him.

" I'm so so sorry Ma'am. But you see, this is totally not my fault. My brain finds it very hard to grasp all those formulae you scribble over there. You don't need to beg me, instead, I must beg you to please slow down and direct the greater portion of your energy towards understandable explanations, and not on disturbing others by snapping at them when all they're doing is, trying their best to get the meaning behind your mindless scribblings."

The whole class gasped. Some chuckled. Some gaped at me in such a way as if I've grown two extra heads.

" WHAT. DID. YOU. JUST. SAY !!!!!!"

Oh my. She still couldn't believe such a quiet student like me had the courage to show such disdainfulness towards her.

" Get out of my class. Now. You will be reported to the principal for showing such impertinent attitude towards me. How very insolent you are. Who could have thought such a quiet and obedient girl can make such supercilious remarks towards her teacher!"

" Oh yeah. That reminds me, why were you snapping at me? You just, sorry, your mouth just betrayed you by blurting out I'm always quiet and obedient," I went on.

" GET OUT NINA SEN !!!!! "

And I did, otherwise this living atom bomb will blow up the whole class.
                  ............................

The bell rang. Last bell. And, another day of college ended just like that.

" Happy birthday, idiot," somebody suddenly came up from behind and smacked at my arm.

" Hey! Ouch! " I suddenly retaliated and saw that it's none other than the only person in this world whom I trust apart from my Ma, Natasha Sharma.

" Okay okay. Peace. No more fighting. You turned 20 today, please act a bit more mature from now on, Nina ," she said, amused.

" Look who is saying. The one who enjoys herself by smacking random people out of nowhere," I said playfully.

" Only if you consider my best friend a random person then yes, I do enjoy. Immensely. " She grinned.
I smiled, and thanked her.

" So, what do you want to do now," she asked me while we walked out of college campus.

" I don't know. You suggest."

" I was going to. Come to my place. Let's watch a movie together and let's bake a birthday cake for you," she said happily.

" That sounds really interesting but since this is my birthday I get to choose the movie and you will not argue over my choice."
She laughed, and nodded.

And that was one of the most beautiful evenings I have ever spent till now. We both baked, danced, ate and watched a movie together. I really enjoyed that evening from the core of my heart because I don't get to experience such scenarios in my house. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I got to celebrate my birthday, in my home, together with my family.
FAMILY.
This word itself sounded strange and distant when it rolled off my tongue.
I really didn't want to think what will I witness tonight from my father. The very thought of my mother's endurance made me shudder and filled me with dread.

It's late.
I needed to run home fast.
Right now.