Once Upon a University Campus

Pasta for Miss Sunshine

Om found tranquility in his new room. His official roommate had vacated their double seater and now Om had the room for himself, a luxury for a fresher indeed. Economics still bothered him but not as bad as before thanks to Annika's lessons. With end of semester exams approaching, Annika was making extra time for both Om and her Hindi medium students. Being a research scholar, she did not have worry about exams but she still had to make progress on her thesis. That hardly left her with enough time to sleep. With Sunday's reserved for Saahil, she only had six days a week. Looking at the work to be done she secretly wished there were ten days a week.

That day Om needed extra help on a particular topic just before his exams. So did Bhupender - a Hindi medium transition student on the same topic. Since it was just the language barrier which Om did not mind, she decided to have a common session for the two of them in the interest of time at Om's room. Om and Annika met at the appointed hour, Bhupender was nowhere to be seen. Annika decided to start with Om and to go over briefly once Bhupender joined them.

Annika was vexed that Bhupender had not turned up well 45 minutes past the appointed hour. Her time was precious and Bhupender was not respecting it. As they sat at Om's table with their backs to the door, they heard a knock on the door. Though left ajar, the wind had shut the door.

'Finally Bhupender is here.' Annika said and gestured Om to sit down while she went to get the door still looking at her notes. She opened it while explaining why Om's previous answer was wrong-GDP and GNP were different.

'Bhupender now that you are late get us Chai from the Dhaba.' She barked instructions without looking up, all her focus still on Om's book and the nuances of GDP. She hovered over Om who was sitting at his table pouring over the equations and blurting out something unsure of himself. 'Ah, yes that's the right answer.' Annika was finally relieved enough to realize her throat was parched. She reached out to grab a drink of water, that a voice boomed from the doorway behind her

' What is going on?'

Annika was befuddled and wondered  what was wrong with Bhupender's voice, only to turned around to spot no Bhupender at all.

'Mr.Outsider' escaped from Annika's mouth and the cup of water in her hand went crashing down, splashing on all the three of them. She picked up the still intact plastic cup and looked at Om, 'Where is Bhupender?'

Om's had 'bewildered' written all over his face. A meek voice peered from behind Mr Outsider. 'Didi, your chai..' Om stood up confused.

Annika hurriedly walked past Mr Outsider and grabbed her chai from the Bhupender's shaky hand ,' Bhupender ke Bacche, where were you all along, now make yourself comfortable and don't ever be late.'

'Sugato sir's class, Didi, he extended the class by two hours without notice' he whispered.

'You two, leave now' commanded Mr.Outsider, not caring to look at either Annika or Bhupender.

Annika was furious, 'Om, you know my situation, this hour and half is all I have before your exams. I hope you understand and respect my time.'

'Your time?' Smirked Mr.Outsider fiddling with his watch.

'Mr.Outsider, agh, Mr. Who-ever-you-are I have no business with you and you have none with me. Generally speaking people who don't respect my time are unworthy of my time' Annika said throwing a glance at Bhupender who hung his head. Despite his limited English, he knew the salvo was aimed at him as well.

Mr.Outsider turned around and glared at Annika. For a second, Annika felt the ground beneath her sink. The pair of fiery feral cat eyes had enough fire to ignite the ocean. 'Om, outside now. My time is too precious for inconsequential people' he thundered and walked away navigating the water spill.