When No One's Asking; When No One's Looking.

Late again.

I couldn't stop scratching my back—it felt like an army of ants was biting me. The steady tick-tock of the clock reminded me I was running late for college. But I just couldn't bring myself to leave my cozy bed.

Then, I heard a soft knock at the door, followed by a woman's voice calling out, "K*******a!" I sprang out of bed, heart pounding, and rushed to the door. "Haan, Maa! I'll be ready!" I shouted, completely panicked. As soon as I shut the door, I collapsed back onto my bed, attempting to catch my breath.

Oh no, I really am late!

I bolted upright, grabbed my dress from the balcony, and hurriedly got dressed. My hair was a mess, but there was no time to fix it properly—I tied it back as best as I could. I stuffed some dosas into my mouth in record time, grabbed my bag, and thought, I might just make it! Reassuring myself, I mumbled, "It's not that late."

Waving a quick goodbye to my mom, dad, and sister, I rushed out the door. The lift, as usual, seemed to take its sweet time. My leg bounced impatiently until it finally arrived, and I dashed to the main road.

Bus after bus zoomed past as I stood stranded, waiting endlessly to cross the road. After five long minutes of trying to cross, I finally stopped a share van and found a spot. What a relief!

As the van sped along, I watched the cars whizz by. That's when it hit me.

Dang, I forgot to bathe...