Once Upon a University Campus

We are even

"What exactly is your problem Rudy?" Though thoroughly entertained, Shivaay pretended to be vexed.

"Problem? Can't you see.. Sumo is my problem" Rudy lifted up his head long enough to finish his sentence and went back to his cushion and wailing.

"What with Sumo? She is your friend, the only sensible friend as far as I know. Is that the problem?" Shivaay persisted.

Rudy glared briefly and mumbled "Are you being sarcastic? I know she is smarter than me but we are friends alright?"

"Then there is no problem" Shivaay declared mock seriously.

Rudy scowled turning to Annika "Didi.. look at this man.. Can there be any one more merciless than him."

"Shivaay.." Annika tried to plead with Shivaay.

"Sweetheart, what did I do. I don't understand what his problem is." Shivaay shrugged, though it was clear to her that he was teasing Rudy.

"Problem is Sumo might get married to some bald man and move to California." Rudy mumbled again.

"Ah! California? It is quite far but it is not a big deal. You can always visit California. You do love the beaches there right."

"Ah! Yeah.. Cali beaches are cool.. So are the girls." Rudy got distracted for a minute.

"So problem solved. Now get your lazy behind and help us." Shivaay turned around triumphantly having momentarily distracted Rudy.

"Rudy!" Annika slapped him on his arm and Rudy instantly corrected himself and started howling again.

"Bhaiyya! Stop your games will you.. You are so mean." Rudy complained

"What is mean about asking you to visit nice beaches." Shivaay said nonchalantly.

"Do you see that Didi.. do you see that? " Rudy complained.

Annika glared at Shivaay.

"What? I genuinely don't get the issue here." Shivaay shrugged again barely suppressing his smile.

"The issue is simple Bhaiyya... I don't like the idea of Sumo getting married to someone else.." Rudy blurted.

"Ah! That does not count. Her life, her marriage. If she is happy, we should be happy for her. She should get married to the California guy if she likes him. What you think of him or I think of him is immaterial." Shivaay said as a matter of fact.

"Nooooooooooo" Rudy closed his ears again howling "I cannot see Sumo getting married to someone else.. .. What if she is the one for me?"

"Ah! Finally from the horse's mouth." Shivaay said triumphantly and continued "If she is indeed the one for you, you will know it. Till you find an answer for the question, get up and help us."

"What happened? Rudy are you alright" Om rushed in panting. "I heard your scream from the hallway across living room.."

"Om" Both Annika and Shivaay were pleasantly surprised to find Om at the door.

"Rudy is having one of his meltdowns. Nothing to worry, all is well." Shivaay briefed Om.

"Ah I see" Om nodded knowingly. "When did you both return to Delhi?"

"A few hours back. I needed to clear my closets. Remodelling starts tomorrow." Shivaay mentioned.

"Need help?" Om checked.

Shivaay smiled smugly and turned towards Rudy. The smile was enough to prop Rudy up.

"Alright Shivaay bhaiyya, no need to look at me like that. I will also help." Rudy said grudgingly.