Once Upon a University Campus

Right This and Wrong That

When Annika stirred that early morning, the sun was still fast asleep. But the sweet slice of moon was illuminating her world. She felt his warm breath at her nape. The two weeks of honey moon had taught her so much, one of them being able to sleep next Shivaay. He had already developed an annoying habit of snuggling with her, his arm over her as if he wanted to hold her from going away from him.They had arrived back home late the previous night. She had mixed feelings driving back home from the airport. While she was glad to be back with Saahil and her new family, she regretted having to share Shivaay with everyone else. She had gotten used to being the center of his attention these few days. She would have loved for their trip to continue a little longer, but she also knew that to be impractical. Shivaay had to get back to work. At the same time, she had to get back to normal life, after all it was only a matter of days before she would have to start working at Prof Phatak's center. She had not officially vacated her hostel room. There were some formalities and paperwork she had to complete. She roughly planned her day. After breakfast, she will head over to the campus, finish the paperwork and formally surrender her hostel room with a heavy heart and close that precious chapter of her life. Dawn was breaking, she could see a sliver of light between the undulating folds of the heavy curtain.

She had discovered many of Shivaay's habits, one of them being his obsession with his wrist watch. He always wore one. That morning, she was glad he wore one, because she could check time without having to reach for her phone.It was still early in the morning. She had a lot of time to begin her day. She tried going back to sleep but could not. Shivaay was still fast asleep. After a while, she found it boring to be lying on the bed doing nothing. She knew she was not good at 'not' doing anything. She gently lifted his hand that was resting on her and tried to wriggle her way out.

"Annika.. " Shivaay mumbled "Where are you.." his sleepy hand was fumbling for her.

"Right here Shivaay. Going to the bathroom".

"Do you really have to go?" Shivaay mumbled half asleep.

Annika rolled her eyes. That was not a question to ask. But he was too sleepy and it was too dark for him to notice her eye roll. He turned over on to his back looking for a comfortable position now that his new found body pillow was going to the bathroom. Turning and tossing he finally sat up frustrated. His body pillow had taken his sleep with her.

"IT IS 5 !" He yelled, startling Annika. "How did I sleep so late? It is very dark for 5. God.. I am late" He grumbled as he got out of his bed in a hurry. Something caught his attention. "Why are the curtains not drawn? No wonder it is so dark and I could not wake up."

"I closed the curtains last night Shivaay." Annika replied as a matter of fact.

"I cannot wake up if the curtain is not drawn." Shivaay said firmly.

Annika put away the clothes she was carrying with her. Shivaay was drawing the curtains.

"And I cannot sleep if the curtains are drawn." Annika stood firm. "You have your stupid solar lights install all around the house and the bright lights will not let me sleep."

"Hey, my solar lights are not stupid.They are brilliant, efficient, cost effect.." Shivaay went on till Annika cut him.

"Yes they are the greatest invention in the history of mankind, right behind fire and wheel." Annika commented sarcastically.

"Oh yes. It is a game changer like nothing we have seen in our lifetimes. But the curtains will be drawn all the time." He would not lose sight of the curtain.

"Sure. Your room, your curtain. Now don't throw a fit tonight if I go and bunk in with Saahil." Annika went back to picking up her clothes for the day.