Wake up, girl!

by Niharika Jindal

  I sighed. Going to the mini bar, I opened a bottle of red wine, and poured myself a glass.

  Hearing Ayaan’s name downstairs in the bar had stirred up some memories.

  I couldn’t help but think of him and of how different things were back then.

  Chapter 3

  Four years ago

  ‘At Boston College, we ensure that all students and faculty get a sense of being an integral part of the esteemed institution…’

  Orientation week had just begun.

  Dad and I had reached Boston the evening before and were supremely jet lagged. Only Dad had come with me; Yohaan and Avishi’s exams were on and Mom had had to stay back with them.

  I was quite bummed out about the fact that Mom wasn’t there. I had really wanted her to see where I was going to be for the next four years. I mean, I get that she stayed behind for my siblings, but I missed her.

  Stop being such a sissy! You’ve been here only a day and already missing Mummy. Grow up!

  Sorry. No more whining.

  ‘At this institution, our focus is on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience. We envisage a hands-on way of learning for our students…’

  As the Dean continued with his orientation speech, I looked around me to take in what my new home for the next four years would be like.

  The beautiful campus set amid tall, colonial-era buildings had a majestic feel to it. The perfect late-summer weather made it even better.

  This was my second trip to the US and it still hadn’t quite hit me that I was going to be there for the next four years of my life. Just thinking about it was freaking me out.

  No freaking out, Naina!

  Okay, okay. Relax. I’m only human, you know.

  The protective environment I had grown up in had ensured that I had never travelled alone, let alone live independently, and this change was a huge deal for all of us. If left to me, I would have preferred studying back home. But my parents had proposed the abroad stint, in keeping with the trend that their friends had set of giving their kids a foreign education.

  ‘All the professional opportunities available in Boston…’

  I looked around. Allegedly, my batch-mates numbered a whopping four thousand. I would never get to know a fraction of them, I was sure.

  How will you ever make friends, you social recluse?

  Good point.

  The Dean finally finished his speech and everyone around clapped. All the first-year students were divided into groups and each group was assigned a mentor. The mentor was to help us get settled in, solve any problems regarding accommodation, or selecting courses and, in general, be there to guide us around campus-living.

  I looked at my orientation paper that held my mentor’s name:

  Ayaan Arora

  Nice name.

  According to the paper, we were assigned to meet him near the Arts faculty. After asking for directions, I raced to the venue. I didn’t want to be late.

  Fifteen minutes later, I arrived, completely out of breath. College was going to be quite a workout every single day, I realized. I chuckled at the thought of how happy knowing that would make Mom.

  There was a small group of around twenty people already standing in front of the building. As I inched closer, I heard a voice coming from right up in the front.

  ‘…I see that our last person has joined the group. Now, I can finally get this formal part over with. Hi, guys. I’m Ayaan Arora. I’m currently about to begin my third year at Boston College…’

  He then said something that made everyone laugh, but I didn’t hear a word because I was momentarily taken aback by how cute this guy really was! Almost six feet tall, with wavy black hair and a lean frame, this guy was incredibly dishy. Was he Ranbir Kapoor’s cousin or what?

  Why weren’t there more good-looking guys in Indore? Perhaps if there were, I wouldn’t be gawking at Ayaan as though he was a rare specimen visiting from outside Planet Earth.

  Naina, stop staring and listen to what he’s saying! Or, maybe if you don’t listen, you’ll have an excuse to go talk to him afterward…

  Wow. That’s a first.

  ‘All the dormitories are fairly close to each other. Once you guys get acquainted with one another, you’ll realize that it’s nice to be in close proximity. I remember, when I was a fresher, initially I was really homesick, and the only thing that kept me going were my friends,’ Ayaan said.

  Thankfully, I had tuned back in.

  I looked around and observed that most of the girls in the group were staring dreamily at Ayaan. I was glad that I wasn’t the only one drooling.

  ‘Guys, I’m always here if you need anything. It’s your first time being in an altogether new environment, so if you do get homesick – it is completely normal. We’ve all been there. Since, technically, I’m your mentor, it’s my job to tell you to take it easy on the alcohol and other distractions. I would advise you to first get into the groove of campus life. But, hey, it’s your choice ultimately, so long as you don’t get into trouble…’

  At the last statement, one of the boys pumped his fist up in the air and shouted, ‘YEAAHHH! Where’s the party, man?’ which caused a great deal of snickering amongst the group.

  ‘You’ll find out soon enough,’ responded Ayaan. ‘Your first campus party is tonight in the Main Quad. I’m guessing, you all have registered for your classes already. If you ever need help in deciding courses, please feel free to pick my brains. As a veteran, I’m somewhat of an expert at knowing which courses require the least amount of effort to succeed. However, my personal advice to all is that, please, do not neglect your classes and coursework. Midterms and exams have a way of creeping up on you, and if you leave everything till the last minute…well, it’s not a good position to be in. I know I’m being a buzz-kill right now, but I’m talking from experience. Your newfound freedom with easy access to drugs and alcohol can be a potent recipe for disaster, if misused. Okay, that’s it everybody, enough with the serious talk. Have a good semester!’ said Ayaan, winding up.

  This was the cue for everyone to disperse. Hmm. I thought. That was that, then.

  I stood around, not knowing where to go. I was supposed to meet Dad in a couple of hours for dinner. I fervently wished I wasn’t so socially awkward. Why couldn’t I walk up to one of the group members, introduce myself and start a conversation? Well, I’d never done that before and was not about to start now. I just lacked that kind of confidence.

  Perhaps my sorry state of mind was written across my face, for someone tapped my shoulder and said, ‘Hi. I’m Sunaina. You look as lost as I feel. Do you want to get something to eat?’

  I managed to stutter, ‘Uh. Hi. Yes. Yes, please. Oh, wait. I’m Naina.’

  It was only after I said my name out loud did I realize how similar our names actually are. She must have thought the same thing because we both burst out laughing.

  As we walked towards the cafeteria, I took a sideways glance at her. Sunaina was extremely pretty with a slender frame and luxuriant long hair.

  ‘Was it just me or did that guy look like a model?’ Sunaina said, the awe clear in her voice. ‘I could hardly concentrate on what he was saying.’

  I laughed. I had a feeling Sunaina and I were going to get along quite well.

  Chapter 4

  Four months later

  ‘…Due to the weather conditions, Lufthansa Airline Flight 425 to New Delhi has been delayed. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience.’ The announcement rang across Boston International Airport, and my state of euphoric anticipation for reaching home soon was shattered.

  No way! This was the last thing I needed right now!

  It was December and my first semester at Boston College was over. I was finally heading back home for a three-week winter break.

  I rushed to confirm the news on the flights’ schedule monitor for all airlines and all the flight statuses now read:

  DELAYED, or worse CANCELLED

  Please
, God, please, don’t cancel my flight.

  A snowstorm was raging across the US East Coast and all modes of transport had come to a halt. Snow was piled up high on roads everywhere. Anyone even thinking of taking a romantic stroll outside in the snow would definitely be labelled crazy.

  For the umpteenth time I wished that my final exams had ended a few days earlier, and that I was back home sipping hot chai.

  Airports have this weird quality of making you feel cut off from the rest of the world. It’s a feeling that I generally love. Seeing strange faces walking around, going about their business, and making idle small talk with someone whom you’re never going to meet again. Only, right now, I just wanted to get out of the city, particularly after the gruelling final exam week.

  Everyone around me was in a state of frenzy. People were making frantic phone calls to their relatives, letting them know that they would not be leaving Boston any time soon.

  Which reminded me. I should probably let my parents know as well.

  It was 5 pm in Boston right now, so that would be 3.30 am in India.

  I dialled my mother’s cell phone and waited for her to answer.

  ‘Hello?’ Mom answered sleepily.

  ‘Hi, Mom. Sorry I woke you up.’

  ‘Naina beta, where are you? Have you boarded your flight yet? What time are you landing in Delhi? And what time is your connecting flight to Indore?’ Mom’s endless questions began.

  ‘Mom, my flight has been delayed,’ I sighed. ‘I don’t know when I’ll be taking off’.

  ‘WHAT?’ shouted Mom. ‘Go back to college. Call your friends to come and pick you up. How will you stay alone at the airport for goodness knows how long?!’

  Had she forgotten already that I had spent the last four months fending for myself in an unknown country?

  ‘All my friends have left already, Mom! I was the last one to leave. Their exams ended before mine.’

  Mom shouted, ‘O GOD! NOW WHAT! You are travelling business class, right?’

  ‘MOM, CAN YOU PLEASE STOP SHOUTING?’ I yelled back. ‘You are stressing me out further. I will figure something out. There are lots of people stranded at the airport with me. And, yes, I’m travelling business! How does that even matter in this situation? Both the classes are in the same airplane, you know! Okay, now bye. Will keep updating you,’ I said, irritably.

  I wanted to hang up before my mother realized that I was as upset as she was worried.

  ‘Wait, Naina beta, please call us every hour, okay?’ Mom said frantically.

  ‘Okay, Mom. Love you. Bye.’ I hung up.

  I dragged my handbag for a walk around the terminal. Sitting by myself in the lounge wasn’t doing me any good.

  And that’s when the real pity party started.

  Oh, how I longed to eat home food! Just normal home-cooked food!

  From bhindi to aloo, to even the occasional green veggies! And, how could I forget my favourite. Rajma chawal!

  I. Could. Not. Wait.

  Just thinking about it was making my stomach grumble.

  The last four months had gone by pretty fast. Contrary to what I had imagined, I hadn’t had too many hang-ups making new friends,.

  That’s all because of Sunaina, you liar!

  Yes, I did have to give Sunaina credit for that. She was so friendly and such a people’s person that she automatically made friends. She also got a lot of male attention, unlike me. Weirdly, she had taken a liking to me and we had become inseparable.

  I was standing in front of a coffee shop and decided to order a drink. ‘One chocolate caramel latte, please!’ I told the server.

  I’d had enough of this American coffee bullshit. I couldn’t wait to have my regular Indian cold coffee.

  ‘How do you pronounce your name, miss?’ the coffee barista boy asked. ‘Naaay-na, right?’

  Seriously? How hard is it to say Naina? Compared to most Indian names, I think mine is pretty easy.

  I started to tell him how to say it, but I stopped midway. I honestly couldn’t be bothered by how he pronounced my name.

  ‘Yup, you got it,’ I said, returning to my chain of thoughts.

  Where was I?

  Oh yes. Boys.

  It was our first week of college and Sunaina and I had decided to go for a walk in our leisure time. It was our first real conversation.

  It turned out that she was from one of the richest families of India, which, looking at her, one could never have guessed, so genuine and down to earth she was.

  ‘How many boys have you dated till now, Naina?’ she asked me.

  I’d decided to be honest with her. ‘Actually, I’ve never had a boyfriend. In fact, I’ve never even kissed someone. No experience at all.’

  Sunaina had looked at me in utter disbelief. ‘But, how is that even possible? You’re so pretty.’

  ‘I don’t know, it just never happened,’ I answered. ‘I think I intimidate boys. Maybe I give off a vibe that scares them. Boys have always been friends, never boyfriends.’

  ‘Hmm. Well, maybe your luck will change here,’ Sunaina said hopefully. ‘So, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you looking for in a relationship? I know that lots of girls go crazy when they come to study abroad. In terms of flings and multiple boyfriends.’

  I’d thought carefully before replying. ‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want a fling. I know, back home, it’s taboo to even contemplate it. But, also, I wouldn’t want just a random drunken night ending in a make-out session. I think, I’d want my first time with a guy to be a bit more meaningful.’

  Sunaina had laughed, ‘Well, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities here to find someone. Don’t think too much, Naina. We’re not in India any more. No one knows you here, so stop analyzing as to what’s socially acceptable as per Indian standards and go with the flow, for a change. If you live your life according to what is acceptable to others, you’ll always experience some regret or the other. Take me, for example. My parents have always given me a lot of freedom, and that has made me value it all the more. Sure, I’ve had serious boyfriends and the occasional casual fling, but I’ve never crossed any line that would upset or disappoint my parents.

  Wow! I thought. That’s true maturity.

  I wish I could be more like Sunaina. She could flirt with boys at the drop of a hat, and be so natural about it. She was carefree, had no hang-ups, but she was very clear about crossing boundaries that were not in keeping with her ethical compass.

  I, on the other hand, was a complete innocent when it came to boys or to relationships.

  My chocolate caramel latte arrived. Sipping on it, I went to check my flight status again.

  It still read delayed.

  I walked back to the coffee shop, slumped on a nearby chair and put my head on the table.

  And that’s when the tears started.

  I felt so sorry for myself.

  I wanted home.

  I wanted my mom.

  I wanted home-cooked khana.

  I wanted a hug.

  Hell, I even wanted a boyfriend who could comfort me.

  Someone tapped me on my shoulder, and I looked up.

  Swollen face, teary eyes and all. And felt my mouth go wide open with shock and surprise.

  It was Ayaan.

  Chapter 5

  For a guy who had just encountered a howling girl, Ayaan seemed quite calm and collected. Maybe he was a pro at it.

  Handling hysterical females, that is.

  ‘Are you okay?’ Ayaan seemed genuinely concerned.

  I quickly wiped my face with my sleeves and tried to remember whether I’d put on eyeliner that morning or not. Because if I had, I must definitely look quite evil right now with black smears running down my cheeks.

  ‘Yes, I’m okay! This is pretty embarrassing…’ I started.

  ‘Don’t be embarrassed! Happens to the best of us,’ he said kindly.

  ‘Would you like to sit down…?’ I asked him, remembering my manners. �
�Unless you have to leave, of course,’ I said.

  I managed to compose myself, for seeing Ayaan had made me forget all my earlier troubles.

  What was I crying about, again? I wondered.

  Ayaan looked glad that I had invited him to sit down. Casually dressed in a pair of blue denims, white shirt, and a black hoodie, he looked like an Abercrombie & Fitch model.

  I looked down upon myself and grimaced. Could I be more bundled up?

  The airport was well heated, but I felt colder than most people. I desperately hoped my thick red sweater didn’t make me look like Santa Claus.

  ‘Nope. I have nowhere to be,’ Ayaan said, ‘as you can guess from the state of this airport. You go to Boston College, right? I thought your face looked familiar.’

  ‘Yes. You probably don’t remember, but I’m your mentee. I’m sorry I didn’t reach out to you during the semester. I got really caught up with everything. Oh. I’m Naina.’

  He obviously didn’t remember that he was my mentor. But he did think I was a familiar face, so that was good.

  ‘This is awkward. I should know all my mentees. It’s my fault. Also, don’t apologize! The fact that you got settled on campus by yourself without feeling the need to reach out is a good thing. Not that I wouldn’t have loved to help you out,’ Ayaan said.

  Maybe he was saying nice things just so I wouldn’t start bawling again. Whatever it was, it was working.

  I felt myself flush.

  Get a grip on yourself, Naina! He’s saying that ‘cos it’s his job to say it!

  ‘So, is your flight delayed or cancelled?’ I inquired.

  ‘Delayed for now. Flying to New Delhi by Lufthansa.’

  ‘Oh! That’s my flight! I mean, I’m on the same flight!’ I exclaimed.

  I’m pretty sure we both realized at the same time that we had each other for company for a very long time.

  ‘So you’re from Delhi?’ Ayaan asked.

  ‘No, I’m from Indore. I have a connecting flight to Indore from Delhi. What about you?’

  ‘Funny,’ Ayaan remarked, ‘we both have a long journey ahead of us. I have a four-hour drive to Chandigarh after landing in Delhi.’