‘Oh! Yours is much worse than mine,’ I sighed. ‘If I’m so miserable about the journey ahead, I can’t imagine how frustrated you must be.’
‘Hey, don’t worry, at least we have each other for company! If you don’t mind me hanging around you, I mean,’ said Ayaan with a questioning look at me.
If only he knew how excited I was to be in his company!
‘I don’t mind at all,’ I said. ‘Do you want to roam around? Check out our flight status again?’
‘Sure, let’s go,’ he replied.
As we walked around, I glanced at Ayaan when he wasn’t looking. He was so much taller than me and towered over my mere five feet four inches frame.
‘So, what courses did you take this past semester?’ Ayaan asked.
‘Well, my plan was to get my general requirement courses out of the way first. So, I took Philosophy, a writing seminar, Religious Studies and basic Economics. I was definitely not prepared for the American system of writing – it’s totally unfamiliar to me and that set me back a little,’ I said.
‘I faced the same issue in my first year of college,’ Ayaan laughed. ‘It takes some time getting used to, for sure. But once you get the hang of it, it won’t be difficult. Trust me.’
Hmmm. Ayaan was not only totally hot, he was nice, too, I thought.
I was relieved that I was able to talk to him normally, without choking on my words and acting retarded.
‘How did you decide what you wanted to major in?’ I asked.
‘Well, I always knew that I wanted to do Accounts. I was very good at it in school. I love numbers. Along with Accounts, I’m doing a minor in Economics. Since I got a scholarship to BC, I was asked to pre-determine my major before starting college,’ Ayaan answered.
Wow, he must be really smart if he was here on a scholarship.
‘And how about you, Naina? Given any thought to your future?’ Ayaan grinned.
‘I have been given strict instructions to major in Economics, I said. ‘But, to be honest, Economics has been my least favourite subject these past few months. I haven’t mentioned this to anyone yet. You’re the first one to know that I hate my future major,’ I confided.
I don’t know why, but I felt like I could tell him anything right now. Confess my deepest, darkest secrets. Being stranded together at an airport brings out some strange emotions.
He looked at me with a peculiar expression on his face, like he was about to say something but then stopped. Was my eyeliner smudged all over?
We reached the flight schedules’ monitor and, believe it or not, our flight was indeed taking off, albeit in two hours! Two more hours to kill, but at least the flight hadn’t been cancelled, as I had feared.
I felt like twirling around in joy. But Ayaan would definitely think me a freak then.
I pulled out my phone to inform my parents, when Ayaan exclaimed, ‘Shit! My phone is completely dead. Naina, if you don’t mind, can I please use your phone once you’re done?’
He asked so sincerely that I would have said yes to anything at that moment. Well, almost anything, I think.
‘Of course, you go ahead first,’ I said and handed him my phone.
Ayaan finished talking and handed the phone back to me with a smile. ‘Thank you. I would have had to ask a stranger had you not been here.’
His smile could knock my socks off.
‘Don’t worry about it. Glad I could help my mentor out!’ I replied with a, hopefully, just-as-cute smile of my own.
Ayaan gave me the strange look again. Was there some food stuck between my teeth?
I called my mother. ‘Mom. I’m taking off in two hours. Can you please, please, please get me some homemade cold coffee when you pick me up?’
I heard Ayaan laugh behind me.
We walked back to the coffee shop. It was a cozy, comfortable place to spend time in before the flight.
‘So, I take it you miss home food,’ Ayaan said.
‘Like you wouldn’t believe,’ I responded. ‘I’ve been dreaming of gulaab jaamuns.’
Ayaan laughed, ‘There are some pretty good Indian restaurants in the downtown Boston, you know. There’s a restaurant called Taj on Newbury Street that’s incredibly good. It’s owned by an Indian couple who try to make the flavour of their food as authentic as possible.’
He continued, ‘I used to frequent it a lot in my first year of college. By the third year, you don’t end up missing home food that much.’
I could hardly see that happening to me. Ever.
‘I think, I miss my comfort home food most during exam time. This semester, I was in a fix because I didn’t like my writing seminar professor one bit. She was of no help whatsoever the entire four months. I had to take help from my friends to get the hang of writing,’ I sighed.
‘Well, if only you’d sought your mentor…’ Ayaan smiled. ‘I’m joking. But, really, I could have helped you out with this. There’s a website that provides reviews on every professor in American colleges. Based on their experiences, students give ratings and reviews, and it works as a great tool for choosing a course. Having a good professor is half the battle won.’
I was struck by how sincere and helpful Ayaan was. Besides, he seemed incredibly smart, so I was sure he would know all the best ways to excel.
‘The website is called “ratemyprofessor.com”’, Ayaan was saying. ‘Try it out for the spring semester courses.’
‘Will do. Thanks a ton,’ I said, ‘but I’m sure you don’t want to listen to my ramblings right now.’
‘You don’t need to thank me,’ Ayaan said. ‘You’re extremely refreshing to talk to, Naina. Most girls I know are obsessed with their looks, how they need to lose weight, and where the next party is. Most of them would die before saying that they miss eating gulaab jaamuns. You’re different.’
Interesting. Different is good, right?
‘Thanks. I guess. I shall take that as a compliment,’ I smiled.
‘It was meant to be one. Should we order something to eat? I’m starving.’
Chapter 6
One month later
It was 9 am, and it had taken every bit of effort to get out of bed and attend advertising class. Winter break was over, and I was back for the spring semester.
Being at home had been awesome. Spending time with family and friends, lazing around, eating…amazing. It’s true what they say: distance does makes the heart grow fonder.
Wow, Naina, it’s too early in the morning to be philosophical.
God, okay.
I was about to doze off when I heard someone sit next to me. Sitting at the back of the class, I believed I was allowed to doze off once in a while if needed. Why was this person encroaching on my space, I wondered irritably, my eyes still shut.
The person next to me whispered laughingly, ‘Wake up, sleepyhead.’
Ayaan.
Why did he always find me in these awkward situations? First, he sees me bawling my eyes out, and now he sees me behaving like a complete slacker.
The time we spent at the airport seemed so long ago. We’d spoken about random, general stuff, and the time had just flown by till we reached Delhi. I didn’t think I would run into him again.
‘I’m jet lagged,’ I said quickly. I did have to offer some form of explanation.
‘You don’t look so jet lagged. You look pretty and fresh in my opinion,’ Ayaan said with his cute smile.
I could feel my cheeks burning and quickly turned my face away from him. ‘Thanks.’
Was he flirting with me? Does this qualify as flirting? I know I belong to the twenty-first century and all that. But, till date, I wasn’t exactly sure how flirting worked. Or what it entailed, for that matter.
‘Any idea about what’s going on or about what I’ve missed?’ Ayaan whispered.
‘Ha Ha. No. I just keep hearing the words “product” and “market communication” every now and then,’ I answered.
‘I can see you as a very successful advertiser,�
� Ayaan said with a straight face. ‘Oh, by the way, I’m a research assistant for this professor. Forgot to mention that.’
My mouth opened wide with horror. ‘Oh my God, please don’t mention to Professor Smith that I was sleeping in class. I’m so sorry,’ I said, putting my face in my hands.
‘Relax, Naina. I’ve got your back,’ he answered with a smile. ‘How was your first winter break back home after college?’
‘It was amazing. I stuffed myself to my heart’s content. I didn’t realize I missed home so much till I was there,’ I replied. ‘What about you?’
‘Being home is always good. I spent a lot of time researching the companies I would like to intern over the summer. Third-year-student problems. Don’t have the liberty of slacking away like you first-year bachchas,’ Ayaan grinned. ‘It’s a good thing you have me to take care of you in this class.’
Okay, I’m not sure, but I really think I was party to some flirtatious banter right there.
…
The next couple of days went by in a blur. I got busy getting into the groove of campus life and trying to organize my study schedule for the next four months.
It was Saturday night and I was curled up on our suite couch with a cup of hot chocolate. I shared the suite with Sunaina, Marina and Sarah.
All four of us were very different in our own ways, but we had bonded with each other, were great pals and cohabited comfortably with one another.
Sunaina was getting dressed to go out with a new guy she had just started seeing. ‘What shall I wear? I need something classy, but not so classy that I seem boring and uptight. But it can’t be too revealing, as I don’t want to come across as slutty.’
Being a girl is hard.
What are you complaining about?! It’s Saturday night, not even 9 pm, and you’re already in your pajamas!
Shut up, inner voice.
‘Naina, hey, you’re coming with me,’ Sunaina announced. ‘A friend of Sam’s is over at his apartment, so Sam asked me to bring someone along. I have picked you, Naina. You are the lucky one who is going to accompany me,’ Sunaina.
Did she really think she was going to get me off the couch?
…
One hour later, I was sitting in a taxi with Sunaina. She had made me wear a short black dress with long sleeves. I couldn’t believe I was out of my comfortable dorm room and out in the cold freezing weather.
‘Sunaina, you really owe me for this. Not many people have the ability to disrupt my comfortable couch patterns,’ I grumbled.
‘Stop being such a sourpuss, Naina! I’m so excited to meet Sam. I really like him,’ Sunaina said.
The taxi stopped outside Longview Apartments and we got off. The cold wave of air hit me straight in the face. ‘I’m going to kill you, Sunaina.’
I might as well have been talking to the wind, for Sunaina, in her high heels, had already made a dash towards an apartment on the ground floor. The front door opened, and I saw her hug someone. Then she disappeared inside and left the door open behind her.
I sighed. I really didn’t want to do this.
I entered the small, dimly-lit apartment, which appeared to be a typical bachelor pad. There was a foosball table in one corner and a huge TV on the other. The usual FIFA PlayStation game was playing on the TV screen.
I realized with a start that the other person in the room was none other than Ayaan.
Fuck. He was just turning up everywhere these days, wasn’t he?
‘Hi!’ I said a little shyly. It was the first time he was seeing me in a somewhat presentable, non-awkward state.
‘Hi, Naina. By the surprise in your voice, I take it you didn’t know I was going to be here,’ Ayaan said with a grin. ‘But, again, I wouldn’t put it past Sam for forgetting to tell Sunaina about it. The two are utterly besotted with each other.’
I looked around and realized that we were alone in the room. Sam and Sunaina had disappeared into Sam’s room.
So he knew I was coming. Did he want to hang out with me?
Stop it, Naina! Why would he want to chill with you? We’re in Boston, for God’s sake. This campus is filled with hot skinny bitches. I’m sure he wouldn’t want to spend his Saturday night with the likes of you.
Hmm. Inner voice, that’s a fair point.
Although a rather mean one.
‘So, how’s class going? I haven’t seen you the last couple of times,’ Ayaan asked.
‘That’s probably because I’ve been in the last row snoring away,’ I quipped.
‘If you need help with exams or homework assignments, let me know. I’m just taking this class as an elective. It’s not that difficult once you get the hang of it,’ he said.
‘Sure. That would be great. Thank you,’ I replied.
‘Hey, there’s no need to thank me. I’m more than happy to help you. Oh, by the way, you look really pretty tonight.’
This night was turning out to be better than I’d expected.
…
I tried to sort out my confusing thoughts on the ride back home.
Ayaan seemed genuinely interested in spending time with me. He’d asked me for my cell number. Was he planning to text me?
Or worse. Did he plan to call?
Maybe I had got it all wrong. Just the thought of him being even remotely interested in me was so surreal that I felt stupid even thinking about it.
Boys like him don’t go for girls like me.
Completely inexperienced and socially awkward.
Sunaina must have sensed my troubled mind. ‘What’s wrong, Naina? You’re awfully quiet.’
I decided to share my musings with her. ‘What’s up with Ayaan, you think? He’s being extra nice to me. He wants to help me with my coursework despite knowing what a complete slacker I am. And he’s paying me compliments!’
‘You know what I think?’ Sunaina asked excitedly. ‘I think he has a thing for you, Naina!’
‘But, that’s so weird. Why would he like me? I don’t seem to be his type, you know. I can’t flirt or sweet talk. Also, I’ve seen him give me strange looks sometimes. Like he’s assessing me, or something. What’s all that about?’
‘When the time comes, you’ll know,’ said Sunaina, the expert on boys and relationships.
‘Maybe it’s just in my head,’ I told her decisively. ‘I’m sure Ayaan must have had his fair share of experience with girls. He’s extremely good looking, and a very sweet and genuine person too.’
Sunaina was staring at me with a knowing look.
I continued, ‘I don’t know how to deal with a romantic relationship. What if I’m extremely weird, and it’s an utter disaster? Who knows if he even has a relationship on his mind? I don’t think I would want a casual fling.’
I was dismayed at the thought.
‘I think that you should give it a shot instead of waiting for it to happen to you,’ Sunaina said. ‘You have to take a chance at some point, Naina. I think you like this guy. And you said it yourself – he’s not an asshole or anything. Promise me one thing. If he does ask you out, you’ll at least consider it. The guy is cute beyond words.’
I didn’t feel like talking about that impossibility, so I said, ‘Let’s not discuss something that’s not going to happen.’
On reaching my room, I changed into pajamas and got under the covers. I made my daily ritual call to Mom and waited for her to pick up.
Yohaan answered the call. ‘Hi, Naina didi! What’s up? I miss you.’
Little brothers are the sweetest. When they want to be.
‘I miss you too, Yohaan. What are you guys doing?’ I asked.
I could hear Mom’s voice in the background.
‘Nothing. Mom wants to know whether you’re dating anyone or not,’ Yohaan replied.
I rolled my eyes.
‘Tell her I’m running away with someone even as we speak. And he’s from Karachi.’
Mom shrieked in the background as Yohaan relayed my answer.
Yohaan continued,
‘She says you should improve your jokes and take her more seriously.’
So that I can succumb to the Indian institution of marriage and have endless babies?
Yes, Naina dearest, that is your future, you know.
Whatever. I had a fair idea that after finishing college and returning to India, the topic of marriage would be brought up. That’s just the way my family functions. I have been brought up knowing that an arranged marriage is my ultimate destiny. That, too, within my Marwadi community, and to someone who is financially well off.
Where did these predetermined notions come from, anyway?
Okay, enough for one night.
‘Bye, Yohaan. Love you. Talk to you later,’ I said and hung up.
Before going to bed, I logged onto my Facebook account and saw that I had a friend request from Ayaan Arora. I accepted with a smile.
Just before I went to sleep, I heard my phone ping. It was a text message from Ayaan:
See you in class tomorrow, sleepyhead.
Whoa.
Chapter 7
It was the week before our final Advertising exam and I was as lost as ever when it came to the subject. I couldn’t even fathom why I had picked this class. It’s not like I needed it as a requirement for my major. It was an elective.
If it hadn’t been for Ayaan, I would have failed the class already.
Maybe you shouldn’t sleep in class all the time.
Inner voice, will you please keep quiet?
As I headed to his apartment, I couldn’t help but think about our encounters the past couple of weeks.
Ayaan had been the perfect gentleman. He’d coached me through each and every topic patiently. But, I still couldn’t figure out whether he liked me or not. He hadn’t made a single move that would make me think otherwise. We texted on and off, and he would call me sometimes. We would talk about life in general. I discovered that conversing was easy with him.
Maybe I was right all along. He had become a ‘friend’… like the rest of them.
The only fuck-up in this entire situation was that I had really started to like him. Ayaan was an extremely genuine and kind person.
I reached his place and pressed on the doorbell. He opened the door and motioned that he was on the phone. He looked fantastic in a t-shirt and khaki shorts.
Wake up, girl! Page 3
