Chapter 26

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

I MEERA I

I was wide awake way before the alarm rang at 6 am. I couldn't sleep a wink last night. The thought of my first day at college both excited me and made me nervous at the same time. I took a long shower at 5.30am. The hot water was almost scalding hot. Once I felt clean and fresh, I made my way towards my bedroom in my towel.

I had forgotten to take my clothes with me to the bathroom, but I luckily made my way back inside without any incidents. I put on my innerwear before standing infront of my open wardrobe. After a few minutes of arguing with myself, I decided to wear a kurta for the first day on college.

But now I have to choose one from my wardrobe. The blue one was great, but it was a bit too festive. I wanted to look simple but beautiful. So, I gave up on the blue one. The yellow one and the red one was an instant no. It came under the sexy category with a deep neck and spaghetti strap.

So I pulled out the simple green one. It was simple enough, plus my mom used to say it made me look very beautiful. She always says green is my colour and I couldn't agree more as I wore the sleeveless green kurta with a V neck. I paired it with a wide leg washed jeans. After putting on some make up, I hooked my thick golden hoops on my ears and exchanged my nose ring for a small stud.

I step out of my room fully dressed with my bag containing all my necessary documents, at 7.30 am. I have to reach my college before 9.00am. I still have much time.

I'm in the middle of cutting up fruits to add to my breakfast bowl when Karthi and Shraddha emerge from their room, dressed for work.

"Good morning Meera", Karthyi and Shraddha greets me.

"Good morning",I chirp back with an excited smile.

"First day, huh?", he asks as he fixes two bowls of cereal for Shraddha and himself. I push a cut up apple towards him.

"Yupp. I've to be there before 9", I tell him as Shraddha moves towards the coffee maker. "Do you want some coffee", she asks as she adds some coffee crumbs to the machine.

"Of course", I tell her. She adds extra coffee and turns on the switch before turning around. I've yet to learn to operate the coffee maker.

"Mom called. She said you weren't taking her calls", she says.

"Shit! My phone must be in silent", I say as I search for my phone. It's find it in the back pocket of my jeans.

"She said to give her a call in the evening", Shraddha says as she places a cup directly below the nozzle and hot coffee starts pouring down. Just as the cup is half full, she places another cup in it's place.

She pushes the cup towards me and I add little milk and sugar in mine before stirring it.

"What do you think about going shopping this friday? I've to buy some Tops and Kurtis.  And mom told me you wanted to buy some jeans?", She asks as she adds milk in both her and karthik's cup.

"I'm in. I still have that gift card from Ambikamma", I tell her.

"Wait, you didn't use it yet?", She asks

"Nope", I tell her as I take a sip of the scalding hot coffee. My tongue burns from the heat, but it's worth it. I can feel my nerves from before settle down as the coffee hits my stomach.

"Karthik will take us", she say as Karthik takes the cup from her and hands a bowl to cereal with apples and mangoes on top.

"Sure", he says before taking a sip, "but don't ask me to stay with you ladies. I know how you Acharya women are, you take doo much time to choose a single tshirt", he says.

"I would never", I place a hand against my chest feigning horror at his words.

"You and your sister both", he says.

"Fine. But you're picking us up", she says as she shoves a spoonful of cereal into her mouth.

"Of course, milady!",he says as he presses a kiss to her forehead.

"So, are you ready? Do you have everything you need?", He asks me as he turns towards me.

"Yeah. I've got everything I need right there in my bag", I say as I point towards the bag on the sofa. ''Just a little nervous, though", I tell him.

"You'll be alright", he says before patting my head and moving towards the living room with his coffee and cereal in his hands. He takes a seat on the sofa before turning on the TV.

A few minutes later, after we've had our breakfast and drank our coffees, Karthi, Shraddha and I make our way outside the apartment. "Are you sure you have everything you need",Karthi asks for a millionth.

He's starting to sound like my mom. "Yeah, I've got it",I tell him with a smile as Shraddha rolls her eyes at him.

"Alright then",he says as we move towards the elevator. The elevator takes a minute to reach our floor and as it slides open, we're met with the sight of Vikram leaning against the wall, one hand inside his pocket and the other holding his helmet, jacket and gloves.

"You promised to make dinner last night", Karthi says to Vikram as greeting.

"Good morning to you, too", Vikram drawls sarcastically as he moves to the side so that Shraddha and I can enter.

"So?", Karthi asks him, ignoring his sarcasm.

Vikram glances at me before clearing his throat,"something came up",he says as his eyes move over the panel of buttons.

He can't lie for shit. I almost laugh.

"Something came up?", Karthi laughs, shaking his head. "Whatever. You're making dinner tonight",he says.

"Sure", Vikram nods.

He glances at me then, from top to bottom. His slow perusal makes me shift in place. The images of him pushing me against this very elevator and kissing me makes me avert my gaze. And the smug smile making it's way to his mouth let's me know that he knows what I'm thinking about.

"First day at your new college, huh?", He asks as he wipes his smirk away.

"Um, yeah", I tell him with a forced smile.

Before he can ask me anything else, Shraddha asks him, "Can you pick up Meera after college? I know you took a half day today. And Karthi and I have to go to the registrar's office again today."

What?!

"That's not necessa-", I start to say but I'm interrupted by an overly cheerful voice of Vikram.

"Sure. I can do it", he says with a smile.

"Maybe we could pick her up and then go to the registrar's office?", Karthi asks as he sees the smile playing on Vikram's lips.

"It's because we were late yesterday that we have to go in there again. I want to get this done with as soon as possible", she says as she stares Karthik down. His face says it all. It's decided.

"So that's sorted then", Vikram says clapping his hands together. "What time should I be there to pick you up?", He asks as the elevator door starts opening to the basement.

"I don't have any classes or anything today. There's only the orientation programme and I don't think it'll take more than three or four hours. So about 1 o'clock. Is that okay with you?", I ask him as the four of us pile out of the elevator.

"Can you wait till 1.30?", He asks as he buckles his helmet on.

"Sure", I tell him as I watch him wear his jacket. Why did he have to look so hot with that stupid jacket on?

He sees me staring and winks as he zips up his jacket. I quickly avert my eyes and walk towards Karthi who is sliding into the driver's seat of his car.

"I'll be there at 1.30", I hear Vikram say and I nod at him as I look at him over my shoulders. He straddles the motorbike before revving the engine. I slide into the back seat of Karthi's car as Shraddha takes the passenger seat.

I watch Vikram peeling out of the basement and release a relieved breath before strapping the seatbelt on. Soon we follow Vikram out of the parking lot. I gaze outside as we pass through the busy streets. In less than twenty minutes, we take the left to the side road, leading straight to the college.

Karthi reminds me to call him or Shraddha if something happens. He gives me a class on being cautious and careful about everything before Shraddha asks him to shut up. Shraddha tells me take care and have fun before they drive away.

I quickly stand in line with the people heading into the campus. I enter my name in the record book at the security desk before entering the campus.

The campus is no different from the busy streets outside. Students and some of their parents are everywhere, walking around with various documents. I look around for a friendly face. But I don't find any.

Just as I'm about to head to the office alone, someone taps me on my shoulder. As I turn around, I'm met with the sight of a short girl with a pixie cut. Her hair bobs around as she says, "You're heading towards the office, right? "

"Yes", I reply. I don't think I've seen her before.  She had dark eyes and light hair. And her straight hair reaches just above her shoulders. Her eyes are lined with kohl making her eyes pop. She's wearing a full sleeved blue tunic that reaches her knees. On her, it looks beautiful and adorable even.

"Good. Can I join you? I don't know anyone here", she says.

"Of course. I don't know anyone either. I was getting a little bummed that I would have to be alone", I tell her, relieved that I  have somebody with me. I was afraid I'll have to be alone all day.

"Then let's go. By the way, I'm Diya. Diya Nateshwar", she says as she extends her palm towards me.

" I'm Meera. Meera Acharya. It's nice to meet you", I reply as I shake her hand.

"What major are you? I'm majoring in MCA", she says.

" MA English and History", I tell her and she nods.

"So you must read a lot, huh ?", She asks. I bob my head in positive and she groans,"I hate reading. My dad says it's because I'm so impatient. I can't sit still for a moment. So don't even bother trying to make me read something, I'm already warning you", she says with a serious face.

"Duly noted", I say. Honestly, I was thinking about the best book to recommend for someone who's not very keen on reading. I guess it's the bookworm in me that wants everyone to read my favourite books and tell me what they think about it. Sometimes, it's a curse. And like Franz Kafka said, Books are a narcotic.

"Are you from here?", I ask her. I can't tell from her accent where she's from.

"No. I'm from mumbai, now. I mean, we used to live in Delhi. My mom was a South Indian, from Kerala and my dad was from the north, Delhi. So we spent most of my childhood in Delhi and Kerala, until six years ago, when we permanently shifted to Mumbai", she says.

Was. She said her mother was. Past tense.

"I'm sorry about your mother. It must've been hard", I tell her. I can't even imagine losing one of my parents.

"It's alright. It was hard, especially for dad, since he never spent more than a week away from her since they met. That's why we relocated, there were too many memories. So, we started over in Mumbai, bought a new house and everything", she says. She tries to hide the pain, but I can see it.

I don't know what comes over me but I suddenly hug her, shocking the both of us. I just met her but I already feel like I've known her for a long time. So when I saw her trying to hide her pain away, I just had to comfort her, let her know I'm here for her.

"Wow, you're one of those people who gives the best bear hugs, huh?", She smiles as we pull back. "Thanks, I needed that", she says before clearing her throat.

"Anytime. So how's your dad taking it? I mean you moving here for college?", I ask her.

"Actually he's the one who pushed me to do it. I was reluctant to leave dad alone. But he was adamant that I study here. He said, and I quote, "You are not my parent, 'I' am your father. I'm the one that's supposed to coddle you. Not the other way around. So you'll live your life without worrying about me. I can take care of myself.", She says, even imitating her dad with an eye roll.

"He sounds like a great dad", I tell her.

"He's the best", she says with a warm smile.

"So where are you from?", She asks.

"I'm from Mangalore. But my parents are from Kerala", I tell her.

"Ohh, so we're both keralites. I mean half-keralites. Is that even a thing?", She asks.

"I guess so", I shrug my shoulders.

"So are you staying at the dorms?", She asks hopefully and I already feel bad as I say, "No. My sister lives here with her husband. And the dorms were full so they let me stay with them."

"Oh, that's too bad. I already met my room mate and we're definitely not on good terms. So I was kinda hoping to shift to your room if you were staying at the dorms. Oh, well! It's fine", she waves her hand.

"We should head inside", I say as I notice more and more people entering the campus. Diya looks around, noticing the crowd that's starting to form and nods.

We ask each other questions as we head inside the main building. Once we reach the reception desk, we split up as our departments are in the opposite sides. After submitting our documents, we meet at the entrance of the building where we chat some more before we are herded into the auditorium by the staff.

As we listen to the boring generic speech, Diya leans towards my side, "I swear, the professors are always trying to deliver the most boring speeches at these programmes. I fell like I've fallen asleep twice and he's still talking about the same thing", she says and I try to muffle the snort that rises in my throat  but some sound escapes and a few heads turn my way.

She laughs lightly when she sees me trying to act discrete when the guy in front of us turns to look at us. "Shut up", I tell her as I shove her but I can't hide the smile on my face.

After the speech is over, they introduces the faculty formally. It's almost 1.30 when we exit the auditorium.

"I've to buy some books for the syllabus", she says as we exit the main gate where we signed the log at the security desk, "Would you like to come with me?"

I'm about to reply when my phone vibrates in my hand alerting me of an incoming call. I look at the name, but it's unknown. And since my caller ID isn't active, I can't tell who it is.

"Give me a sec", I tell Diya as I press answer on tha call as I move away a little and put it against my left ear.

"Hello?", I ask into the phone.

"Hello, darling", a voice says and it eerily sounds familiar.

"Who is this?", I ask.

"I'm whoever you want me to be", the voice says.

"Who is this?", I ask again even though I have a vague idea who it could be.

"Wow, Meera, you wound me, acting like you don't know who I am", he says, fake hurt leaking into his tone.

"I see your creepy way of talking hasn't changed since the last time. You seriously need to start introducing yourself first or one of these days, you'll be charged for harrasment ", I tell him.

Doesn't he remember what happened the last time he acted all vague and suspicious like this? Because my knuckles sure haven't forgotten.

"Only with you Meera. Only you get to see my creepy side", he says and I can imagine a smirk making it's way onto his mouth.

"Oh, what did I ever do to get such special treatment?", I ask sarcastically.

"Must've done something right in your past life", he says, my sarcasm lost on him, or maybe he only hears what he likes to hear.

"Is that why you called? To talk about my last life?", I ask him.

"Well, that sounds tempting, but no. I called to let you know that I'm here in front of the main gate and I can see you looking around now", he says. And just as he finishes talking, I spot him, not far away from the gate.

He's standing against Karthik's car, with his legs crossed at his ankles and one of his hands in his pocket while the other holds the phone against his ears. He's wearing the same office clothes he wore early today, but he has taken off his tie and undone a few of his buttons and his hair is all wavy and messy in a sexy way.

God, I hate how hot he looks.

He waves at me with the hand that was in his pocket. "I'll be right there", I say into the phone and before he can say anything else, I hang up.

"Hey, Diya. I've to buy some books too. Let me tell him. Come on", I drag her towards Vikram.

"Tell who", she asks just as we reach Vikram.

"Vikram, this is Diya. Diya, this is Vikram", I introduce them.

Diya looks confused and a little flustered as she looks up at him, since she's even shorter than me.

"Hi, I'm Diya. Diya Nateswar. Meera's friend?",she says in question looking from me to Vikram.

"Hi Diya, Meera's friend. I'm Vikram Gosain, Meera's boyfriend", he says. I don't even get time to think about his weird surname that I never even knew about when his words register.

"What?!!", Diya and I say at the same time, though she sounds more curious and surprised whereas my voice rises a few decibels before I lower my voice. "What the hell are you talking about?", I ask him.

"Oh, I'm sorry, my mistake. Future boyfriend. I'm Meera's future boyfriend, since she's in denial and refuses to put us out of our misery" he says with a serious face and my mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water.

I don't even know where to start and Diya looks more confused than me but I can see the amusement in her eyes when she sees my face.

"Diya, meet Vikram. My sister's very annoying and arrogant friend. And not my boyfriend", I say through gritted teeth. I can't believe he said all that, that ass!

"Yet", Vikram adds but he shuts his mouth when I turn my glare in his direction.

"Anyways, Diya and I are going to buy some books for our syllabus. So I'll get back to the apartment on my own", I tell Vikram and his forehead scrunches in a frown.

"I can take you anywhere you want to go", he says.

"That's not necessary -", I start to say but I'm cut off by Diya, "really? Thank you so much", she says as she smiles up at him.

"Diya", I call her name and when she looks at me I try to tell her with my eyes to refuse the offer.

But she turns a pleading face my way before saying, ''come on, Meera. We'll have to walk to the nearest metro station and then we'll have to walk once we reach the stop. Or we'll have to wait for an uber. He said he'll take us, right?", She asks Vikram, who nods.

"Besides he must know more about the city than the both of us combined, since he lives here, right?", She asks him again and he nods dutifully, the smile on his face growing as she keeps talking.

"You should become a lawyer", I scowl at her.

She laughs before looking at me in question. I want to refuse just to wipe that stupid smile off his face but she's right. So I nod, reluctantly.

"Not a word", I tell Vikram when he opens his mouth.

"I wasn't gonna say anything", he says defensively.

I give him a look that says "really?", and he smiles before making a zipping motion along his lips making me roll my eyes.

Diya quickly climbs into the backseat. So I have no choice but to take the passenger seat. I buckle my seatbelt before turning around to see Diya, settled, her tote bag placed next to her on the seat.

"Shall we go?", Vikram asks once he fastens his seatbelt.

"Yeah", I say as he starts the car.

* * *

Hey guys!

I hope you guys are having the time of your life right now, if not, don't be sad, your turn will come. That's what I keep telling myself, anyway.

I hope you like Diya as much as I adore her. I've already planned to write a story about her after this. What do you guys think about it?

And I just wanted to say, all those of you who haven't read "It ends with us" by Colleen Hoover, stop what you're doing and start reading it. It's so

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net