After so many days, I finally had my nightmares in peace. Yeah I know, a reward should be bestowed on me for putting the words 'nightmare' and 'peace' together but seriously it was such a hassle to hide it from my Mom.

One problem is solved but other one is still lurking around. Other problem being - Rudra. I should really consider applying make up to hide my panda eyes or else he is gonna start his interrogation again.

I went down after getting ready and heard him moving around with utensils before actually seeing him.

"Early today?", I asked him as I saw that he was plating the food whilst at this time he is usually still cooking.

"Nope, I came on the regular time. Its just that today I prepared a quick dish. I hope that's okay", he said looking at me in question.

"Of course. As long as it's tasty, I don't mind", I said while grabbing the chair to sit.

He just smiled and forwarded the plate.

"By the way, when would Ganga Tai come back?", I asked as the week was already over.

"Today itself. Actually I wanted to discuss the arrangement", he said with hesitance clear on his face.

"What arrangements?", I asked confused by his hesitancy.

"She has just recovered and if works full time, it may be stressful for her body so I wanted to ask whether it was okay if she only comes to cook lunch and other times I would cover her shift.

I know that Raghav Sir graciously granted her leave for one week and extending it like this is not at all professional but I don't think she would be able to handle full day's work, right now", he explained and I could see why he was so hesitant.

Ganga Tai is not a slacker so if he is asking this, it means that she really needs that rest.

"Sure, I don't mind", I said with a small smile and an audible sigh of relief escaped from him.

"Thanks", he said and we went back to eating.

                           ~~~•~~~
At the college:

Rudra left with his other friends after bidding bye and I too went towards the class.

Shanaya waved at me crazily as soon as I entered the class while Jiya and Maitri gave me small waves. I waved back, laughing lightly wondering how can someone be so energetic in the early hours of the day?

"Sia, come and sit with us. There's empty space beside Jiya", Shanaya offered.

Our seats were situated in a way that two people could sit on a single bench. Maitri and Shanaya sat together while Jiya was seating right behind them.

"Umm...", I didn't know what to say.

I have always sat alone and Rudra wasn't even here to save the day. Each and every time we have sat together, Rudra was the one who spoke from my side when I couldn't even manage to voice out a single word.

Seeing my hesitancy, Jiya spoke, "There's no pressure Sia. You can sit on your regular seat if that's what you prefer".

Upon hearing Jiya's words, Shanaya's face fell down. Looks like she just realized my hesitancy when Jiya worded it out.

Not wanting to disappoint them, I quickly sat down beside Jiya and breathed out in relief when Shanaya smiled again.

Don't know why but disappointing Shanaya always felt like a crime. Maybe because she was like a kid, so cheerful and so innocent. Maybe because she was just like the Sia, I had left behind.