What? You’re worried about me now?
Trust me, I can handle a little studying.
Besides, it’s just one assignment, not the end of theworld.
Of course, I know he’s smirking without even seeing him.
Don’t get too ahead of yourself, captain. I just don’t want you to sleep on me during this study session. What time?
I hit send and immediately, start pacing around my room. It’s not like me to be so jittery about these things, but then again, it’s Daniel. Pfft, I don’t like him or anything. I just think he’s very beautiful and extremely kissable. What the hell? I am about to go to his place for a study session, and what indecent thoughts am I having.Great work, Anya.I roll my eyes at myself.
Daniel:
How about 7 PM? I’ll text you my address.
I quickly type back.
Perfect. See you then!
Daniel:
Looking forward to it.
I toss my phone onto the bed. But before my nerves can kick in, my phone rings. It’s Ma. Immediately I pick up thecall, her face brightening the screen as she smiles widely at me. “Hello,beautifullestmother!” I greet her.
She rolls her eyes. “That’s not even a word.” She chuckles. “I have sent you snacks. It might arrive in a day or two.” Ma’s obsession with feeding me is hilariously outrageous. I weigh fifty-four kgs, which isn’t enough in my mother’s opinion. She thinks I am malnourished and will starve myself to death if it wasn’t for her.
“Haa, Ma,” I reply in disbelief.
“What’re you doing?” she asks.
“Nothing at all,” I reply too quickly.God, why am I so easy to read?“I am meeting a guy,” I say finally. “But only for an assignment, so don’t start scolding me.”
She observes me for a second. “Why would I scold you? You’re twenty-three. I am okay with a foreigner as my son-in-law. Your father might have a heart attack, but I will handle him.” She scoffs.
I gasp. “Ma, I literally just said that it’s just for a project.” I feel heat rise on my neck.
“Sure, if you say so.” Ma winks at me.What kind of mother is she? She’s supposed to be against me spending time with a man, especially one as hot as Daniel. Nope, I did not just call him hot.
“How’s Arnav?” she asks.
“I would not know. I haven’t seen your son in days. Besides, he’s too grumpy.” I huff.
“He’s just shy,” Ma says, and I can’t help but snicker.
“You see him through rose-tinted glass, that’s why.” She narrows her eyes at me, and I smile sheepishly.
“How are Siya and Sophia?”
I smile. “As usual, Soph is up to no good and Siya is doing good.” My eyes land on the digital clock on my bedside table, widening with realization. “Ma, I am late!” I exclaim.
“Fine, fine, go ahead. Have fun on your study date.” She chuckles.
“It’s not adate!”
“Of course, it’s not a date,” she replies, her voice laced with a knowing tone. “Just two friends working hard on a project, right?”
She knows more than you think. Mothers always do, and her teasing tone is a hint of her understanding. “Bye!” I exclaim, ending the call. Only half an hour left. I need to leave now.
