It was evening. The aroma of food wafted through the house from the kitchen. Under the soft glow of the lights the dining table was beautifully set.
Aira, Mira! Dinner is ready come now! Her mother called out warmly.Aira stepped out of her room running her fingers through her hair. Mira was already seated at the table absorbed in something on her phone.Wow! Mom, you've made such a wonderful meal today! Mira exclaimed with delight as her eyes fell on the table.Yes everything is made just the way you like it their mother replied with a warm smile. Aira joined them at the table and their mother served food onto all three plates with care.There was a moment of quiet and then their mother began to speak.How was your day at college today? she asked them.Aira and Mira glanced at each other for a moment and then Mira spoke up immediately her eyes lighting up.It was really great. I had so much fun.
Our lecturer shared such a funny story today. She was saying that when she was our age she used to get up to all sorts of mischief.Aira smiled and said So you didn't tell her that no one can beat you at being mischievous.Hey! I am not mischievous at all Mira said, scrunching her nose.
I'm very well-behaved.Their mother chuckled softly, shaking her head. Well Mira I think your lecturer would have been surprised if she knew some of your little tricks at home she said a playful glint in her eyes.Mira's eyes widened and she laughed nervously.Mom Don't start telling tales about me now.Aira grinned Oh come on Mira.
I'd love to hear what she's talking about.Mira leaned toward Aira and said teasingly But whatever Mom is about to tell you after hearing it you might feel like lifting your plate and smashing it over my head.Aira replied with a playful smile Oh really? Then I won't let this opportunity slip away. I definitely want to hear it. Go on Mother, tell us.
Their mother smiled warmly, savoring the playful atmosphere. Remember the time you hid your sister's notebook just to make her panic before her exam or when you put that harmless frog in the bathroom while Aira was taking a bath?Aira leaned toward Mira and asked Oh that was you?
Mira met her gaze a half-laugh half-scared smile tugging at her lips. Yeah maybe it was me she admitted with a playful shrug.Their mother joined in, still smiling And you know the one who put a cockroach in your lunch box? That was alsoMira.
I knew it because you're so easily scared by these things and it was just a joke Mira looked at Aira and said. Mischief? Aira said looking at Mira as if saying, you know, one of these pranks could have really killed me.Mira smiled softly and replied But it didn't happen did it? And I won't let it happen either not before myself.
Aira tilted her head a teasing glint in her eyes. So you won't even let me die peacefully? Even there you'll come with me?Mira reached out and gently held Aira's hand her voice warm and tender. Of course I'd go anywhere with you as long as it's with you.Their mother looked at both daughters with loving eyes. I am grateful that you two care for each other so deeply. This is what a true bond is.After my mother said Never leave each other's side and always stand by one another. Don't worry Aira paused then added with a soft smile Since you're here it's to look after us, isn't it?Mira said, Of course Aira will never leave me.Aira laughed softly and teased Then am I the one who can't let go or is it you? You'd even want to die with me wouldn't you?Mira grinned mischievously leaning a little closer. Only if you promise to make it fun. With that, she took a bite and soon both of them were quietly enjoying their meal together.
Location; College
The next morning Elena was sitting in the cafeteria with her friends sipping her juice and chatting casually.Just then her first friend's eyes landed on Aira standing across the cafeteria deep in conversation with a senior.Leaning closer her friend whispered Have you seen her personality? She's basically the campus crush.Elena raised an eyebrow in surprise.Crush?Her friend nodded confidently, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Yeah Half the campus is completely smitten.
Elena keeping her gaze fixed on Aira asked slowly And the other half?Her second friend couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.Enemies she said grinning.Laughter echoed across the table but Elena remained silent her eyes fixed firmly on Aira.
Honestly her first friend shrugged she's a total red flag.Completely toxic added the third.And aggressive too said the fourth.Not at all how she looks the second friend shook her head her face gives no hint of it.Elena listened to all of it but her attention suddenly shifted to a group of girls sitting at the next table. One of them was still staring at Aira her gaze intense and almost reverent.
Elena asked quietly Which faculty is she from?
Fine Arts her friend replied.Elena's eyes lingered on the girl.Why is she looking at Aira like that?
Her friend smiled faintly.
Because she has a crush on Aira too
Her name's Kae and she's actually quite close to her.Elena looked up again.
But she looks like a junior?Yeah she's a junior her friend replied that's why she's so close. Other juniors work with Aira too but this one a little too much. The second friend pondered for a moment.
Maybe Aira likes her too.No the third interrupted immediately I think Aira likes SITA.How? they all asked at once Because SITA is always with her the first friend said matter-of-factly.
Elena's gaze drifted back to Aira. This time she noticed SITA holding Aira's arm. They were standing so close that it seemed as if everyone else around had faded into the background.
Elena let out a quiet breath.
HMmm.. they look pretty close.At that moment one of her friends teased Do you think Aira's interested in girls?You never really know another replied I've never seen anyone get this close to her before.Elena's friend the one with a crush on Aira muttered restless,Uff my chance is gone.Elena said, her tone a little sharp,How do you even know it's Aira and not Mira?Her friend said,One glance at her senior's shirt is all it takes to identify her.Elena glanced at Kae then back at Aira.Raising her juice glass to her lips she continued to watch SITA and Aira.
Aira mid-conversation suddenly looked up and her eyes met Elena's. Elena froze.See her friend murmured leaning in slightly she just looked right at Me.The second friend laughed and nudged her.
Get up, get up. This dream of yours isn't going to come true.Just then Kae raised her hand toward Aira with a smile and said Hi!
Aira turned her face away without a word.
A shadow of disappointment crossed Kae's face. The friend sitting beside her leaned over whispering something to console her.
Elena watched it all taking a slow sip of her juice. She turned her gaze aside and let a small, quiet smile play on her lips.Suddenly Aira freed her arm from SITA's hold and walked away. SITA followed closely behind and the senior trailed after them.
Elena couldn't quite tell what had put her at ease but with a soft chuckle she returned to her juice and soon got lost in conversation with her friends.