PROFESSOR GAURI

[sominoru]

The afternoon sun shone brightly into the nearly empty lecture hall. Gauri sat behind the desk, her thick reading glasses resting slightly lower on her nose as she seriously marked exam papers. Her long, dark hair was neatly tied up, a few strands gracefully framing her face, highlighting her calm yet authoritative presence.
Siraj stood nervously by the door, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, holding a book in his slightly trembling hands. Gathering his courage, he softly knocked on the open door.
"Professor Gauri? Can I speak with you for a moment?"
Looking up, Gauri removed her glasses and smiled kindly, "Of course, Siraj. Come in. What can I help you with?"
Siraj walked closer, his heart racing as he approached her desk. He placed the book down gently, taking a breath to steady his nerves.
"I just wanted to thank you for the recommendation letter. It really resonated with me," Siraj said, voice quivering slightly. "Your explanations in class are always so good."
"Thank you, Siraj," Gauri said warmly, sensing a deeper meaning in his tone. "I'm glad you found value in it. It's always rewarding when students truly connect with the material."
Siraj hesitated, eyes briefly meeting hers before looking away, "It's not just the material. It's also the way you explain things—the passion and intelligence you have... I've never met someone like you before."
Gauri paused, realizing immediately what he was implying. She leaned back slightly in her chair, considering her words carefully.
"That's very kind of you to say, Siraj," she responded gently but firmly. "It's important to be passionate about what you teach. It inspires students, and I'm genuinely glad you've benefited from my classes."
Encouraged yet anxious, Siraj pressed further, "Professor, when I visited your home that day, seeing you in casual clothes, especially the t-shirt, I just... you looked very beautiful. I didn't have that image of you before, especially since you usually wear a saree in class."
Gauri was shocked. She tried so hard to forget that incident and now he is praising her. Her fair cheeks became pink with embarrassment. 
Gauri took a deep breath, maintaining eye contact to convey sincerity and clarity. "Siraj, I appreciate your honesty and bravery in sharing your feelings. But it's important you understand that any personal relationship between us beyond student and teacher isn't appropriate."
Siraj looked crestfallen but persisted gently, "I know there's an age gap, but that doesn't bother me—"
Gauri interrupted him gently, "It's not just the age difference, though that's significant enough. You're my student, and I'm your professor. That creates a power dynamic that isn't healthy or fair. It would compromise the integrity of our professional relationship and negatively impact both of us."

Siraj's shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment evident in his expression. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"You haven't," Gauri reassured him warmly, her tone compassionate. "Expressing your feelings took courage, and I respect you for being honest. But it's important we keep boundaries clear to protect both of us. You'll find someone amazing who's at the right stage of life, I'm certain of it."

He nodded slowly, understanding sinking in, though his face was flushed with embarrassment. "I appreciate your honesty too, Professor. Thank you for not being upset."
"Never," she replied gently. "I'm here to guide and support your education and growth. Remember that my door is always open for academic advice or mentorship. Alright?"
"Thank you, Professor Gauri," Siraj said softly.
"You're welcome, Siraj. See you later," Gauri said, offering a reassuring smile.
As he left, Gauri watched thoughtfully, hoping her words had been clear yet kind enough to help him move forward positively.

Later that evening, Gauri arrived home, feeling tired from the day. She changed into comfortable pajamas and settled onto her bed, sighing deeply as she reached for her phone. It buzzed almost immediately, showing a message from Siraj.
"Professor, I'm sorry again about today. But I meant every word. You truly are remarkable."
She sighed again, typing gently, "Thank you, Siraj. But let's keep things professional. I appreciate your understanding."
Another message quickly followed, "I know, but I can't help it. Could I please just drop by for a few minutes? I really need to see you again."
Gauri's brow furrowed slightly, but she remained patient. "Siraj, it's not appropriate for us to meet privately outside of academic contexts. I hope you understand."
His next message was filled with emotion, "Please, Professor Gauri. I feel like you're the only one who understands me."
Realizing gentle hints weren't working, Gauri decided she had to be firm and clear. "Siraj, you must respect the boundaries I've set. This isn't up for discussion. We cannot meet privately, and this conversation needs to stop now. I hope you can respect that."
After a long pause, a final message came through, quieter in tone, "I understand. I'm sorry for pushing."
Gauri placed her phone aside, relieved but also troubled, hoping Siraj could move past his infatuation without further hurt.

Her phone again buzzed. 
"Maa'm, are you in a saree?"

"Just changed into my comfy pyjamas. Finally relaxing! Why are you asking?", Gauri responded.

He smiled, heart racing slightly, and typed: "Oh? I am sure you look good in pyjamas too! Even though they are dangerous"

Gauri replied swiftly: "Dangerous, hmm? Didn't realize pyjamas could pose any risk."

Siraj's fingers hovered briefly before responding, carefully balancing boldness and subtlety: "It's less about the pyjamas and more about what's underneath."

There was a pause. Siraj waited, his breath shallow until Gauri responded: "Careful, Siraj don't cross your limits."
Siraj: "I'm willing to risk it, especially if it is you!"
Gauri did not respond.

"Maam, whoever you marry is a very lucky guy! He will enjoy a lot"
Gauri’s reply: "There are so many women like me and you will find a great partner and you will also enjoy a lot!"

He exhaled deeply, smiling softly at the screen: "I want you Professor! I am going crazy!"
Then, as if pulled by something deeper, he added: "You looked so beautiful in that simple t-shirt the other day. It's crazy—I can’t get you out of my mind. You’ve taken up permanent residence in my thoughts, Gauri."
She replied: "ohh.. Siraj! What happened to you! You were never like this!"
His fingers lingered on the keyboard for a moment before he typed: "Can I ask for something? Just one thing."
Gauri responded with a curious emoji: "?"

"Ma'am Can I hug you? Just once. Please. After that I will never contact you again."
The typing dots blinked for a moment. Then her reply came: "Go to sleep! Siraj!"

Twenty minutes passed. Gauri had been replaying their conversation in her head, her cheeks still warm, her fingers tracing her naval absentmindedly.
Then—a sudden knock at the door.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Another knock.
She stood, unsure, adrenaline mingling with anticipation. Her feet padded softly toward the door.
She opened it slowly.
Siraj stood there, breathless, eyes intense.
Neither of them spoke.
He smiled faintly, almost shyly. "I had to know if one hug would really be enough."

Gauri:
Siraj...?
Siraj:
Hey. I know I probably should've asked, but... I couldn't stop thinking about you.
Gauri:
You really came all the way here... for a hug?
Siraj: (soft chuckle)
I wasn’t sure if the phone could handle how much I wanted to be near you. And yeah… maybe I hoped you’d say yes in person too.
Gauri:
You’re bold, you know that? Showing up like this... in the middle of the night.
Siraj:
I’d call it hopeful. Or hopelessly into you. Take your pick.
Gauri:
Siraj! This is not acceptable. You are lucky that I am very understanding and patient.
Siraj:
That’s not luck. That’s the universe giving me a second chance to make this hug unforgettable.