PROFESSOR GAURI

[sominoru]

Professor Gauri sat at the table, crossing her legs. The room was decorated with balloons and streamers. A "Congratulations!" banner hung on the wall. She wore a red saree that hugged her body tightly.

Siraj poured drinks, his eyes darting at Gauri every few seconds. "You look happy, Professor," he said, grinning.

Deepak set down a tray of snacks. "And you look great," he added, his voice low.

Gauri laughed lightly. "I should be saying that to you two. Top of the class! You really made me proud."

Siraj handed her a glass. "We couldn't have done it without you," he said earnestly.

"Yeah," Deepak agreed, sitting close to Gauri. "You made us work hard."

Gauri took a sip of her drink and leaned back in her chair. "Well, I'm glad to see it paid off. But enough about college—tonight is about fun."

Siraj raised his glass. "To the hardest professor and the best party ever!"

They all clinked glasses, laughter mingling with the fizz of soda. Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the room in warm hues.

"So," Siraj began, settling on the couch across from Gauri and Deepak, "what's next for you, Professor? Another group of eager students to torture?"

Gauri smirked, tilting her head thoughtfully. "I might take a break. Maybe travel a bit before diving back in."

Deepak leaned closer, his interest piqued. "Travel where?"

"Europe, perhaps. I've always wanted to wander around old libraries and soak up some history."

Siraj chuckled. "We should come along as your tour guides."

Deepak nodded enthusiastically. "Seriously! We’d make it fun."

Gauri shook her head, amusement twinkling in her eyes. "You two never stop, do you?"

Siraj shrugged 

playfully. "Guess we’re just overachievers."

Deepak picked up his drink and clinked it against Siraj's. "Or maybe we're finally rubbing off on you, Professor."

Gauri sighed in mock exasperation. "Oh no, what have I done?"

Music played softly in the background as the night unfolded. They played games and recounted stories from class, each memory sparking new fits of laughter.

Eventually, Deepak grabbed a deck of cards. "Alright, let's see if you can beat us at something other than exams."

Gauri leaned forward, her competitive spirit ignited. "You're on."

Hours passed with teasing banter and playful accusations of cheating. As evening approached, Gauri glanced at the clock, surprised at how quickly time had flown.

"I should get going soon," she said reluctantly, standing up.

Siraj looked at her with a tinge of disappointment. "Already? We were just getting started."

Deepak stood too, an easy grin on his face. "How about one last game before you go?"

Gauri hesitated, then relented with a smile. "Alright, one more."

They settled back down, the cards sliding swiftly between them. Siraj and Deepak exchanged conspiratorial glances, mischief brewing.

"Think you can win this time?" Siraj teased.

Gauri raised an eyebrow. "Watch me."

The game intensified, cards slapped onto the table with increased urgency, but laughter always trailing behind. Gauri’s mind whirred with strategies, trying to outmaneuver her students.

Finally, she threw down her last card triumphantly. "I believe that’s a victory for the professor."

Deepak and Siraj groaned in unison, throwing their hands up in defeat.

"Fine," Deepak conceded. "You win this round."

Siraj shook his head in mock dismay. "We’ll never live this down."

Gauri chuckled and stood once more 

while they playfully protested.

Siraj walked her to the door, his expression softer. "Thanks for coming, Professor. It was fun."

Deepak joined them, a bit of teasing still in his voice. "Yeah, even if you did college us at cards."

She smiled warmly at them both. "You two are very naughty. Don't have too much fun without me."

They watched as she disappeared into the night, the cool air a welcome contrast to the warmth of the evening.

Deepak closed the door with a sigh. "Think she'll really take us along to Europe?"

Siraj flopped back onto the couch, grinning. "If we keep at it? Definitely."

[Chinnaswami]

Good story plot, keep updated