"How are you feeling? To be honest you really are a fighter, you have recovered well despite the seriousness but do keep your health in check always."
As he stood closer, I had a chance to see his name badge in which was written with bright golden color 'Dr. Yang', he had a really warm aura and I faintly whispered,
"Doc, can I be discharged today."
"Yes sure, but remember to take good care of yourself with that health of yours, or we might become good comrades."
"Thank you Doc."
"It's my job, dear. Can one of you come with me for the medications?"
Brin motioned with his hands indicating that he'd be going while also adding Ara to stay back while he go to sort the formalities. As far as I know him today, he had a very soothing face indicating peace or maybe it was my mind brain deceiving me all along. One thing I'm certain about was that he really had a strange aura earlier like he had his shield out and was enjoying the breeze.
Ara surprisingly did not seem to be curious of what Kim and I talked about when we were left alone but was only concerned about my health unlike other days, which would have made her hyper active. She would touch my forehead after every sentence and massage me despite my protests but would soon be immersed in the talk and be her old self again.
Brin came in again, by then we were done tiding the room and were ready to move out. He insisted giving me a piggy back again but after much protest and seeing the improvement in my body, he agreed to let me walk on the condition that he will drop me off till my hostel. He surely would have come up to my room only to see the pile and tons of things displaced but luckily no boys were allowed inside our dorm.
I snuggled into my bed and in a sheer attempt to sleep I recalled what Kim had said earlier. Surely, I was shocked, confused as the aura with which he said it was of confidence, yet, my inner self was conflicted between two; which always happens; while the inner voice wanted to deny out loud yet my mind restricting it in fear of rejecting someone I know. A battle where the mind is the master. Slowly I could sense the void and darkness engulf me as I rest in slumber.
"Sarine! We're late! Are you coming?"
Ara called. I awoke to the bright beautiful day, my body and hair was in a complete mess and to add to which I only had fifteen minutes with me but I could not afford to miss class maybe because I had Ma'am Ilmi's class and I do not want to put myself in her black book. Ara had to leave earlier as she had some important works to deal with regarding the college election.
Seriously it was worth complimenting myself to finish dressing up in just a few minutes. It indeed was quite commendable, I rushed out haphazardly but not fast enough to catch the sly smile of our dean and as I stepped out of the main door the gatekeeper too gave me the same sly smile.
"Ara, finally you are here!"
"Brin! Kim!"
I exclaimed in sheer surprise, the way in which they were standing and the sweat filled discolored face said it all..
"You, you….. Should have called me. How long have you been here?"
I said with intense guilt in me, Brin for the very first time in forever spread his lips upwards and believe me it was the best thing I have ever seen. He no longer had a poker face but seemed extremely vulnerable; he looked like he had put in extra effort to dress up with a slightly different hairstyle. While a part me wanted the moment to last forever but inorder to avoid an awkward stare, I quickly glanced at Kim who was just standing next to him, he had the same contended smile and had put on a much updated formal attire. He winked as I glanced at him and with a very calm tone said,
"Only for an hour with just two calls, anything for you, aren't I amazing?"
"Stop pulling her leg and let's move our legs."
"I… I... am sorry."
"Save it for later, we still got time. Let's go!"
"The Time Keeper is back, Sarine we better keep moving or Brin might knock me off. He is the good kid who is never late, trust me."
We both chuckled. I liked the fact that Kim was his old self or I would have been hard for me. Maybe he said so yesterday because of the condition I was in and did not mean all of it. I was torn between my thoughts but the only thing we could do was walk.
It was a straight five minute walk to my class. The moment we step in the college, I felt a sense of uneasiness as everyone around managed to give a glance despite their busy schedule. I took their presence for granted and forgot just how popular they were.
I tried my level best to hide my insecurities but somehow I know they could see through me but they chose to go with the flow. Finally after what I felt was an eternity walk, we reached our classroom and spotting Ara on the second seat I rushed and sat next to her leaving the boys behind. After settling myself down I felt a deep sense of regret for them but internally I hoped that they both could understand me and not think that I am some ungrateful bitch.
They came in a few seconds later but instead of a confused look they both gave an assuring look and sat on the other side of the same row. I felt assured but at the same time, cursed myself for over thinking. My little mind just wavering in the endless universe that my bare eyes can't see.
I instantly knew that Ara had cooked some amazingly alienated questions the moment I saw her but before she could say anything we heard a familiar footstep approaching. I never once imagined that I'll be this thankful for her entry, an arrival which I never have anticipated.