Allahu Akbar'
The 5 am Adhan softly woke me up. I sat up on the bed, hunched. The warm blanket felt too good to leave and embrace the cold dawn. I wrapped the blanket around, walked to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and bathed. I went to the living room, took out the yoga mat, and sat in Padmasana. I did some basic breathing exercises cause if I didn't, my smoking habits would give me lung cancer in the next 30 years.
I made a quick sandwich and some desi lemon tea, poured it into a flask, and left for university after changing into a short green Lucknowi Chinkankari kurta and blue denim pants with my large white side bag.
I lived in a stand-alone building, on a street opposite the University's main gate. My street was perpetually known to be busy all night, with stationery stores and local restaurants open till 10 pm. It was relatively safe as it had a lot of cameras and street lights.
I crossed the street and entered the university, showing my ID card. Jaya was waiting for me near the gate. She was wearing a long pink churidar and had peach-coloured highlights on her hair. She is my best friend and the only friend who I can trust in my life.
"Someone's early today," I said.
"It's a good day today." She replied, interlocking her arms with mine.
We started walking towards the building. It was a Thursday today. We both had the least number of classes, making it our favourite day of the week.
"How about a rendezvous at Church Street today? I heard a new restaurant has opened up that's totally Stargram-able." She said.
"And who's going to pay? My dad?" I retorted.
"No, my cousin from London. He came back this Tuesday and wanted to take me out for dinner." Jaya said.
"And what will I do at a cousin's meetup?" I said.
"Oh damn. Are you this dense? I have been trying to set the two of you up for a long time and this is a golden opportunity." She excitedly said.
"Do you want me as your cousin-in-law?" I said, turning in front of her, face to face, walking backwards.
I entered the building and before I knew it I bumped into someone. I turned and said, "So sorry. I wasn't looking."
"It's ok. It happens." A deep male voice responded.
The guy I bumped into turned out to be my new neighbour.
Laughing at my small, comical mishap, Jaya joined me and said, "So sorry ah. She usually isn't like this. Hahahaa."
"Stop laughing." I pouted. "And stop making fun of me."
"Hi. My name is Jasmine. You can call me Jazz. Chemistry department, 3rd year." I said to the boy.
"Jason. Chemistry department, 2nd year." Jason said.
"Chemistry!" Jaya said. "Jazz, he's of your department." Jaya always did that. She loves stating the obvious.
"Preparing for the orientation programs?" I said, pointing at the newly printed banners for welcoming the newcomers.
"Yeah. I am supposed to finish this by 7. I don't even know where to place these banners." he said.
"Let me help you with that. First, place one on the ground floor. Then one on each floor till the orientation room for the department. All professors like the old-fashioned way." I suggested.
"Till Seminar Hall? Ok." He nodded.
"Then one in the front gate. Poster would be better. One in the cafeteria or any hotspot for that matter." Jaya chimed in. "Psychological warfare." Said proudly.
"Jaya, you are helping my department. Go, help your department." I looked at her.
"Well, I could do anything for you, as long as you come for the dinner date. Please." Jaya gave me puppy eyes.
"No. Just tell me why should I go out with your cousin?" I said.
"To get a date." She said firmly.
"Just ignore her." I said to Jason, "And get going. you haven't got much time."
Jason chuckled and left.