IN INDIA 🇮🇳
It was 7:30 in the morning when a knock came at the door.
"Get up, beta! Didn't you forget you have to submit your assignment in college today?" Arshi Singh, Mayra's mother, called from outside.
"Mumma, just five more minutes… I'll get up soon," Mayra mumbled, turning over in bed.
"It's already 7:30! If you don't get up now, you'll have to submit the assignment in your dreams!" Arshi Singh said, tugging the blanket.
Mayra shot up in shock. "Mumma! You're serious?"
"Yes, come on, get up!" Arshi Singh laughed, then headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Mayra groaned but reluctantly got out of bed. Her room was bathed in the soft morning sunlight, but she barely noticed as she brushed her hair and changed quickly. Even though she appeared childish and carefree with her family, her mind was always sharp, focused. Today was important — her assignment had to be perfect.
As she hurried downstairs, the smell of fresh toast and boiling coffee greeted her. Arshi Singh smiled warmly. "Eat quickly, beta, or you'll be late."
Mayra grabbed her breakfast, barely tasting it as her mind wandered. She thought about the assignment, her professor's strict guidelines, and the long day ahead.
The clock ticked closer to 8:00, and with a deep breath, Mayra packed her bag and waved goodbye to her mother. "Bye, Mumma! I'll be back late."
IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺
On the other side the view from the 36th floor was breathtaking, Alexey Williams. Seated in his massive leather chair in the center of his luxurious office, he went through the day's schedule with his secretary, Jack. The calm of the morning was abruptly broken when a young man barged in without knocking.
"What happened yesterday, bro? Why didn't you go on that date with the girl? How hot was she?" Denis, Alexey's best friend, asked casually, leaning against the doorframe.
Alexey's eyes narrowed, his voice low, controlled, but lethal. "How dare you walk in here like a terrorist? This is my office, not home. You will not just barge in anywhere you please."
Denis chuckled, trying to lighten the tension. "Sorry, bro. But if you didn't want to go, you could've told me. I would have gone with her… for you."
Alexey slammed his hand on the table. "Shut up and get out, Denis. And you, Jack, continue with the schedule."
Denis raised his hands, sensing the dangerous edge in Alexey's tone, and wisely decided to leave. As he stepped out, he collided with Ivan, another close friend of Alexey.
"Watch it, bro! That was fun!" Ivan laughed, nudging Denis playfully.
"Forget all that. Why is Alexey so mad?" Denis asked seriously, his smile fading.
Ivan's face turned grim. "Bro… yesterday was supposed to be our biggest deal's shipment. Suddenly it had to be stopped. Someone spread a false rumor… claiming we're harassing girls. Alexey found out… and he is furious. And you know what? It has to be someone close to him."
Denis fell silent, the playful atmosphere of a moment ago gone. The air in the corridor suddenly felt heavy, as if Alexey's anger was already radiating through the walls of the office.
IN INDIA 🇮🇳
After submitting her assignment that morning, Mayra finally had a small breather. By lunchtime, she made her way to the college canteen, where a few friends were already waiting. They chatted casually about classes, teachers, and upcoming tests, the usual college banter filling the air.
Suddenly, someone's hands covered her eyes from behind.
"Guess who?" a playful voice whispered.
Mayra froze for a second. "Mohini?!"
Mohini giggled and motioned for everyone to stay quiet. Shocked by the sudden surprise, Mayra decided to tease her back. Randomly, she started guessing other girls' names.
"Mishri? Preeti? Umm… Anya? Shivanya?" she laughed, keeping her eyes closed.
"Come on! Mayra, how do you not realize it's me?" Mohini said, frowning in mock anger.
Mayra laughed, patting her stomach. "Silly! I was just teasing you. How could I not recognize you?"
"Oh, so you were doing all this on purpose? Fine then," Mohini said, finally letting her go, still smirking.
Mayra leaned in, curious. "Alright, tell me. Where did you go after class? I waited for you so long!"
"Honestly, I forgot. Sofia called, so I was talking to her. I was looking for you too… then I thought, my hungry friend is probably in the canteen," Mohini teased, winking.
"Wait, wait! You're not getting away that easily…" Mayra said, and suddenly took off after her friend.
The chase led them out into the college garden. Laughing and panting, they finally collapsed under a large tree, their hearts still racing from the playful sprint.
"See? This is why I love college breaks," Mohini said, catching her breath, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Mayra smiled, brushing leaves off her sleeves. "And this is why I love having a best friend like you," she said softly, laughing.
Mayra groaned as her phone buzzed.
"Ugh… finally! Sofia's call!" she said
"Seriously, she wants to talk about something important, and you weren't picking up," Mohini leaning closer.
"Alright, alright! I'm picking up now," Mayra said, pressing the call button.
"Hey, my girls! Finally picked up?" Sofia's voice rang through the speaker, cheerful but a little serious.
"Yeah, we're here," Mohini chimed in. "So, what's this important thing you wanted to tell us?"
"Well… I've been thinking," Sofia started, a hint of excitement in her voice. "After your college there, why don't you both continue your studies in Russia? The colleges here are amazing, and you won't have to worry about a thing—I'll talk to my uncle and sort everything out!"
Mayra raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Oh really, Sofia? Suddenly you miss us that much?"
"Of course! What, you two are having all the fun there while I'm stuck alone?" Sofia said, pouting playfully.
"Alright, we'll discuss it with our families and let you know," Mayra said softly, still smiling.
"And if anyone's parents say no… well, leave it to me!" Sofia squealed happily. "I'll make it happen somehow!"
Mohini laughed, nudging Mayra. "See? Told you, nothing can stop her when she wants something."
Mayra grinned, shaking her head. "Alright, Sofia… Russia, huh? This is going to be interesting."
"But this is possible only after a year," Mohini said. "we'll become graduates by then."
"I know," Sofia said with a grin. "I'll wait a whole year if I have to!"
🫡 that's it for today
Friends 🧡