Love Before Graduation

The silence of the night, which I was about to drape over my tired soul, was suddenly broken by the creaking sound of the door opening.

Vihan — that half naked little brother — stormed in like he was the head of the house. His eyes were wide, as if he had come to collect a debt.

"Give me the phone for a minute," he didn't ask, he issued a command.

I didn't even lift my eyes. "Go away."

But who was he to care about politeness? He came closer. "Give it."

"I said, no!" This time, I shouted.

And then, the real battle began. No brother, no sister — two hungry dogs fighting over a bone.

The fight for the phone started — pushing, shoving, falling, pillows flying, chairs overturning — the room looked like a battleground after a drunken brawl.

Then it was as if the whole vibe of the mess changed.

Grabbing blankets, tossing pillows, attacking with teddy bears — there was no shame left, no restraint.

Mom came in — one hand holding a half-peeled potato, the other with eyes red from fury.