Hello 😀

Vaanga vaanga story kulla polaa 🚴🏻‍♀️💜🦋

**********

♡♡

After a long two hours of teaching Python to first-year students during the third and fourth periods, it was finally lunchtime.

I sat down at my desk, took a sip from my water bottle, and reached for my phone. However, I paused when I noticed a group of girls standing outside my cabin, talking among themselves.

"Guys, come in"

I placed my phone back on the table as three girls walked in and greeted me with nervous smiles.

"Sollunga"

(Yeah, tell me)

I insisted they continue with a neutral expression because I didn't know who they were. Leaning back on my chair, placing my fisted palms under my chin, with my thumbs pressed against my chin, I waited for them to speak.

"Sir, project pathi discuss panna vara sonninga.."

(Sir, you asked us to come to discuss the project...)

I nodded understandingly.

It had completely slipped my mind.

They must be from the final year.

"Yeah. Sollunga project title enna? And what's the main abstract?"

(Yeah. Tell me, what's the project title?)

I asked them. One of the girls from the team started explaining their project, with the others joining in occasionally.

After listening intently, and when they paused,

"Okay. Ippo(now), first we have to collect the system logs, right? Then you can classify the malware and benign files from that?"

I asked them.

"Yes, sir"

They responded with a sense of relief.

"We will use our college systems, but don't start any malware detection until I say so. First, search how to collect system logs from Windows and get that done. We still have the third and final reviews remaining, right?"

"Yes, sir"

They chorused.

The chorus from the students had become an addiction within half a day of my professor life.

"Then do this quickly. Collect the system logs, and then we can proceed."

"Okay, sir"

"Project report diary maintain pandringlaa?"

(Are you maintaining a project report diary?)

I asked, straightening myself.

"No sir"

Came the negative response, which seemed to unsettle me.

Hearing anything negative from my students wasn't what I wanted.

"Yen ma? Team lead yaaru?"

(Why not? Who's the team lead?)

I inquired, scanning their faces.

"Seetha sir. But ava advisor mam kooptaanga nu poyirukkaa"

(Seetha, sir. But she went to meet our advisor ma'am)

Explained the girl who had been outlining their project.

I frowned because I had insisted that everyone be present in my cabin for the discussion, yet the team lead was absent for what seemed like a minor reason.

"Yeppo ponaanga? Naan ellaarayum dhane vara sonnen?"

(When did she leave? I asked everyone to be here, didn't I?)

I questioned the girl who seemed to be helping her friend.

"Sir, ava 3rd hour'eh anga poitaa sir. Innum lunch ku kooda varla"

(Sir, she left during the third hour and hasn't even come back for lunch)

she replied.

I nodded thoughtfully. It was crucial to meet with the team lead to convey the necessary instructions for their project's progress. Handling discussions individually with everyone in both teams wasn't feasible for me.

"Seri college mudunjadhum kelambardhukku munnaadi Inga vandhuttu ponga. 4.30 ku vandhu system logs pathi solleetu ponga. And the team lead must be here"

(Alright, before you leave for the college, come here again by 4:30 PM and update me on the system logs. )

I emphasized, and they nodded in agreement.

"Okay sir"

They acknowledged, and I gave a final nod. They understood it was time to leave, thanked me, and exited my cabin.

Shortly after, Elango arrived.

"Saapda polaamaa manmadhaa?"

(Shall we go eat, chocolate boy?)

I rolled my eyes at his question.

"Innoru team varaangalaa nu paapo da"

(Let's see if the other team arrives.)

I said.

"Deii saaptu paaru da pasikudhu"

(Hey dude, eat and then see, I'm hungry)

He complained and I chuckled.

"Seri iru"

(Alright, wait)

I took out my phone, opened the official project team group on WhatsApp, and typed a message,

"Another team meet me after lunch, promptly at 1:30."

After sending it, I got up from my seat.

We headed towards the elevator to go down to the ground floor and then to the canteen, which was a kilometer away from the main college building.

"Epdi pochu unakku?"

(How did your class go?)

I asked Elango about his class.

"OOPS class inniku 2nd year ku. 2 hours continuous aah"

(OOPS class for the second year class. That too two hours straight)

He replied with a sigh.

That was truly terrible.

"Haiyoo students epdi?"

(Ah, how were the students?)

I asked, knowing how students typically react to OOPS or anything related to Java.

From their first-year, students often think that Python is easier than Java. However, they fail to realize that every subject becomes easier when learned with interest and understanding capability.

"Zero dha. Programming language le yeppo hundred aah irudhirukkaanga? but we have to make them clear nu irukken"

(It's zero, really. How did they even reach a hundred in programming languages? But we have to make it clear to them)

He said.

"Naanu dha da. Python epdiyaadhu first year ku nalla therinjukka vaikanum. Appodha oru language aadhu namakku theriyum apdi nu oru confidence irukkum avangalukku"

(I need to teach Python well to first-year students. When they know any one of the programming languages, they will gain some confidence.)

I said, contemplating how to elevate my students' skills in programming.

It's a field of thorns because even seasoned programmers face setbacks at times.

But my students are new to this, making it even more challenging for me.

"Mmm.. nee kandippa avangala padikka vachiruva macha"

(You'll definitely help them succeed, dude.)

Elango encouraged me.

"Mm"

The lift doors opened, and the same girl with black orbs stepped out nervously.

I glanced at her briefly before hearing my name.

"Aayush, sir"

The staff called out, and the girl also paused.

"Sollunga mam"

(Tell me, ma'am)

"Adhu ivanga Seetha. Unga project teams le ivanga oru lead. Inniku meet panna solleerndhinga nu nenaikiren but naan konjo marksheet work kaaga enakku company ku kooptrundhen adhunaala dha ivanga naala vara mudila"

(She's Seetha. She's a lead in your project team. I thought you told her to meet you today, but I had some marksheet work to complete, so she accompanied me, and that's why she couldn't come)

She explained me slowly.

Seetha. Oh, she's that!

I looked at her, and she appeared shocked as she glanced back at the staff.

I smiled, avoiding her gaze and focusing on the staff.

"Mam, it's okay. Adha yen neenga soldringa I can.."

(Ma'am, it's alright. Why you're saying, I can-)

I began.

"No sir. She got scared of you. Neenga edhaadhu solluvinga nu.. adhaa naane solleetaa nalladhu nu nenachen. Naan dhane kooptrundhen so soldradhum en poruppu dha"

(Like, what if you scold her for not meeting you. So, I thought it would be good to inform you directly since I'm the one who insisted she accompany me.)

I was shocked to hear her first statement.

Scared of me?

I glanced at Seetha, who frowned and looked away from me towards the staff.

"Okay, ma'am. I won't do anything to her"

I assured her, but I couldn't help noticing how Seetha's eyes popped out.

"Thank you, sir"

The staff replied.

I simply nodded my head with a slight smile.

She turned away and nudged Seetha to follow.

Seetha walked behind her, but when she passed a pillar, she stopped and glanced back at me.

Quickly, I grabbed Elango's shirt collar and pulled him into the lift.

"Yen da ilukura?"

(Why are pulling me like this, dude?)

He chided me, and I gulped, realizing my mistake and wondering why I acted that way. I corrected his shirt collar, patting his chest with my palms.

"Onnulaye"

(Nothing)

Then, I straightened myself staring at the closed doors of the lift but aware of my friend's look on me.

"Andha ponnu yen da unna paathu bayapududhu?"

(Why did that girl seem scared of you?)

He asked me, raising his eyebrows and leaning back on the wall of the lift.

"Chi dei! Avanga oru student da. Naan kooptum avanga enna paaka varlanadhum bayandhiruppaanga. Aana adha yen indha mam vandhu soldraanga?"

(Ugh! She's just a student. Maybe she got scared because she didn't come to meet me when I insisted. But why is this mam coming and saying that?)

I asked him, seeking clarification.

"Ivanga Vinitha mam, final year class advisor and Seetha kooda konjo close"

(She's Vinitha mam, the final year class advisor, and she's somewhat close to Seetha.)

He replied.

But, wait. What?

Isn't that one forbidden?

"Oh I see. Teacher and student close aah irukkardhu thappillayaa?"

(Oh, I see. Is it okay for a teacher and student to be close?)

I asked him casually, correcting my hair.

But this Pig.

He turned the tables on me.

"Verum looking oda niruthunaa thappilla"

(It's okay if it's just looking.)

He said, eyeing me from head to toe.

I gave him a annoyed look.

"Nee ennamo enna gaaji maadhiri paakaadha enna? Unakkey theriyum le enna pathi?"

(Don't look at me as if I'm some pervert. You know me, right?)

I said to him, glancing at the floor number as it reached one.

"Adhunaala dha da vichithiramaa paakuren"

(That's why I'm looking at you with some curiosity.)

He replied, I sighed and looked at him.

"Seri adha vidriyaa konjo?"

(Okay, can you stop that now?)

I've totally had enough of him.

"Yen boss?"

(Why boss?)

His teasing smile irritated me.

"Nee mood.."

(You shut..)

We stopped our banter as the lift doors opened. Walking out of the main building, we maintained a professional demeanor and then discussed lunch at the college canteen.

"Nalla dha da irukkum vaa"

(It will be good here, come)

Elango shared his experience with me when I asked about the food in the college canteen.

It's my first time eating in the canteen.

After my mother passed away, I started cooking for myself in my seventh grade, realizing I shouldn't rely on my father for everything.

Initially, he would dramatically insist and beg, shedding some crocodile tears, but eventually, he stopped and let me manage on my own.

We reached the canteen, and Elango ordered meals for our lunch. I waited for him, crossing my arms below my chest. We took our plates and sat at a table in the last corner, having our lunch-sambar, rasam, thayir, and appalam.

"Epdi?"

(How is it?)

Elango asked, eyeing the food.

"Mm okay dha. Rice konjo vegala le?"

(Yeah, it's okay. But isn't the rice a bit undercooked?)

I asked, smashing the cooked rice between my fingers.

"Canteen saapada nee okay nu sonnadhey perusu da okaandhu aaranjittu irukkaadha saapdu"

(You said the canteen food is okay. It's a big thing. So, Just eat it without making a fuss.)

I chuckled and we continued eating our food in silence.

Minutes later, I gazed at my watch.

"Ingaye 1.15 aachu. Naan vera andha innoru team eh meet pannanu. Apro final year class ku afternoon fullaa project hour aahm. Attendance eduthuttu vandhaa podhum le?"

(1:15 already. I have to meet with that other team now. Then it's a full afternoon of project hours for the final year class. Just showing up for attendance is enough, right?)

I asked him since I wasn't sure about what the professor's responsibilities are during the project hours according to the college rules.

"Un ishtam poi utkaandhu paathuttu varnu naalum varlaam"

(It's your wish. You can go check what you like and come back again.)

He said calmly but his smirk told me that he's teasing me, again with that student.

"Macha be serious, I don't want to get into that. En depressed life le idha vera saethi naan disorder stage varaikum poga virumbala"

(I don't it want to be part of my depression stage.)

I emphasized my words as I spoke.

"Depression aye neeye eduthukuttadhu dha Aayush"

(You're the one who keeps bringing up depression on you, Aayush)

He raised his voice a little.

"Ippo enna?"

(So what?)

I asked with a straight face.

"Onnula saapdu attendance eduthaa podhum "

(Nothing. Eat. Taking attendance is enough)

I just hummed and went to wash my hands, leaving him alone, feeling his gaze on me.

At the washing area, I waited while he walked past, ignoring me.

Chuckling, I hurried to catch up and walked beside him.

"Seri da sorry"

(Okay, Sorry)

I apologized without any particular reason. It just felt like something I should do.

I don't want to lose him.

The only soul left for me in this whole world.

"Un sorry eh neeye vai naraya theva padum"

(Save it. You should apologize more often)

He remarked.

"Okay"

I replied, non-chalantly.

He gave me a disbelieving look.

"Macha Namma ippo college le illanaa un cheeks eh killeerpen semmayaa irukka da kova padumbodhu"

(Dude, if we weren't in college right now, I'd pinch your cheeks. You look so charming when you're angry)

I tried to lighten the mood, but he just stared at me.

Sighs.

"Deii nee apdi pesumbodhu enna epdi da apro react panna soldra?"

(Dude, if you talk like that, how do you expect me to react?)

I asked him genuinely.

"Nee oru idhuvum react panna venaa vaa"

(You don't want to react to anything, come)

He said, rudely to me.

I rolled my eyes and walked beside him silently. We reached the lift, went to the staffroom, and Elango headed straight to his cabin without acknowledging me. I sighed, took a sip of water from my bottle, picked up the project attendance note, and proceeded towards the final year classroom.

As I approached, I peeked through the window and saw students with laptops on their desks, engrossed in shooting games.

They're playing games? Alright then!

I thought to myself.

Welcome to the final year classroom, Aayush.

I encouraged myself and made my way towards the entrance of the classroom.

Maybe years ago, I was in their place, but I don't want any of my students to follow that path.

Even though teaching isn't my passion, I refuse to set a bad example by appearing uninterested in front of them in my professorial attire.

"Hello students"

I greeted them, and they just sat there staring at me.

Oh, they don't know me!

Except for a few.

And I refused to glance over at the girls' side.

Clearing my throat, I began,

"I don't know how many of you know me, it's okay if you don't. I'm Aayush Kumar, your new main project coordinator."

They stood up and wished me a good afternoon. I gave them a nod.

"Take your seats. How were your first and second project reviews?"

I scanned the students' faces randomly and pointed to a boy on the last bench.

"You?"

The bulky boy with glasses stood up, and I could see his friends suppressing their laughs at his awkward demeanor.

I controlled my smile.

"Yes. Your name?"

"Charan sir"

He replied.

"Yes Charan. sollunga how were your first and second project reviews?

(Tell me, how were your first and second project reviews?)

Charan answered something, but I couldn't understand him.

First of all, I couldn't even hear properly. My glance shifted to the fan, and I scanned the area for the switch box, spotting it on the girls' side near the entrance of the class.

I averted my gaze to the first person in the second row and raised my brows upon seeing,

Seetha.

A scared student of mine!

Maybe! Or...

Maybe not!

Because, she didn't seem scared to me. She carried some fierceness in her eyes whenever she looked at me.

But now, she seemed like she was holding her breath, which confused me. I shrugged it off and said,

"Can you switch off the fans?"

I asked her softly for the first time, as our first conversation left me speaking quickly in annoyance when she tried to take the lift, which was prohibited for students.

She nodded her head in all directions and stood up slowly before switching off all the switches without minding if it was a fan or a light switch.

Great!

I pressed my lips together.

"Thank you"

I said to her, but she turned and moved towards her place without even acknowledging my thanks.

Attitude, huh?

I thought, then averted my gaze towards the boy.

"Yeah, Charan, tell me now"

I said, crossing my arms below my chest.

"Good sir"

He said, lowering his head.I raised my brows at his answer but decided not to press him further.

"Good? okay. And the boy beside Charan?"

Charan mumbled something to his friend with a grin, who got startled by the sudden attention. He was the only one who giggled out loud when I called Charan, so I chose him to have some fun for the first time in their class.

"Charan, you can sit. And your name?"

I asked.

Charan sat down, mocking his friend, who tried hard to control his own laughter.

"Yuvan sir"

The other boy said.

I'm hearing this name for the first time after the famous music director who owns it.

"Yuvan? Nice. How prepared are you for the third review?"

"Good sir"

Yuvan answered.

The class broke out in laughter upon hearing Yuvan's answer, and my lips twisted up into a smile.

I hadn't expected the same answer from him as his friend, and I chuckled.

"Okay sit. Project diaries laa correct'aah maintain pannikonga. And then review forms ellaam avanga avanga project evaluators kitta correct'aah kuduthu sign vaangi vachukonga. Don't miss that. Third review next week irundhaalum irukkalaam. So be prepared for anytime soon. Nalaiku annual day Onnum nadakaadhu nu varaadhinga. Understood?"

(Okay, sit. Make sure to maintain your project diaries correctly. And don't forget to submit your review forms to your project evaluators and get them signed. Don't miss that. The third review might happen next week or even sooner. So be prepared at any time. Tomorrow is the annual day, but don't assume nothing's happening and can skip the project preparations. Understood?)

I explained and asked them at last.

"Yes sir"

They responded in unison.

"Good. And ennoda team le oru team dha enna vandhu paathirukkaanga. Another team, come and meet me soon. Come with your team lead. Then who's Seetha here?"

(Good. Only one team of me has met me so far.)

I called her to remind her of something, but the girls beside her giggled. Seetha stood up nervously, fisting her fingers on the bench in front of her, barely managing a "sir" that was almost inaudible.

I couldn't help but control my damn smile on seeing her.

Shit! I cursed myself.

"Come with your team members by 4.30 to my cabin"

"Okay sir"

she replied, and I averted my gaze to the note on the table, knowing clearly that her gaze was still on me even after she sat down.

I cleared my throat and raised my voice to bring the class to order so I could take attendance and leave as soon as possible, feeling something odd about the whispers among the girls around Seetha.

"Answer your attendance, students. Aakash?"

"Present sir"

After taking attendance, I left the class without sparing a glance at anyone and returned to my place, preparing myself to focus on the project date allocations.

Time passed smoothly, and at exactly 4:30, I checked my wristwatch and heard a knock on the door. Lifting my gaze, I saw Seetha and the girls standing behind her.

"Come in"

I gestured at them. Seetha opened the glass door and they entered, greeting me.

I gave them a nod in return.

"So, Seetha. Here's your project report diary"

Seetha took it from me as I stretched it towards her.

"Last review le irundhu olunga maintain pannala nu nenaikiren. Do maintain it properly. And then do you have any suggestions on your project?"

(I noticed it wasn't properly maintained after the last review)

I asked her again softly.

Really, I didn't want to scare anyone, thinking about what Vinitha mam had said about her being scared of me. So, I spoke more gently.

I'm not here to scare anyone-just to teach them.

And that's it.

"No. I don't have"

She replied.

Where's the "sir" at the end?

Pretty much attitude?

"Okay. As you didn't come at noon, I asked you now. What about the system logs Ms.Seetha?"

She averted her gaze from my eyes and then started answering in a normal tone, finally adding the "sir"

Point to be noted!

"Sir, we saw that the Splunk software is more effective for system log collections in Windows,"

Seetha replied.

"Hmm, it's a good choice"

But before I could continue, another person said,

"Sir but Namma college le splunk software computer le download panna permission kekudhu sir"

(Sir, but we need permission to download Splunk software on the college computers.)

She informed me.

"Oh. Okay, team lead.."

Gazing at Seetha, I continued,

"Enakku, Elangovan sir and ICT team ku saethi mail potrunga. In need of four computers. It's enough, right?"

(Send an email to me, Elangovan sir, and the ICT team.)

I asked them, for which they nodded their heads.

"Yes sir"

"Then, go ahead. Mail pannunga. Naan Elangovan sir kitta pesikiren"

(Send the email. I'll speak with Elangovan sir.)

"Okay sir"

I nodded with a faint "Yeah." They thanked me and left my cabin. I stared at them, particularly at Seetha, who closed the cabin door slowly and left without even glancing back at me.

But why would she need to glance back at you, Aayush?

My mind screamed.

I sighed, focusing on my work, telling myself not to be like this,

Like a lover boy.

Like an attention seeker.

Be like a professor-that's what leads you to your own vow.

"No expectations, no heartbreaks."

***********

TBC..

Epdi irundhuchu??

Don't forget to vote and comment ❤️

See you all in the next update bubyee 🚴🏻‍♀️💜🦋