I took almost twenty minutes to get ready. Pulling on a crisply ironed white shirt, I applied my favourite perfume, which many women had told me was quite seductive, and strapped on the first copy of Prado. The most lavish status symbol on a man's body is a watch, and the irony is, no one uses it to tell the time.
It was tutoring time! I was all set to impart knowledge to the poor girl. I had to bear her for at least an hour. I entered her bedroom cum Ella's medical room. While walking inside, I caught a glimpse of Ella, engrossed in her laptop in the other room.
I assigned a few questions to Lexi to work on and began analysing the place. The picture on the wall again became my focus. I urged my brain to tell me about the man in the picture. I was sure I knew him from somewhere; it was just so hard to recollect. I stared into his eyes, waiting for some memory to click, but failed.
'Sir, I have a question,' Lexi called for my attention, reminding me I was here on a job. The toughest job for a man – to teach Lexi.
'Hope it's related to maths.' She gave a weird childish smile. 'How was Mia in maths?'
I glared at her, more like a monster. I wished I could bang the entire universe over her. But her innocent looking face and presence of her mom in the house forced me to keep a check on my emotions and act polite.
'I have no idea.'
'Weren't you teaching her maths?' There was a noticeable change in her demeanour.
'Is it so important… that you cannot focus on your studies?' I was barely holding on to my rage.
'No, that's not so important. What I want to say is… she is a bad girl.' Lexi finished with tight lips, as if passing a judgement.
'And how do you know that, Lexi?' I asked exasperatedly. 'She herself told me…'
I looked at her wide-eyed, not knowing what to expect. '…that she was going to your place for tuitions,' she finished. I held my head, going blank for minutes.
'Sir, I am fed up of studies!' she declared.
What a coincidence! Even I was fed up of teaching her. It was impossible to teach a student who refused to put in the barest of effort to learn.
'In that case, I think I will leave.' I checked my watch. Still fifteen minutes short of an hour. I would have to sit here for fifteen more minutes, at least. 'Anything else you want to ask? We still have some time...'I glared meaningfully, '…only related to studies.'
'That's great!' She exclaimed gleefully and demanded, 'I want you to tell me a story.'
'Story? What are you talking about?' It was unbelievable.
'I am bored of listening to the same story from my mom. I am sure you would know better stories.'
'Your mother tells you stories?' I tried to look shocked, though I knew about it.
'Yes. Every night. I do not sleep unless my mom narrates a story… it's my favourite part of the day.'
My respect for Ella grew multiple times. How could she bear with this girl every day? I took a steadying breath. My mouth twisted into a sarcastic smile as I asked, 'What kind of story do you want to hear?'
Her answer was unexpected for a seventeen-year-old. 'Why don't you tell me a love story... of an angel and a demon?'
I replied thoughtfully, 'There can be no love between an angel and a demon.'